Find out what works the best for your business
The current era of software development demands perfection. A software development company is always on the lookout for improvement and updates for betterment of services. Such a continuous process requires evaluation of their internal processes and making sure they are effective at every level. Inefficiencies have to be addressed and the road for future has to be laid at the same time. Global spending on enterprise software currently stands at 426 billion USD.
One of the most crucial steps is deciding which software to implement in the process. Each business has varied needs and the choice of software development depends on those needs. Adapting to the software isn’t an easy task and if the choice is wrong, it catapults the whole business into failure. The investment of time and money has to be worth it.
A custom software development can mean that the business needs are specifically addressed. It’s tailor-made taking away the question of adaptation and suiting the business. While this seems ideal, the cost and time involved is immense. A commercially available software can address most of the business needs and a little bit of customization from the business end would resolve the issue. However, it is difficult to adapt to market changes with an available software.
Off-the-shelf software is like having a buffet meal at a restaurant. Ready to be accessed any time and many people have the same menu, whereas custom software is like a chef preparing food right in front of us based on our choice of ingredients.
What does a custom software development company do?
A business need not always spend their own resources to build a custom software. Most of them rely on custom software development companies that build them according to the current needs of the business. When a single unit is concentrated on, the results are immaculate and specific. Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, etc., are some of the software development methodologies popularly used, out of which Agile amounts for 61.50% of implementation.
Here are the aspects to consider before choosing between custom software and off-the-shelf software:
1. Cost
- Custom software
A software catering to the specific needs of a business requires more upfront cost because the cost has to be completely borne by the individual company. The development has to cover the future requirements as well. One aspect that saves money is that the staff need not be trained separately as they are usually built to be integrated in the existing process. - Off-the-shelf software
An available software can be bought by multiple firms. Hence, the cost is divided among various customers, thereby reducing the upfront cost. However, there are two hidden expenses involved through the process – one being the maintenance cost throughout its lifetime; the other being investment in training the staff to use the software.
2. Modifications
- Custom software
The possibilities of customization and modification are endless. This lets the business keep up with the market trends and adapt to changes immediately. The firm need not always rely on external sources to make these changes. However, it is important to not shift the focus from the actual product and market placement. Modifications are only a small part of the process. - Off-the-shelf software
The firms do not have complete control over the commercial software. The modifications can be done only to a limited range and the software updates have to be done by the software company. Once the limited modifications are done, it is a massive task to convince the company that this need is more important than the software company’s product roadmap.
3. Time
- Custom software
As in modifications, the customization possibilities are also endless. When building something from the scratch, it is necessary to determine the immediate requirements and stick to building those features first. It is a time-consuming process, which some businesses may not be able to afford initially. - Off-the-shelf software
It’s instantly available. It has to be installed and everything is ready to go. The basic and standard features are available and the only concern will be to update it as and when required. This would be suitable for businesses that are looking to get into the market immediately. 7.70% of software developers deliver software in less than two months, which is significantly beneficial for firms looking to launch products soon.
4. Compatibility
- Custom software
The software is built based on the existing processes and compatibility will never be an issue. It would fit like a glove. It would also contain features that are only necessary for the product. - Off-the-shelf software
When a software is bought off the shelf, it contains features that may not be necessary for the product, which may slow down the system once integrated. In some cases, it may not have features which are specific to the product, eventually leading to more investments on accessories to fill the gaps.
Custom software development services
Custom software development services come into play when businesses do not want to spend their energy on building software and maintain focus on the products at hand. Rootquotient has been committed to build custom software for customers of any size.
Why you should choose Custom software development in Toronto
The Canadian government has extended enormous support to technological advances. With almost every industry relying on technology, software development has seen a surge in the market in the recent past. The NRC IRAP support from the government has meant several small and big businesses are able to enhance their technological reliance. Toronto is one of the leading cities for software development and innovation has seen new heights. Contact us to know about our services and innovation.
The choice of software will have consequences in the longer run of the business. Time, money, effort, impact, etc., will be reflected in how the product performs in the market. While custom software gives a competitive edge, not many businesses can afford it initially. Small businesses will have to do with what’s available, equip themselves with more capacity to spend and then rely on custom software. Ultimately, the nature of the enterprise should determine the choice of software.