A bespoke app is always a better option as it can cover all your present and future needs. It is value for money and time spent on making a custom application.
Buying off-the-shelf software seems a good idea. It saves time. Also, you can shop around to buy the most cost-effective software option available. It reduces your dependency on software developers. But at the same time, you will miss the benefits of custom software development that can outweigh the advantages of off-the-shelf products.
First, you should know what is off-the-shelf software
It can be defined as an application developed while keeping the general needs of the users in mind. And the needs covered by the developer could be merely basic. It is like a one-fit-for-all solution. While it will accommodate most of your needs, it won’t help in working at your optimum level.
Let’s get a quick look over the limitations of an off-the-shelf software application
• The waiting period for updates on the application could be more longer and sometimes the updates aren’t useful
• A readymade application might be incompatible with your business process and you could do little in this matter
• The application could be based on a technology alien to your executives requiring them to get training on the technology
• By using third-party software, you are compromising with your data security as the app would have direct access to crucial data
For the above reasons most businesses go for software development services instead of buying a readymade product. You find a software partner for your business, discuss your needs with the partner, and get the application designed and developed for your business. Since it is for your business only, it will accommodate all your present and future needs.
Here’re the advantages of a bespoke application
1. Ownership
The first thing is the ownership of the application you need to optimize your business. When you get an app developed, it is designed from the scratch with your needs in mind. Since you are the owner of the application, you can play an active role in its development and future updates. You can ask for specific features and keep reminding the developer about the compatibility of the app with your business.
2. Built-to-Spec
When you buy a readymade application, you accept all its features and bloatware. Since you have no say in the development of the app, you can’t complain about issues like incompatibility or slow speed. But a software development company will keep the important factors like CPU, memory, and storage in mind so you get the application that fits into your needs. Also, you can keep your future needs in mind so the app remains useful in the future.
3. Affordability
While the affordability of a software application could be a topic of discussion, you will agree that a bespoke app will prove to be more cost-effective in the long run. Where a readymade app could save you initial cost, it can put more burden on your CPU requiring you to spend more money to enhance your CPU power to take full advantage of the readymade app. It would shoot up the running cost of your business in the long run. But a bespoke application will save money by enhancing your CPU power.
4. Data Security
It is a most important concern of a business and you won’t want to compromise with the security of your data. While a readymade application will promise not to track your data, but the harsh reality is that it comes with basic security features. Also, it needs to monitor your workload for security reasons. But a custom software development company can implement the best security solution to enhance your data security.
5. Integration
You need an application for a specific purpose and if that purpose isn’t fulfilled, the app will become redundant. A readymade app might not be integrated with the tool that you want to operate with that app. In this situation, you would have to use that app for other purposes. But you won’t face such problems with a bespoke application developed to meet your business requirements.
6. Convenience
When you look for a readymade app, you get an app that is foreign to your executives. And you will have to depend on the third-party provider for training, operating, and troubleshooting. In this situation, the app would become a handicap for your business. But there will be no such hassle with custom software development that will come complete with training, operating, and troubleshooting service.
7. Support
A custom-built application could be a gamechanger for your business as you will get personalized support from your IT partner. Whenever you face a problem with the app, you can report it to the developer and demand a quick solution. But the same level of support isn’t expected from a third-party software provider. It is so because he would have to deal with multiple clients like your business.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a quick solution to your software problem, you can choose to use a readymade application for a short time. But if you are looking for a long-term solution that is value for money and time, then look no further than software development services. It is better to get an application developed from scratch instead of buying an off-the-shelf app.
