What is the definition of custom software development?
The process of creating, implementing, and maintaining software that matches the special needs of an individual or group of users in an organization is known as custom software development. It is often created in-house or outsourced to a third-party contractor. This type of software is primarily designed to meet the demands of companies. It is frequently designed with the intention of servicing internal users rather than retailing the product on the open market.
Let’s talk about why custom software development is the greatest option for your company before getting into the details.
- What is commercial software?
- What makes it different from developing custom software?
What is commercial software?
Off-the-shelf software is a ready-made solution that is accessible for purchase and distribution to the general public. It is developed for a wide variety of users using a standard established foundation and design, rather than responding to the demands of unique users. Because of the way it’s built, you can easily combine it with your existing system. It does not require adaptation because it was designed with a wide range of audiences in mind. The MS-Word program, for example, is meant to be a versatile solution for a big number of users.
Off-the-shelf software vs. custom software
Because it is tailored to a specific group of users, custom software development allows you to make adjustments to suit your company needs. Off-the-shelf software is designed to meet a broad range of needs for a broad audience, making it hard to tailor the program to your unique business needs.
The tailored solution is tailored to your specific company requirements. All of its features and functions are critical for your business because it was created exclusively for you. Because off-the-shelf software is developed for a wide range of users, it may only fulfill 70-80% of your company’s requirements. For example, the average MS-Word user barely uses 20-30% of the program’s functionality.
Why should we need custom software development?
1. Address your unique business needs
On the market, there are several ready-made software solutions (off-the-shelf software). These solutions are frequently marketed as “one-size-fits-all.” However, each firm has its own processes and requirements, as well as various difficulties to handle. As a result, when it comes to the software you need to handle your company concerns, the “one-size-fits-all” idea isn’t appropriate. You should invest in a bespoke software solution to meet your unique company objectives. This will improve the efficiency and production of your company. Custom software creation not only allows you to expand your business, but it also ensures that you won’t have to settle for anything less than a full solution.
For example, business require analytics software that can:
- Collect and analyse data from individuals visiting your website from all around the world.
- Graphs and charts can be used to present the information.
- Without breaking confidentiality, keep track of all your company indicators and communicate business-related information with your colleagues.
Off-the-shelf software might not be able to suit all of these needs. You may hire a bespoke software development firm to help you achieve your unique objective by customizing your software solution to your business demands.
- System and technology integration that is seamless
Integration with other software packages is not always easy with an off-the-shelf solution. You may have to work hard to find a solution that integrates several technologies. Custom software, on the other hand, is created and constructed in such a way that it may easily interface with other software without causing difficulties. As a result, your business processes will be optimized, and your workers’ productivity will increase. Assume you’ve developed your own company analytics software. It’s simple to link with other software, including email management, social media management tools, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, and more.
- Easier to scale
If your company is growing, buying off-the-shelf software for your business needs may not be a wise choice. As your company expands, so do your business requirements. If you intend to grow your firm in the future, you may find that off-the-shelf software:
- Will be unable to sustain your company’s activities.
- Will be unable to satisfy your new business requirements, which are always changing as the firm grows.
- Licensing becomes too costly.
While off-the-shelf software is developed in accordance with industry standards, custom software is developed with your company’s particular needs and objectives in mind. The unique software solution may readily scale to meet the needs of your expanding company. You can quickly grow and adapt your business process without putting your staff through additional obstacles.
Instead of delivering ready-made software, developers in bespoke software development must construct the program from the ground up. As a result, planning and building a unique software solution is a lengthy process at first. However, the initial investment is well worth it because it will save you a lot of time as you grow your company. Your bespoke software development professional will be able to effortlessly adapt the solution to your new company needs.
- Cost-effective approach
Purchasing off-the-shelf software necessitates the installation of extra hardware in order for it to function properly. Custom software development can help you save money on additional hardware. Every facet of your business (including existing hardware compatibility and capabilities) is considered before developing a custom solution. As a result, you won’t need to acquire any more hardware to make your unique software solution work.
Ready-made software is nearly always less expensive in the short run. However, custom software creation is less expensive and more cost-effective in the long term. Custom software, unlike off-the-shelf software, is created to assist your company process. It does not compel you to use the program in its current form. If you believe a feature that is critical to your business is missing from the program, you are free to make adjustments. If you decide to expand your business in the future, you can easily scale your unique solution to match your new needs.
- Ongoing assistance from software developers
You have direct touch with the professionals who created the product when you hire a bespoke software development team. You will be able to obtain more complete responses about the product this way. As your business expands, so does your software. The expansion of a firm brings with it new concerns and obstacles. Your custom software development team will assist you in addressing these issues. You can collaborate with the development team to adapt the program to your specific needs.
Asiatel can help you establish a unique solution for your organization with years of experience updating and enabling businesses of all sizes with bespoke software development.