Custom software or off-the-shelf software; which is better for your business? This is a question that has exsisted since the dawn of commerce.

At first glance, off-the-shelf software might seem like the obvious choice. Since it is developed for a larger audience, it usually costs less than custom software. However, when it comes to performance, off-the-shelf software tends to fall short of the mark.

The Advantages of Custom Software

Here are the top five benefits of custom software that will set it apart from off-the-shelf software and persuade you to choose it when making important structural decisions for your business.

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>> Customization

As our subject matter implies, you can simply choose the features you need. Get rid of the features you don’t need. Being able to customize software allows for added functionality and prevents unnecessary features from clogging up system resources.

>> Automation of Your Custom Software

Custom software streamlines internal operations, leading to an increase in productivity. It also improves the user experience for your customer, which results in more sales.

>> Timely Upgrades

With custom softwares, you are able to update and upgrade your software as required depending on your contract with your developers. This means that you don’t have to wait for the next update to be released by off-the-shelf developers.

>> Adaptability and Scalability

Quicker upgrades mean greater adaptability to changing conditions in a highly competitive market and not only should business software handle the current requirements of the business, but it should also allow for expansion. Whilst off-the-shelf softwares do not offer this option, custom softwares are easy to scale and to replicate.

>> Custom Software Helps to Gain a Competitive Advantage

Custom softwares will provides you with unique features which are tailored to your needs. Since these features are exclusive to your business, you gain a competitive advantage.

It is plain to see that custom softwares solutions offer many advantages over off-the-shelf softwares. It is important for businesses to be as efficient as possible, and this is where off-the-shelf software is limiting.

Businesses often opt for custom softwares solutions. However, many businesses don’t account for the sheer amount of resources required to produce custom softwares in-house. In addition to paying for every step of the development process (design, testing, and execution), companies have to think about ongoing costs for support and maintenance. Outsourcing is the most common solution to this problem, as resources are readily available.