8 Things to remember about custom software development 

Custom software development is the process of designing software applications that meet the specific needs of an individual or business. Unlike the more popular “off-the-shelf” software options, custom options typically target specific problems and are intended for internal use rather than resale. Bocasay is an offshore outsourcing company who provides all web development solutions.

What is custom software?

Custom software is specifically developed for a group of users or a company.

Take the example of Uber, one of the leading on-demand transportation apps, which uses custom software to provide a seamless experience for drivers and passengers. It helps users find the nearest available driver and drivers to easily navigate routes.

That’s why a custom application is developed taking into account the company’s management, branding, implementation needs and business processes. Custom software can also be called bespoke software.

In this article, we have listed 8 important points to know about developing custom software:

1. A Targeted Solution

Probably the most important reason to invest in custom software development is the fact that you are developing a product that exactly meets your needs. It’s not uncommon for companies to choose off-the-shelf software only to find that it doesn’t fit their needs.

Each company has unique needs within its market.

While there are hundreds (if not thousands) of SaaS (Software As A Service) products, designed to improve your business, there may not be a solution in the market that specifically fits your unique situation. If you can use a program that meets most of your needs, why not create something that fits you perfectly? Your business is unique and you deserve to use software that perfectly meets your needs instead of compromising.

2. Independence 

When you buy off-the-shelf software, you are dependent on the company that developed it, the prices they set, the terms of use and the future of the business. If that company suddenly goes out of business, or stops updating the product, you may be forced to change software providers in a short period of time, which may cost you more.

With custom software, you can use it as long as you want and as you want. Of course, it sometimes requires maintenance fees, but on a larger scale, it offers benefits that make it worthwhile.

𝕀𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕚𝕟 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕒 𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕠𝕗𝕗𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕠𝕦𝕥𝕤𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕔𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕡𝕒𝕟𝕪 𝕥𝕠 𝕖𝕩𝕡𝕝𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕛𝕖𝕔𝕥 𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕒? ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕒𝕔𝕥 𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕥𝕖𝕒𝕞 𝕥𝕠𝕕𝕒𝕪 𝕥𝕠 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕥𝕖𝕒𝕞 𝕠𝕗 𝕖𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕥𝕤!

3. Interconnection with other software

Ever wished that your separate applications could communicate with each other?

Need to connect a custom application to a tool like your CRM, or link it with your accounting?

Custom software can do all of that for you. Many custom software development companies have experience in creating APIs and system integrations that allow your most critical tools to communicate and share data. 

Custom software development creates an environment in which it is easier to integrate your product with other software already in use. When it comes to out-of-the-box solutions, they are very unlikely to interact without errors, which does not improve employee productivity or optimize business operations.

4. Improve the Efficiency of Internal Workflows

Is there an internal workflow that is a pain in the ass for your team?

Would you like your team to spend less time on tedious tasks and automate them instead?

Custom software is the solution to this problem! Many people mistakenly think that custom software should be designed to be used by your customers. This is a preconceived notion of the usefulness of custom software. Custom software is designed to meet a specific need and your internal team can benefit from a custom solution. Automating an internal process can help your team free up their valuable time and get back to the core parts of their work.

5. Hardware Costs

Licensing off-the-shelf software often comes with the need to purchase additional hardware to make it work effectively, which can add up to a pretty hefty bill down the road. With custom software, current hardware capabilities are taken into consideration, saving money and avoiding unnecessary purchases of additional hardware.

Custom software is developed to support your business rather than forcing it to adapt to the software itself. Custom software development and integration takes into consideration all aspects of your business.

6. A Cost-Effective Solution

While the initial cost of custom software development may surprise many, it can help you save money in the long run.

Even though standard products have a lower initial cost, the costs associated with training your team, licensing, and possibly adding new programs to replace missing functionality add up over time.

If your team is in the driver’s seat during the development process, you can maintain control of your budget and initial investment to create the custom solution that best meets your needs. You also don’t have to develop the final product all at once – working with a development team, you can create the initial solution and add additional features over time.

7. Efficiency, Scalability and Security

Custom software can make your business more efficient, easily scale as you grow, and provide an extra layer of security. Custom software can be designed to accommodate your company’s rapid growth and help you stay efficient.

In addition, a custom solution is better protected against cybersecurity vulnerabilities, as this is usually a primary concern for developers during the development process.

8. A Competitive Advantage 

If you’re looking to stay ahead of your competitors, creating a custom solution that addresses a customer need is the best way to do so.

Custom software adds major value to your company and can help you stand out from your competitors. The possibilities are truly endless when there are no constraints on your ideas.