If you're a business or an organization considering custom software development, you've come to the right place for information. Custom software development is indeed a critical step to take on your journey to building your business, upgrading it, or changing it in any way. It's no wonder custom software development services are as popular and sought after as they are.
But, is your business the right fit for this type of software development solution? What are the benefits of choosing custom instead of off-the-shelf software development? And, how can you apply it successfully? We’ll answer all of those questions- and more, in the article below.
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What Exactly is Custom Software Development?
To help you understand what custom software development is, we'll first define the opposite solution- commercial off-the-shelf software (COTS).
COTS is a software solution designed to aim at a broad scope of potential customers and businesses. It offers general features that apply to most business needs and answers to the most typical problems customers can have. Due to its broad set of requirements, it's marketed and sold commercially and globally.
Unlike COTS, custom software development is designed to meet a specific set of requirements for a specific set of users. It involves both creating and managing software for businesses or organizations that need more than what the COTS solution offers.
Simply put, with custom software development you get software that is tailor-made for you and the application you have in mind.
Who Should Choose Custom Software Development?
It’s important that you think before deciding to go for custom software development. You have to consider whether or not your organization is a good fit for such a solution. Here are the questions you need to answer:
- What are the specific requirements I demand?
- Are there commercial solutions offering such requirements?
If there is a COST offering the functions, security, automation, and competitive advantage that you’re looking for, then choose that solution instead. But, if you can’t find the requirements you need and your business depends on it, go for the custom software development option.
What is Implied by Custom Software Development?
So, what can you expect if you do decide to choose custom software development? Here are the steps in the process that you can expect from the custom software development company you outsource, or the in-house developer that will take care of it:
- researching and analyzing the current situation
- understanding your requirements and needs
- brainstorming different ideas for a solution
- gathering valuable data and information
- coding
- testing the code
- deploying the solution
- managing and maintaining it
So, yes, custom software development comes with all the steps you’d have with a COTS one, but it’s aimed to help you solve your problems, operate better, and function more efficiently.
What are the Benefits of Custom Software Development?
Finally, you need to consider the benefits of custom software development and the positive changes it will bring to your business or organization.
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Here are the most substantial ones:
Increased Productivity
With custom software development, you'll have a solution that is built to help you work faster and more efficiently. This will increase overall productivity and improve the workflow significantly. In addition, the motivation level might rise as well.
Adaptable
A custom software solution is easier to change and adapt to the changing nature of your business. You can change certain features as the business environment changes.
Cost-Effective
Saving money is another benefit you're going to love. It's certain to work for you in the long run and they have the initial investment pay off quickly and without much trouble.
Integration
Lastly, if you’re already using some tools you don’t want to give up, custom software development will enable you to integrate one with the other and get the best of both worlds.
As you can see, the benefits of custom software development would enable you to drive your business up and accomplish your goals more efficiently and successfully.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this article helped you understand what custom software development is and whether or not you should choose it for your business. If you need a specific solution, with requirements and options you can't find in COTS software, custom software development will save the day.
Hurry up and skyrocket your business with a custom software development solution.