Custom software development basically means designing a software app for a particular individual or company. Such an application is specifically designed to address user requirements in ways the more traditional and off-the-shelf applications cannot do. Needless to mention, such bespoke software cannot be packaged for resale or sold to another buyer other than the one the software was intended for.
Typically, businesses like custom software development in-house or outsourced to a third-party software company. These software firms invariably have the necessary equipment and expertise to finish a custom software development project from beginning to end. Developing custom software entails both money and time. However, companies still go ahead with developing one because the ROI (return on investment) on it over a period can be invaluable.
Why Companies Opt for Custom Software Development?
There are several reasons why a business could choose to create custom software for itself. One of the major reasons is that a commercial software product’s out-of-the-box functionalities or capabilities would not be meeting the company’s requirements. Another important reason is the desire to innovate. Companies that think long-term invariably get custom software deployed.
Custom software help companies:
• Gain a competitive advantage
• Address a business issue
• Create a fresh revenue source
• Offer their buyers a new capability
On the process and productivity front, the software helps:
• Merge multiple internal processes and systems
• Boost efficiency, speed, and productivity
• Lend to data integrity
• Implement flexible, scalable, adaptable solutions
Comparing Custom Software with Prebuilt Software Solutions
Off-the-shelf or prebuilt software comprises packaged software that’s available to all. Though users of such software would have varying use-case scenarios, their basic requirements are the same. For instance, word processing software tools are designed for a large set of users and still help address different users’ varying needs. However, the software program doesn’t serve a particular group or requirement as custom software does.
Custom software creation involves the commissioning, expansion and eventual release of an offering that’s tailored to a particular entity. For instance, a software tool created for a particular bank will get used by that bank only and the specific department in the bank for which the tool was made. The application would have been made with the bank’s infrastructure, implementation and branding requirements in mind so that the tool works for that organization only. Needless to say, such a concentrated attempt would help the bank employees, who will eventually use the tool, experience a boost in their productivity levels.