You may need bespoke software written accurately to reflect businesses processes and fit your specification precisely or perhaps you might just be looking to adapt an off-the-shelf open source product.
The .Net Framework 2.0 from Microsoft and Rapid Application Development techniques and tools now mean software developed to a customers precise requirements is now within the reach of even the smallest of budgets.
In either case, bespoke or off-the-shelf, one needs an honest development partner who will listen to the requirements and recommend the solution that fits the needs of the customer in a fast and economic way.