Success in almost every industry requires that businesses have powerful software adapted to business requirements. Whether it’s a bank or delivery service, companies need technology that suits their specific demands.
Commercial off-the-shelf software (COTS) can help, but to achieve high efficiency and productivity, you’ll need custom solutions. Custom software can support your unique approach in the long run, making it a long-term investment in your success.
Let’s take a closer look at custom software development and how it can benefit your company.
What is custom software development?
Custom software development (or bespoke software development) is designing software that meets a particular company’s preferences and needs regarding features, performance, and overall structure and design. It focuses on specific requirements for a particular group of users.
On the other hand, COTS solutions target the general needs of businesses. Take Gmail for email communication and Microsoft Office for various everyday computer-related tasks. These are great solutions, but they cater to collective needs and are available to a larger audience.
In contrast, tailor-made apps meet particular companies’ needs. Examples include client financial management software for a certain bank and a delivery service app that lets you track your order.
Custom software’s ability to fit unique demands allows companies to rise above the competition and accelerate their growth. Read on to discover more crucial benefits that custom software development provides.
Custom software development: 5 crucial benefits
Unique solutions
Since each business is different, finding software that fits all of them can be challenging.
Companies frequently select ready-made software only to realize soon that it’s not ideal for their specific needs. This software may offer a variety of features and functionalities, but it intends to serve as many businesses as possible. Therefore, it’s usually good meeting general requirements but falls short when it comes to unique needs.
On the other hand, custom software development enables your company to own the solution specifically built to fit your project specifications. This focus on uniqueness is a significant advantage in a crowded business environment. It helps you stand out and improves your overall results.
Long-term investment
Although pre-made software may appear less expensive at first, it typically includes ongoing costs, making custom solutions more cost-effective in the long run.
The thing is that custom software development initial costs can be high. Besides, the average custom software development project takes about four and a half months, which might sound like a long time.
But, the math changes when you consider that COTS will incur greater later expenses and, probably, some complications. COTS providers often charge per user or license, so you’ll have to pay them monthly. Also, you’ll have to pay even more if you want an upgrade or additional support. And that’s without considering the possibility of vendor lock-in!
Custom software development takes away the burden of monthly payments. You can plan depending on your budget and then improve the app gradually. An additional benefit is that your engineers will have total freedom dealing with bugs or releasing needed updates.
Greater scalability & flexibility
The market is constantly transforming. There are always innovations and changes, so companies must continually adapt to remain competitive.
This strain of frequent changes can be too much for off-the-shelf software to handle. If you do make changes, you might risk violating licensing terms of the COTS providers. Of course, this is something you certainly don’t want for your company.
With custom software, whether you’re working with an in-house team of engineers or you’re opting for software development outsourcing, you’ll get a chance to plan the entire process according to your needs. This assures scalability and flexibility that support the growing demands of your company.
Seamless integration
Most companies rely on a diverse set of software tools that communicate with one another to serve their purpose.
Custom software development allows you to integrate the new product with current software to connect and improve business processes. It provides seamless integration that ensures real-time, reliable data while boosting efficiency.
Contrarily, COTS software may lead to errors and, as a result, a loss in productivity.
Custom software can also implement existing and new practices without being limited by the terms and conditions of third parties. Ultimately, custom software development will help you increase the usability and capabilities of your company’s systems.
Increased security & reliability
Commercially available software is more exposed to hacking attempts because it’s a widely accessible product that malicious actors can examine looking for flaws. Another drawback of COTS is that you depend on the company that created it.
Here’s how.
If the company provider goes bankrupt or stops upgrading the software, you’ll be in a stressful position, with a limited time frame to find a new solution. And as for hacking attacks – hackers love COTS. They are the ideal, publicly available source of information from hundreds of companies! With such an opportunity, your business’ technology looks far less tempting.
Custom software development allows you to use your product whenever and in whatever way you choose. Of course, there will be maintenance costs, and you should invest in proper data protection. With such an approach, your tailored software will provide high security and reliability you’ll be proud of.
Scale and grow in the right way
Custom software development is a smart method for companies to scale and grow toward success. It might be costly and take some time, but the investment is worthwhile.
With a bespoke approach, you can target specific goals and structure processes based on your company’s or project’s needs.
Therefore, take advantage of custom software development whenever your business and budget allow it. Start developing reliable tech solutions that adapt to current needs and trends, and lead to your objectives.
