Web Applications
Web Apps You Will Still Understand in Three Years
When spreadsheets buckle, a SaaS contract gets canceled, or a major client demands a portal: we build web applications with architecture that is documented — not with buzzwords nobody can verify.
Web apps from €25k · MVP in 8–12 weeks
The Moment Before You Start Googling
CEOs and IT leads look for a web application when the current solution visibly breaks — not out of boredom.
Excel or Access Collapses
The more people work on the same data, the messier it gets. Excel turns into a growth blocker — and nobody dares to replace it.
The Last Agency Experience Was Bad
A year of development, €200,000, nothing to show. Buzzwords instead of architecture, account managers instead of engineers.
The Fixed-Price Trap
As soon as requirements sharpen, a rigid fixed price leads to renegotiation, quality cuts, or hidden risk buffers.
Bus Factor of One
Critical processes hang on one person. When they leave, it is not a question of if but when.
Why Artus
Three arguments that matter in every engagement — not just on the website.
Architecture That Is Documented
Next.js → Node API → Postgres → backups → German hosting. We show you the diagram — not just “scalable cloud-native solution.”
GDPR Plus Build and Run from One Source
Hosting on green power in Germany, a data processing agreement, and one contract partner for development and operations.
Time and Materials with a Budget Cap Instead of Fixed-Price Theater
Transparent sprint reviews and a visible hour count — agreed in writing, not negotiated months later.
Show, Don't Tell — How We Work
47 macros → 0
Spreadsheet X → Web App Y
Before and after with real screenshots: 12 spreadsheets, 47 macros → one Postgres schema, three roles. Migration is a core competency.
An Honest Tech Stack Comparison
Bubble, Make, or Next.js plus Postgres — where each stack tears and when custom development is cheaper than no-code.
Mini Case with Real Numbers
Production planning for a machine builder, 22 users, go-live in week 9, hosting at €38 per month — no vague “success stories.”
No-Code vs. A Custom Web App
When each one pays off — honestly.
| Bubble / Make | Next.js + PostgresEmpfohlen | |
|---|---|---|
| Time to market | Fast (weeks) | MVP in 8–12 weeks |
| Scaling (>10k users/records) | Limited — rewrite from ~10k users | Unlimited |
| Custom logic and integrations | Limited | Complete |
| Vendor lock-in | High | None (your code) |
| GDPR-compliant German hosting | Difficult | Standard |
| Long-term TCO | Rising + rewrite risk | Predictable, scales with you |
What Week One Looks Like
Day 1
Kickoff
Understand the problem instead of working through a technology wish list.
Day 3
Domain Model
Data structure and roles — the foundation for everything that follows.
Day 5
Click Dummy
A clickable interface to try out and discuss.
Day 7
First Data Migration
Real spreadsheet data in Postgres — you see progress, not slides.
What You Get When the Project Ends
- Git repository with full access from day one
- Architecture and operations documentation (Markdown)
- Deployment scripts and runbook
- Data processing agreement and record of processing activities
- Role and permission model
A Realistic Investment
MVP / customer portal
€25k–80k
Core features, few roles, a clear scope boundary
Full application
€80k–150k
Several modules, integrations, production-grade operations
Maintenance
15–20% per year
Updates, monitoring, support — optional and transparent
An MVP in 8–12 weeks is the market standard for portals and internal tools.
Common Questions
Concrete answers — no hedging.
An MVP typically runs €25k–80k, a full application €80k–150k. On the intro call we estimate honestly — with scope and risks, not a marketing number.
SaaS when the standard fits. Custom when you need data sovereignty, custom logic, or GDPR-compliant German hosting — or when SaaS pricing explodes as you scale.
For prototypes it often makes sense. For production systems with scale, permissions, and long-term maintainability: custom development on an open stack.
Ask for an architecture diagram, code handover, and who is actually on the project. If you only ever talk to sales, that is a warning sign.
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