Software Used by Companies: Boosting Performance and Revenue
The software utilized by businesses significantly enhances employee performance, regardless of the industry they operate in. The impact of these technologies also positively influences revenue, thanks to the automated tasks that software implementation can enable.
When choosing software, it’s crucial to pay attention to the company’s needs, available investment budget, and the software’s characteristics. Software can fall into one of two categories: off-the-shelf or custom-made.
To help you understand the differences between them, in this article, we provide definitions for each type, their advantages, and costs. Read through the sections we’ve prepared and discover the right option to meet your company’s demands.
In this article, you will find:
- Off-the-Shelf and Custom Software: Definitions
- Provided Support
- Costs
- Making the Right Choice
Off-the-Shelf and Custom Software: Definitions
Off-the-shelf software refers to applications built with general characteristics, meaning they are designed to address the most common issues in the market. Known as “off-the-shelf software,” their services are generic, without offering specific features.
On the other hand, custom software is developed based on the company’s needs. This type is personalized according to each requirement specified by the client, adapted to address the specific aspects of the business.
Support Offered
With software customization, the functionalities are tailored to precisely meet the business’s needs. This enhances the comfort of the entire team when using the application, which is developed in collaboration with the client. It also benefits process automation, which, according to Gartner, is a key feature for companies in 2021.
Moreover, companies that work with customization provide a warranty period, offering full support for bug fixes after installation.
On the other hand, this is a slower process because it will be tailored to the business’s requirements. Despite off-the-shelf software having general characteristics, it doesn’t prevent them from being minimally molded. Among the options, they can offer adjustable plug-ins, making them closer to the organization’s program. In terms of installation time, they have the advantage of immediate implementation.
Regarding security, vulnerabilities, flaws, and bugs are expected defects in the software development process. Off-the-shelf software is made with security in mind, aiming to minimize errors using encryption and security protocols but may still have possible flaws.
In custom software, security protocols can be added throughout the entire process as flaws are detected, making it more secure.
Costs that a Software Company Charges
Off-the-shelf software is more cost-effective, as they are produced on a large scale. However, the installation of additional plug-ins, maintenance, and updates can make the service expensive.
Custom software, despite having a higher upfront cost, usually already includes the necessary maintenance and updates, potentially making them more cost-effective in the long run.
Therefore, it is crucial to research and ensure that the software will truly meet all of the company’s demands.
What’s the Right Choice When Choosing a Software Company
To choose the best option, it’s essential to analyze your company’s actual needs. It’s crucial to determine what the business requires, and based on that, select the solution that will provide the most comprehensive support.
If your company needs a complex solution with specific tasks, then custom software is clearly the better choice. Ubistart modernizes your tools and automates your processes through tailor-made software development. We work with web portals, marketplaces, web systems, and mobile applications using agile methodology as a tool to accelerate results.
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