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How to keep your data secure with a defence in depth approach
How to keep your data secure with a defence in depth approach

In today's digital age, software applications are at the heart of nearly every business operation. With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber-attacks, it's more important than ever to implement robust security measures to protect your applications and the sensitive data they handle. One of the most effective strategies for securing your software applications is a “Defence in depth” approach.

Data encryption made easy
Data encryption made easy

In this video, Sam Sehnert, CTO here at Custom D, shares his vast knowledge (with you, and the audience at Laracon AU 2023) on encryption, privacy and securing your personal data.

Benefits of outsourcing development v's hiring in-house developers
Benefits of outsourcing development v's hiring in-house developers

​If you're building something new and innovative, then you need the best in the business to deliver that vision.

A question that clients sometimes ask is: would it be better to hire in-house developers or partner with a team like Custom D?

While we are somewhat biased, this article serves to provide more information on the benefits and reasons our clients have given for choosing to work with us.


Use a prototype when pitching for investment
Use a prototype when pitching for investment

Pitching for investment is a gruelling task for even the best startups. Being able to quickly convey your concept, how it works, and why it's going to change the world is essential.

Blockchain in business
Blockchain in business

Blockchain and NFT's can get a bad rap, but the technology that underpins it is quietly continuing to be implemented in ways that have nothing to do with pictures of apes.

Should you create a prototype for your startup?
Should you create a prototype for your startup?

Prototypes allow you to simulate products, ideas, and designs without sinking the time and money it takes to develop and implement them in code. It’s essential for discovering usability issues before a product launch, testing user feedback, and determining whether what’s been designed has legs or not.

Choosing the right platform for your startup’s app
Choosing the right platform for your startup’s app

For a lot of today’s startups, most interactions with customers happen through an app.

And the platform chosen for development can play a big role in the user experience and performance offered.

Do I need a technical co-founder to launch a startup?
Do I need a technical co-founder to launch a startup?

Many of our clients are tech businesses but the founders themselves have no technical background. It raises the question, do tech businesses actually need a tech founder?

How to make data driven decisions
How to make data driven decisions

"Organisations that make data driven decisions are 23x more likely to acquire new customers.". 23x! That's huge! It really is a no-brainer, this is something you should be doing.

Best Solution for the Public Good - Hi-Tech Award Winners
Best Solution for the Public Good - Hi-Tech Award Winners

We were absolutely thrilled to win 'Best Solution for the Public Good' at the 2021 NZ Hi-Tech Awards for the web and mobile apps we built for the SVA.

Tax treatment of software in New Zealand
Tax treatment of software in New Zealand

Prompted by one of our clients, we've been doing a bit of reading and research on how NZ companies should treat the development costs of the products and services that we charge for.

As software has come to form a core part of many businesses now, it's a timely reminder to check and make sure that you're treating the costs correctly for tax and accounting purposes.

Below is our understanding of Inland Reveue's official document on the subject, the exciting and riveting: "INCOME TAX – COMPUTER SOFTWARE ACQUIRED FOR USE IN A TAXPAYER’S BUSINESS". We recommend that you speak to your accountant to get specific guidance for your business and circumstance — please don't take our advice as law.

First up, it's a pretty dry read, so make sure you have plenty of caffeine on board and no tempting distractions such as cute cat gifs anywhere nearby... in fact turn off the internet and lock yourself away. Or ask your accountant to read it — that's what they're designed for.

How to estimate the ROI of custom software development
How to estimate the ROI of custom software development

Each company and each project is different so there is no one rule that fits all when it comes to calculating ROI. Here are 7 elements to check when evaluating the ROI of custom software development.


​Funding for Research and Development
​Funding for Research and Development

The New Zealand Government are bringing in a new R&D Tax Rebate that takes effect from 1 April 2019. While the scheme is still only in proposal form we can see a few catches and things to bear in mind.

Key ingredients to a successful project
Key ingredients to a successful project

There is no better motivation than working on a project that has a relatable, compelling purpose and with a client that is so engaged and passionate about their cause.