# Knowledge base: answers to common software development questions

Mesterséges Intelligencia Központ Kft. is a software development company based in Budapest, Hungary. In this knowledge base we answer twelve common decision questions in depth and with sources, from custom software to artificial intelligence.

Each article opens with a short answer, followed by the details, frequently asked questions and the sources used. The articles are for information only: the ones on legal topics are no substitute for legal advice.

## Business software

### Custom software or an off-the-shelf solution (SaaS)?

When is it worth building your own software, and when is a subscription product enough? [Custom and off-the-shelf software compared](https://www.mestersegesintelligenciakozpont.hu/en/knowledge-base/custom-software-vs-off-the-shelf), with decision criteria.

### Custom ERP or a customised off-the-shelf ERP?

A ready-made enterprise resource planning system configured, extended, or a custom build? [The routes to an ERP](https://www.mestersegesintelligenciakozpont.hu/en/knowledge-base/custom-erp-vs-off-the-shelf-erp) and their risks.

### When is it worth developing a custom CRM?

When is a ready-made customer relationship management system enough, and when is your own better? [The signs that call for a custom CRM](https://www.mestersegesintelligenciakozpont.hu/en/knowledge-base/when-is-a-custom-crm-worth-it), with GDPR and artificial intelligence in the CRM.

## Artificial intelligence in the company

### How do we connect business systems with artificial intelligence?

How does a language model fit between your existing systems, and what should you watch with the data? [Connecting business systems with AI](https://www.mestersegesintelligenciakozpont.hu/en/knowledge-base/connecting-business-systems-with-ai), step by step.

### Chatbot or AI agent?

What is the difference between a chatbot that answers and an AI agent that carries out tasks? [Chatbots and AI agents compared](https://www.mestersegesintelligenciakozpont.hu/en/knowledge-base/chatbot-vs-ai-agent), risks included.

### AI on the company's own documents (RAG), in Hungarian too

How does an AI answer from your company's own documents, in Hungarian too? [How RAG works](https://www.mestersegesintelligenciakozpont.hu/en/knowledge-base/ai-on-company-documents-rag), from the documents to an answer with references.

### AI Act and GDPR: what to watch for in a business chatbot

What do the EU AI Act and the GDPR require of a business chatbot? [The transparency and data protection rules](https://www.mestersegesintelligenciakozpont.hu/en/knowledge-base/ai-act-and-gdpr-for-business-chatbots), with a checklist.

## Webshops, mobile apps, automation

### Webshop: hosted platform or custom development?

A rented webshop platform or your own build? [Webshop options compared](https://www.mestersegesintelligenciakozpont.hu/en/knowledge-base/hosted-webshop-vs-custom-development), with integrations and legal essentials.

### Native or cross-platform mobile app?

Separate iOS and Android apps, or one shared codebase? [Native and cross-platform development](https://www.mestersegesintelligenciakozpont.hu/en/knowledge-base/native-vs-cross-platform-mobile-app): strengths and limits.

### Process automation: no-code tool or custom development?

How far does a no-code automation tool go, and when do you need a custom integration? [No-code and custom automation](https://www.mestersegesintelligenciakozpont.hu/en/knowledge-base/no-code-automation-vs-custom-development) compared.

## Pricing and choosing a developer

### What is a COSMIC function point, and how is it different from estimating hours?

How can the size of software be measured independently of the technology? [The COSMIC function point](https://www.mestersegesintelligenciakozpont.hu/en/knowledge-base/cosmic-function-points) with an example, and how an offer is built on it.

### How to choose a software development company

What to ask, what to check, and what to put in the contract? [Choosing a software development company](https://www.mestersegesintelligenciakozpont.hu/en/knowledge-base/how-to-choose-a-software-development-company), step by step.

## Can't find the answer?

If your question is not answered here, see the [Frequently asked questions](https://www.mestersegesintelligenciakozpont.hu/en/faq) page, or write to us using the details on the [Contact](https://www.mestersegesintelligenciakozpont.hu/en/contact) page. The first consultation is free.