Custom software development entails designing software applications for a specific user or company. Such software is designed to address specific needs as opposed to traditional off-the-shelf software and is created for a specific entity through contract or an in-house group of developers. It is important to distinguish between custom and off-the-shelf software.
Off-the-shelf software is a packaged application available to a large audience with varying but fundamentally similar needs. Microsoft Word is a great example of a product designed for the mass public but is not catered to any specific entity like custom software. Customized software development entails the development and release tailed to a single specific entity. There are pros and cons to custom software development that we will explore below.
Pros of Custom Software
The primary reason that individuals seek out custom software is the simple fact that it provides features off-the-shelf software doesn’t. Choosing to design a custom application with your organization’s specific needs in mind will ultimately enhance productivity. Although the price may be steeper, if you have a software application designed to address and internal need, the cost of it is offset by the increased efficiency. If your organization has a need unique enough to warrant custom software, then creating a unique solution rather than settling for an off-the-shelf option becomes a smarter course of action.
Cons of Custom Software
Customized software requires significantly more resources to design and comes with a high amount of costs and risks. When a business decides to begin development on a custom software application, it is responsible for all costs associated with the development process. Off-the-shelf software offers a lower price point because the cost is being distributed among many different users. The risks that come with custom software vary based on the user it is being developed for. If an organization has a clear understanding of their needs and what solutions are required, it is much less risky. On the contrary, when there isn’t clarity, frequent changes can result in loss of project scope often making the custom software insufficient to original needs.
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Selecting a company to create a software application for your business is no easy task. Most businesses must search for a local company that promises the right price and level of services. Subsequently, meetings to assess needs and determine the total amount of work required will follow. It is important to keep in mind that initial pricing is difficult to set in stone as some projects may require additional time and money. NextGen Connect is dedicated to addressing and solving all of your organization’s needs through developing custom solutions. To learn more about our services and how we can help, contact us for a free consultation today.
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