Custom Software Development for PSET and EdTech organisations
When off-the-shelf software is second best, we build what it cannot. Custom integrations, plugins, mobile apps and bespoke platforms designed around your EdTech requirements.
Solving Unique EdTech Challenges
Every institution has unique workflows. We extend your EdTech Solution capabilities with custom-built integrations, plugins, and bespoke applications.
Modern Architecture
Modern architecture design for relevance. Every solution is designed around your specific requirements, workflows, and integrations.
Integration-First
Build around your existing ecosystem, including SIS, LMS, ERP, CRM and third-party services.
Maintained & Supported
Ongoing support agreements include monitoring, security patches and continuous improvement as your needs evolve.
What we build
Within the education technology framework, we create bespoke bolt-on solutions across six capability areas.
Solutions we’ve built, implemented and supported
OPENCOLLAB has built, implemented and supported a wide range of custom education technology solutions for institutions and training providers.
- CRM solutions
- Administrative solutions
- e-Commerce solutions
- Integration platforms
- Teaching and learning platforms
- Financial solutions and apps
- Case management solutions
- Financial aid management solutions
Data warehousing and reporting foundations
Bring data from multiple systems into a more usable reporting layer. We help structure, connect and prepare data so your teams can generate clearer operational, financial and learner-related insights.
- Consolidated reporting data
- Data source integration
- Structured reporting foundations
- Business intelligence preparation
- Operational dashboard support
Mobile Apps - Keep Your Campus Connected
Create mobile-first tools that support learners, staff and administrators wherever work happens. From student self-service to operational workflows, mobile apps can extend your platform beyond the desktop.
- Learner and staff-facing apps
- Mobile self-service workflows
- Notifications and task flows
- Integration with existing platforms
- Responsive and device-friendly experiences
e-Commerce for course and service delivery
Support online course sales, payment workflows and commercial education models with e-Commerce solutions designed around your enrolment and operational requirements.
- Online course sales
- Checkout and payment workflows
- Vouchers or promotional models
- Integration with payment gateways
- Links into enrolment or learner management workflows
Integration platforms that connect your ecosystem
Connect your SIS, LMS, CRM, finance systems, payment providers and third-party services so information moves between systems with less manual work.
- API-based integrations
- Webhooks and event-based workflows
- SIS, LMS, CRM and ERP connections
- Payment and communication integrations
- Data synchronisation between systems
Commonly used technologies
We choose technology based on your ecosystem and long-term maintainability, not trends.
Frontend
React, Angular, JavaScript, Ajax, Bootstrap
Backend
Java, PHP, Node.js
LMS Plugins
PHP, Moodle
Databases
MariaDB, MySQL, Oracle
Cloud
Hetzner Germany, Azure, Docker, Kubernetes
Web Servers
JBoss, Quarkus, and Apache
APIs
REST and SOAP
Event Streaming
Webhooks or Kafka
DevOps
Git, Ansible, Jenkins, Nexus, Terraform, Azure DevOps pipeline
APM
Various stacks
Our development process
Transparent, iterative, and designed to minimise risk.
Phase 1
Discovery & Scoping
Workshops with stakeholders to understand your business case, needs and pain points to solve. Discuss costing models.
Phase 2
Design & Architecture
Create the Functional Specification Document, confirm success criteria, map integrations and prototype the user experience before development begins.
Phase 3
Build & Iterate
Agile sprints with regular demos, testing, and feedback throughout the build.
Phase 4
Deploy & Support
Production deployment, staff training, documentation handover, and ongoing support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about custom software development projects.
How do you scope a custom development project?
We start with discovery workshops to understand your business case, needs, pain points, existing systems and desired outcomes. From there, we define the required scope, architecture, integration approach and delivery model.
How do you price custom projects?
Custom project pricing is determined after initial discovery, once the requirements, scope, complexity and delivery model are understood. We discuss costing models early so expectations are clear before the project moves forward.
How long does a typical custom project take?
Timelines are determined after the initial discovery sessions and requirement gathering. Project duration depends on scope, complexity, integrations, data requirements and the level of approval or testing needed.
Can you integrate with our existing SIS or LMS?
Yes. Integration is a core part of our custom development work. We work with education platforms, LMS environments, SIS platforms, finance systems, identity systems, APIs and third-party services where required.
Can you work with our existing IT team?
- Yes. Roles and responsibilities are clarified after initial discovery to map out each team’s responsibilities.
Do you build solutions for non-educational organisations?
Our core expertise is education technology, but many capabilities such as CRM solutions, data warehousing, integration platforms and mobile apps can also apply to corporate training and adjacent sectors.
What happens after the project is delivered?
Every project includes an agreed handover process, which may include documentation, staff training and technical support. After delivery, we can provide ongoing support agreements covering monitoring, patching, minor enhancements and emergency response, depending on the project requirements.
Who owns the code at the end of the project?
Ownership, licensing and intellectual property terms are defined in the project agreement. These details are confirmed before development begins so both parties are clear on rights, responsibilities and handover expectations.