Build your own software — comparison

Name: Build your own software — comparison
Creator: Stefan Bernhard
Published: 2026-08

Your own application instead of a finished product — with an AI app builder, a no-code platform or custom development.

As of August 2026

Swiss specifics

What is different in Switzerland

Build your own software

The Swiss market imposes requirements that an international solution usually lacks — it is built for other legal systems. Buy from abroad and you notice at the year-end close, in the VAT filing or with the first payroll declaration. These are the points that decide in this category:

Data locationSwiss data centres are not a legal requirement, but often a procurement criterion – especially for personal data and public-sector contracts.
Ten-year retentionThe Swiss Code of Obligations requires ten years of audit-proof retention – including readability. Clarify what happens to your data after you cancel.
Export and exitBefore signing up, check what an export looks like (entries, documents, master data). A solution without a usable export is a one-way street.

Comparison of 2 solutions in Build your own software, data from vendor sources with check date. As of August 2026. Surveyed and verified by Stefan Bernhard.
Criterion	AI builder, the customer owns the codeDetails	No-code from Germany, EU hostingDetails
Building and running
Type of build	AI app builder	No-code platform
Who owns the code	Customer	not researched
Runs without the platform	not researched	not researched
Skill required	none	none
Maintenance and security	platform	platform
Cost & onboarding
List priceas stated by the vendor	no prices in francs	on request
Pricing model	Subscription	Subscription
Deployment	Cloud	Cloud
Free version	✓	not researched
Payroll, VAT & law
Data location	not researched	EU
Collaboration & vendor
Languages	EN	DE · EN
Vendor	Lovable	smapOne AG
Headquarters	Switzerland	Hannover
Vendor website	open ↗	open ↗

Surveyed and verified by: Stefan Bernhard · Method