Custom software development

Definition

What is custom software development? Custom software development is the procedure of creating software applications for the specific needs of particular users or organizations. It includes steps of designing, creating, deploying and maintaining software. Usually people are ordering custom software, when traditional and widespread off-the-shelf software applications functionality are not enough or too complex for their needs. Custom software is typically unique and is not suitable for resale.

Comparison with off-the-shelf software

Custom off-the-shelf software (COTS) are the products that are ready-made and available for sale to the general public. For example, Microsoft Office is a COTS product that is a packaged software solution for businesses. COTS products are designed to be implemented easily into existing systems without the need for customization. However, it does not satisfy to a specific needs as custom software would.

In contrast to commercial off-the-shelf software, custom software is designed for a narrowly defined set of requirements. It is created with customer business rules, requirements and needs in mind, so it is simple, easy and comfortable in use.

The pros of custom software development

The most important advantage of custom software is that it provides functionality that off-the-shelf software doesn’t. Developing an application with your organization’s needs in mind provides a high level of productivity once the software is implemented.

Once you have ordered a custom software application for the purpose of increasing productivity in your organization, its cost will be compensated by the increased efficiency. If your organization has a requirements that are specific enough to order custom software, then customizing the solution becomes a smart decision.

The cons of custom software development

The cost of an off-the-shelf software application ranges from a few dollars to a couple thousand dollars, depending on the type of product. However, many applications cost less than $100.

The designing of customized software requires significant resources, increasing the cost. When a business decides to begin development on custom software, it has to cover all of the costs associated with the development process. In the end, the cost can reach five figures for some products.

Off-the-shelf-software creators can afford to offer their products at a low price because the cost is distributed among many users. Custom software, by contrast, is created for one user: your company.

The risks associated with custom software vary. You must have an in-depth understanding of your company’s needs and be able to communicate how you want the product to address those needs.

It’s nine times out of ten when customers discovers new needs or understands that initial requirements should be changed once work on the development already started, and this results in increased costs and development time. Big amount of additional changes can result in a creation of a product that’s can not satisfy your expectations or different from what you originally intended.

Custom software development services

Choice of the company developing software for business purposes is not so easy. Usually companies search some local company. After research on the companies one is selected and sign a contract for further jobs. Then representatives of both companies meet to discuss an amount of work and estimate time.

The estimated time is not included in the milestone because additional job is often required and that’s why costs may increase. Also these efforts may include app management, customization, modernization. Modernization is important feature when it talks about app maintaining. Company choice should not come down to the money. But about continuous work on the business contract.

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