Origami vs Custom SPFx Development

Choosing the Right Approach for Your SharePoint Intranet

Introduction

Organizations looking to modernize SharePoint intranets often evaluate two paths:

• Building custom SharePoint Framework (SPFx) solutions, or

• Using a pre-built intranet solution like Origami.

Both approaches are valid. The right choice depends on factors such as timeline, budget, governance requirements, and long-term maintenance capacity.

This page outlines the differences to help teams make an informed decision.

What custom SPFx development involves

Custom SPFx development typically includes:

• Requirements gathering and design

• Custom React / TypeScript development

• Testing across browsers, devices, and tenants

• Deployment and packaging

• Ongoing maintenance as Microsoft 365 evolves

Custom development offers maximum flexibility, but also introduces longer timelines and ongoing ownership responsibilities.

Deployment & time to value

Origami

• Installed directly into the tenant

• Ready-to-use intranet templates and web parts

• Typical initial install: minutes

• Typical launch: days to weeks

Custom SPFx development

• Requires development, testing, and deployment cycles

• Timeline varies based on scope and resourcing

• Initial rollout often measured in months or up to a year

Fit consideration:
Teams needing a fast, predictable intranet launch often favor pre-built solutions, while teams with longer timelines may invest in custom builds.

Cost & predictability

Origami

• Known upfront licensing cost

• Optional renewal for updates and support

• Predictable long-term cost profile

Custom SPFx

• Development costs (internal or vendor)

• Ongoing maintenance and enhancement costs

• Cost varies with staff turnover and Microsoft platform changes

Fit consideration:
Organizations seeking cost predictability often prefer pre-built solutions, while those with dedicated development teams may accept variable costs for flexibility.

Maintenance & long-term ownership

Origami

• Updates provided through maintained packages

• Compatibility updates aligned with Microsoft 365 changes

• No internal development required to stay current

Custom SPFx

• Ongoing responsibility to:

  • Maintain code

  • Address breaking changes

  • Update dependencies

  • Re-test after platform updates

Reality check:
Custom SPFx solutions often work well initially but require sustained ownership over time.

Governance & security

Origami

• Runs entirely inside the Microsoft 365 tenant

• Uses native SharePoint permissions and authentication

• No telemetry or external data transmission

• Supports regulated environments, including GCC High

Custom SPFx

• Security posture depends on:

  • Development practices

  • Dependency management

  • Deployment controls

• Requires internal governance processes to maintain consistency

Fit consideration:
Organizations with limited development governance capacity often prefer solutions that align closely with Microsoft’s native controls.

Scope & flexibility

Custom SPFx excels when:

• Highly specialized or unique functionality is required

• The solution goes beyond typical intranet use cases

• There is a long-term roadmap with dedicated developers

Origami excels when:

• The goal is a modern intranet experience

• Requirements align with common intranet patterns

• Consistency across departments matters

Many organizations combine both approaches.

Hybrid approach (very common)

A frequent model is:

• Origami for intranet structure, layout, and core pages

• Custom SPFx for highly specialized or business-specific components

This reduces development effort while preserving flexibility where it truly adds value.

Typical organizational fit

Origami is often a strong fit for organizations that:

• Want fast intranet rollout

• Prefer predictable cost and maintenance

• Lack dedicated SharePoint development resources

• Operate in regulated or government environments

Custom SPFx development is often chosen by organizations that:

• Have experienced SharePoint developers

• Require bespoke functionality

• Accept ongoing maintenance responsibility

Frequently asked questions

Is Origami built with SPFx?

Yes. Origami is built using Microsoft’s SharePoint Framework and follows the same deployment and security model.

Can Origami replace all custom development?

No. Origami addresses common intranet needs. Custom SPFx development remains appropriate for specialized requirements.

Can Origami and custom SPFx coexist?

Yes. Origami is designed to work alongside custom SPFx solutions within the same tenant.