Custom development and ready-made software - the main difference

When there is a need for a quality software application, the question arises: “Will the ready-made software cover the needs of our business, or is it worth ordering custom software?”

In this article, we will answer this question.

Definition

Custom software

In this case, software applications are developed for specific trademark purposes. The target audience can only use it. The process includes designing, building, deploying and maintaining software for one particular set of users.

Ready software

Off-the-shelf software is a generic application not developed for any particular user or reason.

Benefits of off-the-shelf software

Ready-made software is suitable for almost any area: retail, telecom, financial industry, industrial enterprises, etc. But most often, these are small and medium-sized businesses. The reason is simple: meeting needs at an affordable price.

1. Easy access for purchase or download and ease of use: ready-made software can be pre-packaged or obtained as a cloud subscription.
2. Wide availability: you can find a ready-made software package for the platform your business uses.
3. Customizability: popular commercial packages can be easily customised to suit your team's needs and needs.
4. Guaranteed efficiency: after extensive research, an intuitive development process, and rigorous testing, software specialists create finished software.
5. Low start-up costs: development companies sell off-the-shelf commercial software under license.

Benefits of custom software

Large enterprises are much less likely to use off-the-shelf software. This is because they usually have intricate and complex business processes that a standard product cannot cover. However, companies may choose a finished product to solve simple issues, such as communications. 

1. Fully customised: custom development is done exclusively for your company. You will only be able to use the product if you launch it as a SaaS to expand your revenue streams.
2. Flexibility: you will be able to change the features of the software at any time you need. The product belongs entirely to you, and only you determine its components.
3. Custom designs: visually appealing layouts help customers navigate easily and get the best experience with the company's services.
4. Complete control and security: starting from the stage of development and implementation of custom software, you will have complete control over all internal processes and regulate them. In addition, custom software provides reliable data protection by integrating custom security features into the software.
5. Excellent support: you get reliable technical support from the service provider for any issues related to the system's operation. The developer company will provide technical support 24/7.

Disadvantages of both types of software

Despite all the charms of off-the-shelf software and custom development, both types have disadvantages that cannot be ignored.

For those companies that want to be independent of the development company, off-the-shelf software will not be suitable. Otherwise, you'll have to put up with updated features and troubleshooting. In addition, if the development company stops selling or updating the product, you will have no choice but to change the supplier - which entails additional costs.

Another disadvantage may be the user interface, which may not suit your business processes.

The first and most crucial disadvantage of custom software is its high cost. There are two main aspects: development cycle costs and support costs. In both cases, prices are high and depend on the complexity of the product.

If you're leaning towards custom development, keep in mind that the development process usually takes a few months to a few years.

Because there are two ways to develop and maintain software: hire staff or use vendors' services, custom software involves additional costs.

Conclusion

Developing software or application that meets specific business requirements is essential to survive in today's competitive era. After analysing all the pros and cons of each type of software, and starting from the scope of your business, cash flow, the number of customers and their needs, you can make the right choice.

The APIBEST team of engineers can help you create the right software, implement specific features into the finished software, and help you fine-tune your system's internals.