What is Custom Software Development?

Developing software or an application has become the basic need to meet your business requirements. Custom software development is the process of formulating, designing, developing and deploying software.  

The primary purpose of custom software is to address specific users' needs more efficiently than commercial off-the-shelf software (COTS). COTS targets a broad set of requirements for a wide audience. This helps the different businesses to employ them in day-to-day applications. For example, Microsoft Office can meet the needs at a global level.

Difference between Custom Software and Off-the-Shelf Software

There are numerous differences between the built and buy versions of the software. Off-the-shelf software can be installed and used immediately while custom software is designed to meet specific needs.

Depending upon the use, functionality, and performance, the following are the fundamental differences.

Implementation

The implementation of custom software involves agile methodology and other practices. Before developing off-the-shelf software, it has to be tested to remove bugs. The solutions have to be developed for UX design, required infrastructure and device compatibility before buying the software.

Integration

Off-the-shelf software finds it challenging to integrate with other software systems. On the contrary, custom software enables a seamless integration.

Scalability and Upgradation

The custom software is highly scalable to make necessary upgrades whenever required. This level of scalability is not provided in the case of off-the-shelf softwares.

When looking for a software solution for your specific business requirements, custom software would be an ideal approach.

What are the best practices for building Custom Software?

Define goals and requirements

Once you figure out your business requirements and objectives, it becomes clear to develop custom software. Ensure in drafting your needs in the Software Requirements Specifications (SRS) document.  

Select a development methodology

Selecting a precise and agile development method is essential to build the application and manage the workflow strategy. It allows making continuous changes in the software development process.  

Complete Documentation

It is crucial to maintain documentation for a clear understanding of the development process. Maintain the correct record of documents containing project plan, requirement specifications, Low-Level and High-Level Design, test reports, test plans, user documentation and status reports.

Code Simplicity

Code simplicity works with other software development principles that can help you design and develop robust and quality software.

Continuous End-to-End Testing

Test-Driven Development results in improving code quality. Before implementing the new software, continuous testing is necessary at every step of the development and delivery process.

Code Coherence

It is crucial to enforce a consistent style of the codebase while working in the team. For example, Editorconfig, JSCS and ESLint. 

Time and Budget Estimation

With agile methodology, planning budget and timeline using tools before the development phase are the best practices to develop custom software successfully.  

Code Reviews

Make sure to review your code to improve code quality and reduce bugs in the software.  

Adopting these practices can definitely assist you in building a scalable and robust custom software application. 

Pros and Cons of Custom Software Development

Pros

Specific Solution: Custom software can improve productivity as the designed software can serve your business needs. 

Security: Custom software can minimize security risks by adding security measures and not relying on restricted security features like any off-the-shelf product.

Easy integration: Custom Software enables easy integration with existing and other softwares in your business. This results in improving productivity and time-savage.

Freedom of use and control: The custom software allows to update and use the application with overall access.

Cons

High Cost: The cost of developing custom software is high to sustain its functionality, maintenance and service support.

More Time Consumption: It takes a lot of time to research, analyzing before developing the full-fledged custom software as per your requirements.

Risk of working with the wrong developer: Choosing the improper software development partner results in a wastage of time, money, and efforts.

Searching for software development solutions, The software development team at LeewayHertz uses the agile development methodology to build and deploy the solution quickly while adhering to the best industry standards and practices.