Sounds like there could be a middle path. Instead one fixed dev image, there can be base image + inventory of other software, where free ones anyone can install

Sounds like there could be a middle path. Instead one fixed dev image, there can be base image + inventory of other software, where free ones anyone can install. Paid ones need approval and/or decision who will pay for it. But IT department is surely not one I imagine that can create decent inventory. So there needs be a catalog for such things which companies can purchase or subscribe.