Top Custom Software Developers in Chicago

64 Firms

List of the Best Custom Software Development Agencies in Chicago

One of the Best Chatbot Companies
4.9

BotPenguin is AI powered free chatbot maker for website & FB messenger. Create your own website chatbot answer customer queries instantly.

BotPenguin is a chatbot developer platform to create an AI-enabled chatbot for Websites, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Telegram, Line, Skype, Slack, Kik, and WeChat.

It can integrate with 40+ platforms, Google Analytics, Salesforce, ZOHO CRM,  Google Tools, etc. BotPenguin offers its platform to create Lead Generation Chatbot, Customer Service Chatbot, and Virtual Assistant Bot and support Natural Language Processing(NLP).

BotPenguin- Free Chatbot Maker | AI Chatbot For Websites

Overview BotPenguin
  • BotPenguin Project's Size

    $1,000 +

  • BotPenguin Number of Employees

    50 - 249

  • BotPenguin Hourly Rate

    $25 - $49 / hr

  • BotPenguin Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

A Chicago-based web design agency
4.9

Specializing in Wordpress web design, BuildThis is based in Chicago, IL, providing web design, custom application, e-commerce, and hosting and maintenance.

BuildThis is a Chicago-based website design and support company.

We value innovation, dependability and honesty but what truly separates us from the rest is our unique universal process which is focused on launching projects on time and within budget. Our universal process is broken into several phases, each with its own set of deliverables designed to minimize risk and guarantee client satisfaction with the finished product.

We are an eclectic group of foodies, animal lovers, and gameboard enthusiasts. More importantly, we all work together under the same roof which means you can get ahold of us at any time of day. We love talking to prospective clients and hearing what they’re looking to create.

Overview BuildThis
  • BuildThis Project's Size

    $10,000 +

  • BuildThis Number of Employees

    10 - 49

  • BuildThis Hourly Rate

    $100 - $149 / hr

  • BuildThis Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Revolutionize Your Market
4.9

Caxy is a top 3 custom software development company in Chicago according to Clutch.co focused on fintech, manufacturing and startups.

Caxy Interactive is a web design and development firm in Chicago specializing in User Experience and Agile-driven software and technology development.

We love helping clients break new ground, find new customers, and engage the ones they already have in unexpected ways.

What’s important to us? Everything we build comes from User-Centered Design. We’re passionate about running our projects using Agile principles. Why? Because it simultaneously gets clients the best products and makes Caxy a sane, efficient place to do your best work. Coders appreciate the value of the design process and designers appreciate the development process.

Our mission is simple. We want to create digital experiences that tie brand experiences together. User experience, design, strategy and execution collide to form products that our customers and their customers love. We are committed to delivering value to our clients with every interaction and output.

Once upon a time, we started a web development company.
Caxy is a Chicago based web consulting and custom web development agency founded in 1999.

For over fifteen years we’ve navigated the changes in technology, continually innovating and delivering value to our clients. We’re open source specialists with expertise in user centered design, content management systems, e-commerce, mobile application development, database development and custom web applications. We believe that the future of human-computer interactions will be informed more by the concepts of user experience, machine learning and user feedback loops than the underlying technology itself. Caxy will always pursue the best and most current technologies that allow us to connect our client’s customers to better digital experiences.

We’re firm believers in an iterative approach to software development and manage our projects in accordance with Scrum and Agile practices.

Overview Caxy Interactive
  • Caxy Interactive Project's Size

    $50,000 +

  • Caxy Interactive Number of Employees

    10 - 49

  • Caxy Interactive Hourly Rate

    $150 - $199 / hr

  • Caxy Interactive Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Over 15 years of quality software engineering
4.8

Chicago Software Solutions is a development company that builds custom software to solve business problems

With over 15 years of experience, Chicago Software Solutions (C|S|S) is a dynamic leader in custom software development and technology consulting. We are a diverse, multidisciplinary technical team prepared to rout business challenges involving web, mobile, and database applications.

We believe that there is no project we cannot tackle, and our clients value our perseverance and skillfulness. They respect our sound, results-driven engineering practices and appreciate that we listen, ask questions, and gain insight into the challenges at hand before recommending a solution.

Our clients vary in both size and industry from Fortune 500 companies, dynamic mid-market leaders, and capitalized start-ups, to established small businesses and non-profit organizations. Each of these enterprises have one thing in common: the need for a reliable, effective, and efficient technology partner.

We can develop custom software solutions from the ground-up or inherit and build upon existing customer solutions. You can count on us for ongoing operational support following project delivery. If you need to extend your internal team because they are understaffed, overloaded, unsupported, or unfamiliar with the proposed technology, C|S|S will work with you to move your project forward and provide the desired results.

Overview Chicago Software Solutions
  • Chicago Software Solutions Project's Size

    $5,000 +

  • Chicago Software Solutions Number of Employees

    10 - 49

  • Chicago Software Solutions Hourly Rate

    $100 - $149 / hr

  • Chicago Software Solutions Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Software Development & Cloud Services
4.8

CSW Solutions is a custom software development company and cloud solutions provider located in downtown Chicago. The only local team you can trust with your digital footprint.

CSW solutions is a solutions services company that helps businesses adopt and integrate cutting edge Microsoft Technologies. From revamping outdated systems to the migration to the cloud, we can integrate business logic so that you have the tools to implement and manage your ideas. Over the last 12 years, our goal has been to provide best-in-class Microsoft solutio

ns with exceptional outcomes. We continue to deliver management solutions and services that tackle the evolving business issues of today so you can model your business for future expansion.

Overview CSW Solutions
  • CSW Solutions Project's Size

    $5,000 +

  • CSW Solutions Number of Employees

    10 - 49

  • CSW Solutions Hourly Rate

    $100 - $149 / hr

  • CSW Solutions Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

The best mobile and web apps in Chicago
4.8

Award winning UX, Design, and Development team for hire creating the best web and mobile apps in Chicago.

We’re a smart, rowdy, byte-sized group of pixel-slingers from the midwest, here to crush it for brands on their app initiatives.

Overview Eight Bit Studios
  • Eight Bit Studios Project's Size

    $75,000 +

  • Eight Bit Studios Number of Employees

    10 - 49

  • Eight Bit Studios Hourly Rate

    $150 - $199 / hr

  • Eight Bit Studios Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Your full-spectrum software delivery partner
4.8

Forte Group's full-spectrum, software delivery solutions help organizations accelerate and evolve their IT engineering and unleash value with custom software.

Forte Group is a full-service software solutions and managed services resource for businesses seeking exceptional engineering talent and extraordinary software. We work with IT enterprises, business leaders, and technology companies to accelerate and evolve applications that consistently achieve valuable business outcomes.

We’re headquartered in Chicago, with delivery offices in Belarus and Ukraine.

Overview Forte Group
  • Forte Group Project's Size

    $50,000 +

  • Forte Group Number of Employees

    250 - 999

  • Forte Group Hourly Rate

    $50 - $99 / hr

  • Forte Group Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Results Driven Websites
4.8

Intechnic is a world-leading User Experience agency specializing in UX Research & Strategy, UX Design, and Web Design. We fix underperforming websites.

We Deliver Results On Internet™by Creating Results Driven Websites

We are a full-service web development firm.

For more than fifteen years, Intechnic has been helping leading companies achieve the results they want online.

While Chicago is our home, the world is our stage. After all, it’s not just our audience that spans the globe; it’s our clients too. Every day, millions of people use the very websites that we’ve developed or the Internet solutions researched and pioneered by us.

We’re passionate about challenging the status quo. We believe in making a difference.

Overview Intechnic
  • Intechnic Project's Size

    $5,000 +

  • Intechnic Number of Employees

    10 - 49

  • Intechnic Hourly Rate

    $150 - $199 / hr

  • Intechnic Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Talented AI and Machine Learning Developers
4.8

Meet Intersog, a custom software development company from Chicago that helped large businesses, e.g. Mitsubishi and Toyota, grow through 1B-dollar ROI-driven solutions and AI/IT projects. Founded in 2005, the company has managed to win a few awards and achieve positive reviews on Clutch. Intersog also has its offices in Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

The company offers high-performance software solutions, integration services, hosting and support, and agile dedicated teams with professional developers for hire by specific skills. Intersog can help you develop a complex product, build a long-term project, and connect you with the right experts to grow your business.

Since it's a software development outsourcing agency, it offers only quality full-cycle IT services and custom staffing with experienced specialists and full- or part-time rates. They know how to efficiently use all popular programming languages, frameworks, and databases. Thus, they can offer quality back-end/front-end development services for your business.

Intersog's custom software solutions include the following services:

  • IoT development;
  • Big data & analytics;
  • Mobile app development;
  • Desktop app development;
  • Game development;
  • System programming;
  • Enterprise software development;
  • Software integration;
  • Legacy software modernization;
  • Consulting and innovation services.

Intersog's client library includes such popular companies as Neustar, CDW, Video Medicine, FIDO, and Northern Trust. All in all, they have over 150 happy clients and 250+ tech experts. You can also become their client by simply leaving them a message on the official website or by calling them to discuss your idea/project. Plus, you can also check their LinkedIn company page or visit them on Facebook and YouTube.

Overview Intersog
  • Intersog Project's Size

    $10,000 +

  • Intersog Number of Employees

    50 - 249

  • Intersog Hourly Rate

    $50 - $99 / hr

  • Intersog Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Mobile, Web, Software & SEO Experts
4.8

KitelyTech is a premier Digital Marketing Company in Chicago. Increase visibility, drive leads & grow your business with our certified Web Design

KitelyTech is a full service Technology Design & Development company located in downtown Chicago.

The team at KitelyTech mixes together all of the ingredients required for a successful technology development company. We have highly talented and energetic developers, architects and testers, all recruited through an exceptionally rigorous process.

Analytical mindsets that understand the nuances of our customer’s businesses and project scopes, methodical project managers and designers, highly driven management with a focus for quality and timely delivery, and the innovators that transform the way we look at things.

Delivering projects worldwide to customers ranging from startups & SMBs to Fortune 500 companies. A balanced blend of technology skills and domain knowledge, powered by passion for IT.

Overview KitelyTech
  • KitelyTech Project's Size

    $5,000 +

  • KitelyTech Number of Employees

    50 - 249

  • KitelyTech Hourly Rate

    $25 - $49 / hr

  • KitelyTech Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Lakeview Labs is Chicago’s Favorite App Agency
4.8

We build Amazing Mobile Apps in Chicago. We only work with high-growth startups, innovative companies, and entrepreneurs to build the future.

LakeviewLabs is one of Chicago’s leading web and mobile app development agencies. We build amazing digital products & have a proven track record of creating high-growth startups and profitable companies. We’ve built the most profitable app in the app store for education, most innovative, most viral, and have also created many top in category apps. We’re also highly skilled in web development, but we focus on native, mobile apps.

Overview Lakeview Labs
  • Lakeview Labs Project's Size

    $5,000 +

  • Lakeview Labs Number of Employees

    2 - 9

  • Lakeview Labs Hourly Rate

    $100 - $149 / hr

  • Lakeview Labs Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Award winning Web development company from Chicago
4.8

We are a full-stack Chicago software company providing web and mobile applications, full-stack development and AWS DevOps.

LoadSys was established in 2006 by two partners: Lee Forkenbrock and Donatas Kairys. It all started with a small team with a great idea and grew into one of the leaders in software development in the Chicagoland area and nationwide. As of today, LoadSys has successfully completed hundreds of projects for customers from small to mid-size businesses. Our goal is to continue our rapid growth and deliver best results for our customers by using the skills and professionalism of our team as well as the newest technologies and solutions available today.

Overview Loadsys Solutions
  • Loadsys Solutions Project's Size

    $25,000 +

  • Loadsys Solutions Number of Employees

    10 - 49

  • Loadsys Solutions Hourly Rate

    $100 - $149 / hr

  • Loadsys Solutions Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Innovation-Driven Digital Transformation
4.8

Maven Wave is a top digital transformation firm specializing in cloud & mobile applications, data analytics, experience design, and cloud infrastructure

Maven Wave helps leading companies make the shift to digital and shorten the fuse to innovation. Maven Wave combines the expertise and discipline of top-tier consulting with the agility you’d expect from a cutting-edge technology firm. This multidisciplinary blend of skills allows us to create unique digital advantages for our clients. Maven Wave’s digital solutions are agile, mobile, rooted in analytics, and built in the cloud.

Overview Maven Wave Partners
  • Maven Wave Partners Project's Size

    $100,000 +

  • Maven Wave Partners Number of Employees

    50 - 249

  • Maven Wave Partners Hourly Rate

    $100 - $149 / hr

  • Maven Wave Partners Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Custom Applications That Drive Business Growth
4.8

We’re web application development experts, and we’re here to help. Discover what makes MXOtech different — go beyond IT.

Why Work With MXOtech? We hire the best of the best. Our Chicago-based team of experienced project managers, developers, engineers and analysts work side-by-side with your key staff to understand your needs. Our development process is collaborative. Nobody likes surprises when it comes to business applications. You’ll test key functionalities throughout the process and give frequent user feedback.

As a result, we ensure the final product meets your expectations and is delivered on time and on budget. We eliminate your biggest business challenges. Through business process improvement, we uncover operational inefficiencies that are holding you back. We build custom applications that bring greater productivity, cost savings and data accessibility to your business. We build applications for the future. We do the hard work to make sure your applications are logical and intuitive for all users. With your business goals in mind, we build scalable solutions that adapt quickly to organizational changes and growth. We’ve helped companies across all industries reduce costs, streamline processes and achieve better efficiency with custom Chicago web application development. We build solutions for: Health Care, Utilities, Manufacturing / Distribution, Professional Services, Construction and Associations. You have a business problem. Whether you struggle with costly data entry mistakes, disconnected technology or outdated systems, MXOtech helps clarify your business problem, execute your vision and measure its success. Using the agile methodology, MXOtech collaborates with your stakeholders to deliver a web application that meets your business goals the first time around. And with fixed pricing, the price you see is the price you’ll pay. Let MXOtech uncover the right technology solution for your business!

Overview MXOtech
  • MXOtech Project's Size

    $5,000 +

  • MXOtech Number of Employees

    10 - 49

  • MXOtech Hourly Rate

    $100 - $149 / hr

  • MXOtech Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Helping clients succeed at the speed of innovation
4.8

We are a global experience company. We create positive human interactions to drive meaningful business outcomes.

Rightpoint is an independent customer experience agency with technology at its core. We create impactful digital experiences driven by insight, strategy, design, and technology to help clients succeed at the speed of innovation. With the recent integration of Raizlabs, Rightpoint now offers a deep foundation in designing and delivering mobile apps with thoughtful, technological solutions that strengthen how companies meet customer expectations in today’s mobile-first world. 

Rightpoint serves more than 250 Fortune 1,000 companies, has been named one of Crain’s 50 Fastest Growing Companies in Chicago for four consecutive years and has 450 employees across 10 offices.

Overview Rightpoint
  • Rightpoint Project's Size

    $250,000 +

  • Rightpoint Number of Employees

    250 - 999

  • Rightpoint Hourly Rate

    $150 - $199 / hr

  • Rightpoint Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Helping clients discover Digital Growth
4.7

Solid Digital is a web design, application development, UI/UX, and digital marketing agency based in Chicago and Portland.

Solid Digital is a full-service digital agency, guiding businesses to achieve digital growth through award-winning work in design, software development, and digital marketing. We believe digital value increases when businesses establish ongoing initiatives that are defined by a clear strategy.  Our team is values-driven and is recognized as one of the Best & Brightest Companies to work for in the nation.  Solid Digital has been in business since 2006 with offices in Chicago, Illinois, and Portland, Oregon.

Overview Solid Digital
  • Solid Digital Project's Size

    $25,000 +

  • Solid Digital Number of Employees

    10 - 49

  • Solid Digital Hourly Rate

    $25 - $49 / hr

  • Solid Digital Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Custom Apps: Tech Done Right
4.7

Table XI is a custom software development company in Chicago that combines product strategy with design and dev to make products that transform business.

Table XI is a trusted UX software development and design company. We are 35 meticulous and curious minds in Chicago with a 15 year history of building websites, mobile applications and custom digital experiences for everyone from startups to storied brands. Our partners trust us to create innovative solutions that drive their businesses forward.

Overview Table XI
  • Table XI Project's Size

    $75,000 +

  • Table XI Number of Employees

    10 - 49

  • Table XI Hourly Rate

    $150 - $199 / hr

  • Table XI Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Custom software to launch your idea
0.0

We design, build and sell websites and apps that users love. We work with you to bring new ideas to life!

Overview 20spokes
  • 20spokes Project's Size

    $25,000 +

  • 20spokes Number of Employees

    10 - 49

  • 20spokes Hourly Rate

    $100 - $149 / hr

  • 20spokes Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Software to fuel business growth
0.0

alligatortek is recognized as a best-in-class partner, innovator and employer. We are a two-time winner of the Chicago Innovation Award and the 2015 Microsoft Partner of the Year. Our team is honored to be a four-time winner of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the country.

Overview alligatortek
  • alligatortek Project's Size

    $5,000 +

  • alligatortek Number of Employees

    50 - 249

  • alligatortek Hourly Rate

    $25 - $49 / hr

  • alligatortek Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

We Build Smart, Secure State of the Art Solutions
0.0

At BIT Studios, we offer the most effective software development outsourcing services. We use our three main models that suit your project's exact needs.

Overview BIT Studios
  • BIT Studios Project's Size

    $5,000 +

  • BIT Studios Number of Employees

    50 - 249

  • BIT Studios Hourly Rate

    $150 - $199 / hr

Visit Website

View Profile

We Aim for Innovation
0.0

The DigiPie team has been comprised of brilliant employees that include Mobile app developer, website designer and software developers, graphic designers, creative marketing strategists, and managing heads. There are some employees who manage sales, testing, and customer support. The team has experienced in working with Large Scale projects for any size of businesses.

Overview Digipie Technologies
  • Digipie Technologies Project's Size

    $5,000 +

  • Digipie Technologies Number of Employees

    10 - 49

  • Digipie Technologies Hourly Rate

    $25 - $49 / hr

  • Digipie Technologies Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Fusing software development and digital marketing
0.0

The most important thing that sets us apart is our hands-on, customized approach to you and your business. We work with our select list of clients for the long term, actively collaborating, implementing, testing and measuring technical and marketing solutions so you can sleep well every night knowing you have a company that thinks about ways to grow your business. the way you do.

Overview Ethervision
  • Ethervision Project's Size

    $25,000 +

  • Ethervision Number of Employees

    10 - 49

  • Ethervision Hourly Rate

    $150 - $199 / hr

  • Ethervision Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

We get it done.
0.0

Product and design - mobile devices, web, e-commerce, React, React Native, Elixir and more.Strategy and consulting - product strategy, human-centered design, CTO consulting.Cloud and data - AWS, Azuire, AI and ML, Docker and Kubernetes.We are excited to work with you and the team.

Overview Foxbox Digital
  • Foxbox Digital Project's Size

    $50,000 +

  • Foxbox Digital Number of Employees

    10 - 49

  • Foxbox Digital Hourly Rate

    $50 - $99 / hr

  • Foxbox Digital Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Digital Technology Partner
0.0

Evaluate your technology choices, optimize your processes and frame. Solve modern challenges with cutting-edge technologies in AI, data science, and IoT. We help companies like HERE Technologies, LG, PTV Group, KIA, Swissquote Bank, and many others increase their IT/R&D capacity and build future-oriented products.

Overview Intellias
  • Intellias Project's Size

    $100,000 +

  • Intellias Number of Employees

    1,000 - 9,999

  • Intellias Hourly Rate

    $50 - $99 / hr

  • Intellias Location

    UA, Lviv

Visit Website

View Profile

WE THINK BUSINESS, THEN DEVELOPMENT.
0.0

Here at Magora we design and develop digital products including mobile apps, websites and web applications. We concentrate on business needs and build successful software with user-centered interaction design and scalable software architecture. Whether a B2C or a B2B project, iOS or Android app, first of all, we take the time to understand your goals, your product and the end-user’s needs. Our software development cases are loved by users for their convenience and appreciated by customers for the real value they add to your business.

Overview Magora
  • Magora Project's Size

    $25,000 +

  • Magora Number of Employees

    50 - 249

  • Magora Hourly Rate

    $100 - $149 / hr

  • Magora Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

A New Approach to Software Solutions
0.0

Neologic helps mid-sized companies create digital ecosystems that solve business problems and accelerate growth.

Overview Neologic Software
  • Neologic Software Project's Size

    $10,000 +

  • Neologic Software Number of Employees

    10 - 49

  • Neologic Software Hourly Rate

    $100 - $149 / hr

  • Neologic Software Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

For Big Kids and Daredevils
0.0

Slingshot is a software and app development company specializing in bringing your vision from idea to launch. Our unique four-step process focuses on the user, allowing our strategists, designers and developers to personalize an app specifically for your business.

Overview Slingshot
  • Slingshot Project's Size

    $50,000 +

  • Slingshot Number of Employees

    10 - 49

  • Slingshot Hourly Rate

    $100 - $149 / hr

  • Slingshot Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Solving Gnarly Software Problems. Faster.
0.0

Gnar is a Boston-based software development company offering a bug-free guarantee. Gnar's team of U.S.-based experts is fully committed to developing enterprise, mobile, and web applications using the most efficient technologies to solve complex software problems, including React, React Native, and Ruby on Rails, as well as e-commerce integration.

Overview The Gnar
  • The Gnar Project's Size

    $5,000 +

  • The Gnar Number of Employees

    10 - 49

  • The Gnar Hourly Rate

    $150 - $199 / hr

  • The Gnar Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Accelerating Entrepreneurs
0.0

At Unicorn Road, we think the best way to change the world is to make sure that no genius goes undiscovered and no idea is dismissed as just a dream. We understand what's at stake, and we act with the determination that great ideas require, and the urgency necessary to keep the momentum going.We do not offer a map, a list of best practices, or hearsay from the outside. We offer our expertise in navigating the way entrepreneurs build, test and continually improve their ideas.

Overview Unicorn Road
  • Unicorn Road Project's Size

    $5,000 +

  • Unicorn Road Number of Employees

    10 - 49

  • Unicorn Road Hourly Rate

    $50 - $99 / hr

  • Unicorn Road Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Move From Best Practices to Next Practices
0.0

Vokal is an industry-leading digital experience agency specializing in mobile app development, adaptive website development, user interaction design and branding in an interconnected world. We are redefining expectations about the value mobile can create through our success in enterprise mobility management, digital development and innovation in mobile interaction design.

Overview Vokal
  • Vokal Project's Size

    $50,000 +

  • Vokal Number of Employees

    10 - 49

  • Vokal Hourly Rate

    $150 - $199 / hr

  • Vokal Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

We're Yellow Box - Your Growth Agency
0.0

Our philosophy is data-driven design. After all, if stunning design doesn't produce results, does it even matter? We achieve growth for our clients through social media, custom web development, video, email, SEO/PPC/CRO and inbound campaigns

We will work with your team to monitor the pulse of your business. We present ourselves as your partner rather than a hired agency, because we work both on and within your business to track all these key performance indicators and different data points that come in throughout the day. It helps us do our job better, which makes our clients much happier.

Overview Yellow Box
  • Yellow Box Project's Size

    $10,000 +

  • Yellow Box Number of Employees

    10 - 49

  • Yellow Box Hourly Rate

    $100 - $149 / hr

  • Yellow Box Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Software is our craft

We write beautiful web applications that are durable and free of defects in workmanship.

8th Light is a software consultancy that is passionate about building productive long-term partnerships with its clients, its employees, and the software community.

Our team of multi-disciplined software professionals are experts in applying the principles and practices of software craftsmanship in all different languages and frameworks. Whether training in a classroom setting, developing in our Studio, or embedded inside of client teams, we follow principled processes that prioritize the long-term health of the software.

Our innovative Modern Apprenticeship Program emphasizes hands-on learning curated by a working professional, and prepares developers from a wide range of backgrounds to have long careers on our team as professional developers and consultants.

8th Light promotes the idea of software craftsmanship by organizing and hosting events, talks, and conferences. You can view some of our past MeetUp talks on 8th Light’s YouTube page.

How to become a software craftsman

At 8th Light, we craft software—from web applications to robotics—that is beautiful, durable, and shows pride in workmanship.

We are skilled.

We have expertise in a variety of programming languages. We offer a suite of services designed to meet the needs of your web, mobile, and embedded projects.

We are agile.

We iterate rapidly to deliver on time and under budget. To ensure success we program in pairs, drive development through tests, and continuously integrate.

We are principled.

We maintain partnerships with clients that are meaningful, respectful, and productive. We'll listen closely to your needs, and work hard to exceed your expectations.

We are educators.

We offer apprenticeships that will push the limits of your knowledge, and help prepare you for a career in software development.

Overview 8th Light
  • 8th Light Project's Size

    $5,000 +

  • 8th Light Number of Employees

    50 - 249

  • 8th Light Hourly Rate

    $150 - $199 / hr

  • 8th Light Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Planning, Consolidation For Power BI and Excel

Acterys Integrates & consolidate data from multiple sources with Microsoft Azure, Power BI and Excel through a powerful Platform for Financial Planning & Analytics

Acterys basically powers with quick clarity for present & future with the help of end-to-end analytics & planning solutions for big Saas and erp solutions. Acterys provide Acceleration in Finance Transformation to its 1000+ users in their familiar environments like Power BI & Excel.

Overview Acterys
  • Acterys Project's Size

    $5,000 +

  • Acterys Number of Employees

    50 - 249

  • Acterys Hourly Rate

    $50 - $99 / hr

  • Acterys Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Designing bright for the hype

We are Brightlab, an international team dealing with the design and development of any complexity: from writing scripts that automate routine tasks to designing and implementing cloud servers.

Overview Brightlab
  • Brightlab Project's Size

    $5,000 +

  • Brightlab Number of Employees

    50 - 249

  • Brightlab Hourly Rate

    $25 - $49 / hr

  • Brightlab Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Chicago IT Consulting

Catalyst Consulting Group is a Chicago-based IT services firm blending technology best practices and solutions with a management consulting approach. Industry experience includes commercial and residential housing, public safety, state and local government, transportation, and nonprofit. 

Overview Catalyst Consulting group
  • Catalyst Consulting group Project's Size

    $10,000 +

  • Catalyst Consulting group Number of Employees

    10 - 49

  • Catalyst Consulting group Hourly Rate

    $100 - $149 / hr

  • Catalyst Consulting group Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

  • Cerdonis Technologies LLC Project's Size

    $1,000 +

  • Cerdonis Technologies LLC Number of Employees

    10 - 49

  • Cerdonis Technologies LLC Hourly Rate

    $100 - $149 / hr

  • Cerdonis Technologies LLC Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

IT Done Right the First Time!

We predominately specialize in Microsoft-based projects and network infrastructures of all sizes. We have many years of experience in ASP.Net, Azure, WinForms, WebForms, MVC, Core, WPF, SQL Server, BizTalk, Cognitive Services, IBM Watson, SalesForce, and more! We also specialize in more client-side technologies than you can shake a stick at.

Overview coderPro
  • coderPro Project's Size

    $1,000 +

  • coderPro Number of Employees

    2 - 9

  • coderPro Hourly Rate

    $50 - $99 / hr

  • coderPro Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Experts in software development & management

Whether you’re in retail, cannabis, manufacturing or otherwise, chances are we’ve got experience in working with your specific data privacy, security and feature needs.

Overview Compoze Labs
  • Compoze Labs Project's Size

    $25,000 +

  • Compoze Labs Number of Employees

    50 - 249

  • Compoze Labs Hourly Rate

    $100 - $149 / hr

  • Compoze Labs Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Cultivate your brand.

Cultivate is a Chicago-based brand and apps agency crafting award-winning branding, creative marketing, websites, and apps. Our mission is to build brands that truly matter.

Overview Cultivate
  • Cultivate Project's Size

    $10,000 +

  • Cultivate Number of Employees

    10 - 49

  • Cultivate Hourly Rate

    $100 - $149 / hr

  • Cultivate Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Custom software that defies mediocrity

Devbridge is a technology partner for forward-thinking Global 2000 companies looking to activate digital transformation. Our team builds extraordinary custom software that delivers measurable results for our clients and their customers. We've helped hospitals maximize staff utilization, logistics companies increase lane throughput, and enabled banks with automated loan decisioning tools.

Overview Devbridge
  • Devbridge Project's Size

    $250,000 +

  • Devbridge Number of Employees

    250 - 999

  • Devbridge Hourly Rate

    $100 - $149 / hr

  • Devbridge Location

    US, Chicago

Visit Website

View Profile

Custom Software Development Companies in Chicago: How to Choose Your Perfect Partner

Chicago is rightfully considered a major industrial center of America. Food production, metallurgy, machine building, electronic, chemical, oil refining, and printing industries are flourishing here. Software companies in Chicago actively cooperate with all of them, gaining more experience in every niche to provide high-quality solutions for related businesses.

The city has quickly become the place where tech opportunities for developers and companies are growing. Chicago's convenient and close proximity to major metropolitan areas, excellent traffic interchange, and decent living standards are also attracting specialists. The city has a number of other economic and climatic reasons why businesses and software professionals are so interested in settling here.

Just as promising software development firms and startups are emerging here, more companies from around the world are interested in their services. And today you're going to find out how to find a perfect IT partner on the local Chicago market.

Custom VS Ready-Made Solutions

Today both established businesses and startups use software solutions for the most diverse purposes. The availability of advanced software allows them to significantly improve business processes, reach wider audiences, efficiently communicate with customers, build credibility, and more. Therefore, the absence of the necessary software tools may negatively affect your business growth and company profits. Besides, your competitors are likely to use at least one software solution.

The main question of most business owners is which software to choose - will you choose a custom or ready-made solution?

Ready-made Solutions

Custom software is considered a more expensive option so businesses with a small budget use off-the-shelf solutions with a fixed set of functions. Alas, there are pitfalls in this case too. For example, the firm refuses to develop software and buys a license for ready-made software. In addition to the purchase of the license, financial contributions are required for software setup and staff training. Moreover, each software update also requires an investment. In the end, it turns out that the cost of a ready-made solution does not come cheap at all.

On top of that, ready-made solutions can limit businesses from adding new functions/features. As a result, companies have to look for other solutions to cover their needs. Therefore, the question of the high cost of custom solutions is rather debatable.

When it comes to custom software development Chicago, businesses can expect solutions that will consider every specific preference, expectation, nuance, as well as possible hidden risks. Thus, we can highlight the following four main advantages of custom solutions:

  • Personalization. All functions of the solution are developed according to the needs of the business;

  • Full control. The software belongs completely to the business owner;

  • Competitiveness. The business will not depend on software updates and will be able to independently decide how and when the product will function. As a result, every goal will be achieved more quickly and efficiently;

  • Flexibility. A custom software solution is easy to adapt at any time to new needs or work processes.

About Custom Software Development Process Chicago

A clear structure of actions is an important aspect on the way to success. That's why the best providers offer to study how their process goes. The standard cycle has 7 steps:

  • Requirements analysis. The analysis stage involves examining and discussing the requirements. Every team member working at a custom software development company in Chicago should clearly understand his/her role and tasks in the process. Therefore, experts prepare a detailed plan of action and a product requirements document (PRD) for each specialist in the team. The document also prescribes the timeline and budget;

  • Design. At this stage, developers and system architects work on project design. Technical issues are studied together with team members and the business. Technologies, team workloads, limitations, etc., are also defined. Once approved, a list of software components, functional characteristics, databases, etc. is drawn up;

  • Development. Programmers write code, and system administrators configure the software environment. Front-end developers work on the user interface and the logic of interaction with the server. At this stage, special codes are also written to check the condition of each component. The five main stages of the development stage are algorithm development, code writing, compilation, testing, and preparation of documents;

  • Testing. At this stage, team experts search for bugs - in case of any, a report is prepared for the developer. The latter fixes bugs and sends the program for a second check. The testing procedure is carried out until the necessary criteria are reached;

  • Implementation and maintenance. Once the solution is complete, it is then added to online app stores and passed on to the end-user. After the launch, the technical support department gets to work. The latter ensures the normal performance of the software, investigates errors/bugs, helps collect and systematize various metrics.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Software Solution?

Software development agency services in Chicago can vary greatly, depending on the location of the firm (the more prestigious the area, the more expensive the services), reputation, and experience. Prices start at $25 per hour and can exceed $200 per hour. As for the cost of the project, it all depends on its complexity, the requirements for it, the number and complexity of functions, timing, and more.

Thus, a simple software solution may cost businesses up to $5,000, and complex projects may require a contribution of more than $50,000. In general, it's virtually impossible to predict how much your project will cost in advance. After all, a lot is based on individual project features, so it's best to consult your chosen agency directly to get a preliminary understanding of what kind of budget you need.

What Services Can a Business Expect

As mentioned earlier, companies can vary greatly in terms of the services they provide. For example, you can find an agency that deals exclusively with software development in any format. However, there are also those that go beyond software development.

Some organizations offer businesses a number of other additional services like website/app optimization, social media marketing, email marketing, cryptocurrency wallet development, content marketing, blockchain, and more that may become relevant to this or that business.

A standard list of services will typically include the following options:

  • Technical strategy development;

  • Front-end development;

  • Interactive design and web design;

  • Application architecture and programming;

  • System maintenance and hosting.

Certain software development companies in Chicago create gaming software or solutions for the government. In other words, many companies offer their services for particular industries or niches so you want to pay attention to the aspect as well.

Let's find out more about how you can choose the best software development partner for your business.

Choosing a Software Development Partner: Priorities

Above, you can see the list of top agencies that are ready to offer their development services to businesses. The large number can be confusing and complicate your search for a team. Fortunately, there are a few tricks that will help you highlight the main candidates for your business. Let's see what things you want to consider:

  • Read client reviews. You want to do your own research on client impressions about the firm. And you don't want to get on the official website for that - focus on third-party resources or review websites that you can find in Google, social networks reviews, and feedback from experts on forums. Moreover, you can contact a few clients to find out their opinions about cooperation with the firm;

  • Study the portfolio. Any company is willing to share information about its achievements and projects with the world. Therefore, in most cases, the portfolio is publicly available. As you study it, keep track of which projects you can download and examine in person. Focus on solutions related to your niche;

  • Talk to the team. It's important to understand who will be working on your project and make sure you entrust your project to professionals with all the necessary competencies to meet your project goals and expectations. Communicate with each of the team members and don't be shy to ask as many questions as you need;

  • Find out what niches the team worked with. If the agency has enough experience with projects similar to yours, this is a big advantage. Obviously, such an agency already knows most of the pitfalls that can (potentially) emerge during the process and what has to be done to avoid them;

  • Additional services and technical support. Apart from software development, businesses often want to get extra services, e.g. software promotion. Thus, a firm that is able to offer more should be a priority. Also, find out if the agency is ready to provide technical support after the release;

  • Communication channels. Both internal and external communication is vital to success. Find out what channels the company uses to efficiently communicate with its clients and team members and if the channels are convenient to you;

  • Transparency and values. A company that demonstrates openness in its responses should inspire a great deal of trust. Additionally, the values of developers in the team should match yours.

Interview

Make a list of candidates that best fit your requirements and budget. Once done, set a time for an interview. Based on the results of the meeting, determine who is the best fit for your business.

Here are a few questions you don't want to miss at the interview:

  • Are there any of your previous projects that are similar to ours?

  • How do you measure success and effectiveness?

  • How does the development process go?

  • What will be the role of our business in the process?

  • Who will be working on the project? Can we get to know the team?

  • What can you tell us about the agreement/contract?

  • How long will it take to complete the project?

  • How is your pricing formed?

Conclusion

Having custom software always means more benefits and opportunities for the business. Automation and optimization of work processes, as well as established and improved cooperation with clients, lead to an increase in sales and stable profit growth. Thus, undoubtedly, with custom software, you can count on competitive advantages.

Prices of software development companies in Chicago can bite, but hiring one is still beneficial in the long run. Compare the investments required for the development process and what you can achieve with your future software solution. Forecasting and analysis will help assess the prospects of the project. Moreover, you can take the opportunity to create an MVP to check if the software solution is relevant and will be popular among your target audience.

If your competitors are already using advanced software solutions, it's time to think about getting a solution for your business. Chicago is a great place to find a software development team. So check the list of companies above and make your decision.

Image ALT-text

Check You Company Bio

We strive to be accurate in everything. If you notice a mistake about your company bio or some mismatch in our catalog, please, let us know! You can edit the bio yourself or write one from scratch!
Join Our Catalog