What is the cost of building a database for your business?

Today we will focus on what a database project would look like to your business, covering costs and timelines.

There are many different variations of databases and some you might have already used, such as a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) or even something as simple as Excel.

No matter what database system or platform, the one common thing is that databases enable you to manage data, sometimes lots and lots of data. A good database will enable you to manage lots of data through simple tools that don't cause you any frustration and make technology work for you.

For the purpose of this post we will exclude DIY database tools because we can't quantify the dollar value to you as the result, timeline and expert help you will hire (more than likely) will all end up being piecemeal - your results will also be fragmented and cannot easily be measured.

And lastly, we highly recommend you obtain at least 3 quotes for any database project and get answers to the following high level questions:

  • Where will your data be stored?
    If the servers reside outside of Canada and your business operates in Canada you may violate privacy laws.
  • How often is your data backed up?
    Data should be backed up at least once a week.
  • Will the database be able to grow with your business?
    If the database cannot scale your update costs can grow significantly.
  • What support and training will your team receive?
    Will your database be monitored, is there someone there to answer your questions?

So let's get to the fun stuff, what is the cost of building a database for your business? Which we will follow up with a detail breakdown of database maintenance costs.

Database Building Cost Breakdown

The following breakdown will be provide a estimate comparison of developing a database from scratch and compared to an implementation on Members Village. We will also break down the costs over a 3 year period.

We will also be basing the project on a business with revenues of $1M and less (as the needs can be qualified for the purpose of this post). We will also use a $125/hour rate for calculating costs for both implementations.

Implementation Stage I want to be able to So that I can Timeline Cost Maintenance (per month)
Custom Consultation Understand the scope of my project Plan accordingly, including allocating resources such as people, time and money 1 hour   Free (should be!) $0
Members Village    Consultation Understand the scope of my project Plan accordingly, including allocating resources such as people, time and money 1 hour  Free (always!) $0   
Custom Planning Get a blueprint of my final database Confirm it will match my goals 2 weeks  $8,750 $0
Members Village    Planning Get a blueprint of my final database Confirm it will match my goals    1 week $2,500 $0   
Custom Design See what my interfaces will look like Will have an idea of the experience my team or users will get 3 weeks  $13,125 $0
Members Village    Design See what my interfaces will look like Will have an idea of the experience my team or users will get   1 week $2,500 $0   
Custom Development Interact with my data and dashboards Can confirm that it is going to meet my goals 4 weeks  $17,500 $375
Members Village    Development Interact with my data and dashboards Can confirm that it is going to meet my goals    1 week $2,500 $195  
Custom Report (optional) Generate a shareable and beautiful report Capitalize on my data and its processing 2 weeks  $8,750 $0
Members Village    Report (optional) Generate a shareable and beautiful report Capitalize on my data and its processing 2 week $5,000 $0
Custom Database Changes Change my database such as the nomenclature Respond to my changing needs 1 day $875 $0
Members Village    Database Changes Change my database such as the nomenclature Respond to my changing needs Immediate $0 $0

Database Maintenance Costs

A database deployment should also expect follow up costs such as hosting with a yearly cost of $240 (we're not including discount hosting providers).

An SSL certificate with a yearly cost of $100.

Software updates, such as changing your user interface to match any database changes, which are managed for you at a rate of $150/hour.

Let's Build Your Database

Data management causing you nothing but frustration? Time is saved, errors are reduced, and valuable insights are gained through straightforward reports with the help of our personalized database system.

Our effort begins with your needs, goals, ideal experience which we then turn into a robust data structure design, spectacular reports, and straightforward interfaces.

Over the last 15 years we supported the rollout of Ottawa web design, database and CRM portals for Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, the Business Council of Canada, and CropLife Canada.

Get a free consultation to start enhancing your data management right away.

Please provide a valid first name.
Please provide a valid last name.
Please provide a valid email.
Please provide a valid website address.

Published on:

Related Articles