Every business has diverse requirements and needs to implement efficient software solutions which could improve work flow, processes and output. All the software being used is called Commercial Off-the-Shelf Software, also called Packaged Software. This software can fulfil the requirements of many organisations but is not suitable to the meet the particular needs and expectations of each and every client. On one other hand, Bespoke Software (or Custom Software) is created depending on the actual needs of a business. It may conform to the current requirements as well as future needs of a business. This makes the process smooth and improves the working efficiency. Many organisations prefer to develop a Bespoke Application that will be tailored to meet the requirements of the organisation.
So, which type of software should an organisation or someone use? There are two sides of exactly the same coin. Similarly, Bespoke Software and Custom Software have their benefits and disadvantages. Let us discuss this further to be able to help organisations to take the best decision.
The ADVANTAGES of Off-the-Shelf Software
The very first benefit for any organisation is that Off-the-Shelf Software is relatively cheaper than Bespoke Software because there are many end users.
This software offers more number of features as more resources have now been useful for its development. This is possible since the revenue earned from such software is more than Custom Software.
Support, maintenance services and help manuals because of this software are easily available (at a smaller cost) as a large numbers of users are using the software.
It is simpler to talk about files as it is probable that other users may also be using the same software.
There's no need to spend time on the development process.
The DISADVANTAGES of Off-the-Shelf Software
This software is highly complicated and may require a lot of time to learn. It's many features that are not used at all.
By its very nature this software is made for a large number of users. So, the organisation will need to adapt and alter work practices which meet the requirements of the software, and not one other way around.
You cannot gain a benefit over your competitors as everybody has use of exactly the same software.
The organisation does not have any control over the development and thus cannot make any changes to the software, even if it feels the requirement to do so.
If someone faces some problem, then his concerns usually takes quite a long time prior to the organisation solves the issue.
The ADVANTAGES of Bespoke Software
Bespoke Software is designed to meet the particular requirements of an organisation. So, it is perfectly tailored to the requirements of a company and operates accordingly.
This software is developed depending on specific needs and is flexible. It may solve existing issues easily and gets the potential to conform to future needs as well.
Bespoke Software can certainly integrate with existing systems and provide an entirely integrated IT infrastructure.
It gives a simpler and intuitive user interface. It doesn't contain unnecessary features that are not of good use to a certain organisation.
In the event users face any problems, they could directly contact the developers and get the problem resolved quickly. It saves precious time and resources.
The developers of Bespoke Software can suggest more options and innovative features to improve productivity and efficiency of an organisation.
An organisation can gain a benefit over your competition by using Custom Software because the competitors aren't using the same software.
The DISADVANTAGES Bespoke Software
This software is manufactured by just one company, so takes a higher investment initially for the development as compared to Packaged Software. A company needs to compare the expense and the expected benefits so as to come quickly to the best conclusion.
It is very important to be wise in choice of developers. You will need the services of an experienced and a very professional team who follow the very best industry practices to develop Custom Software. An inexperienced team can deliver software that will be unstable and has many bugs.
It is very important to acquire a copy of the origin code; else an organisation is going to be determined by goodwill of the developers
This application is designed to meet specific needs and can have a longer time to implement.
A Bespoke Software offers you a competitive edge and higher revenues. Moreover, it is simpler to use. At the same time, it involves a higher investment in terms of money and time. An Off-the-Shelf Software is a cost-effective solution that will be utilized by many people. So, it is essential for organization to evaluate the pros and cons before visiting any conclusion.
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