Software
development
involves
feasibility study, analysis, design, coding/programming, documenting,
testing, installation/implementation, and maintenance (optional) as
part of the
software
development
life cycle (SDLC) resulting in a finished software product.
Custom
software development entails the designing of software
applications for a particular user or a specific group of users
within an organization. Such software is designed with an eye to
address their needs exactly and precisely as compared to the more
traditional off-the-shelf software packages. Custom software is
typically and specifically created for that entity by a third-party
entering into contract with it or developed in-house by a group of
developers. Moreover, it can’t be repackaged for selling outside
the aforementioned framework.
Custom software vs. off-the-shelf software:
Off-the-shelf
software typically consists of a packaged software application
readily available to a widespread audience with varying but basically
similar needs. For instance, Microsoft Word has been designed for the
general public catering to their multifarious needs. But, it does not
cater to any specific and particular entity/person/group as custom
software does.
Benefits of custom software development
The
real benefit simply is that it provides features which off-the-shelf
software wouldn’t. Designing a software application in
keeping with your organization’s needs implies an increased level
of productivity, efficiency, and thus leads to better customer
service in your business.
Custom
software development is very often taken to be expensive against the
off-the-shelf solutions/products. However, in many a case, COTS
(commercial off-the-shelf standard) software needs customization to
correctly carry out the buyer's operations. Additionally, COTS comes
with upfront license costs which sometimes amount to millions of
dollars. Furthermore, the big software houses that release COTS
products generally revamp their product at frequent intervals so that
a particular product may need to be updated for compatibility
frequently entailing huge costs and effort.
Custom
software development can protect your business from external threats
such as hackers who generally exploit widely known vulnerabilities in
commonly used software packages so that custom software won’t
attract them much as they will have to put in much greater effort to
breach the system in the latter case.
Custom
application development is perfectly capable of operating
within the software and hardware parameters your business already
uses. In other words, it can fit perfectly into your business’
software ecosystem. On the other hand, licensed software packages
often imply purchasing extra hardware. Custom software being
tailor-made to suit your organization will help you save money, as
don’t need to purchase any unnecessary additional software/hardware
in this case.
To
sum up, there are many valid and sound reasons why you should invest
in custom-made solutions rather than off-the-shelf software products.
