Custom software development is a detailed plan, more expensive than out-of-the-box software, and the creation of technology solutions.

Custome software vs. off-the-shelf software

Customized software development requires the development, release of a software product, and commissioning that is tailored to a single entity.

Custom software development companies are not the same with SaaS software solution companies because of the above explanation for custom development.

Software product development is a part of custom software development, but after finishing the product, it’s off-the-shelf software development in terms of how it’s used. A DevOps Tutorial will guide you to master software product development concepts from scratch to advanced.

The application that is created for the JPMorgan Chase would be used only by that company and its department for which the software is made. The software that is designed contained an implementation of the need in mind, infrastructure, and branding of the company. That is why it is only for that company.

Off-the-shelf software is consists of the packaged software applications that are available to a large audience with albeit fundamentally similar, varying, and needs.

MS Word is made for the mass public. It is like a solution to diverse the needs of users of Microsoft Word. Therefore, it is not able to get a particular need or group as custom software development would.

Pros and Cons of custom software development:

The Pros:

• Custom software development provides the features that are the biggest benefit of it. Off- the- shelf software is not providing features.
• You have the choice to design the applications with your requirements and needs of your business.
• When the solution is implemented then it increases the level of productivity.
• If your company needs a warrant custom software, then customizing a solution to become a smart course of action.

The Cons:

• Depending upon the type of the product, the cost range of the off-the-shelf software is from a few dollars to a couple of thousands of dollars. The cost of the many applications is less than the 100$
• You will need high cost and significant resources to design a single custom software development.
• When the business starts to work on the development of the custom software then it has to bear all of the costs that are linked with the custom software development process.
• Off-the-shelf software creators can afford to offer their products at its low price. Because these costs are distributed among many users. But on the other hand, the custom software is designed only for one user and that is the company.
• The risks that are attached to custom software are varying.
• You should have deep knowledge of your company’s needs. You also be able to communicate how you want the product to meet those needs.

Practices for developing custom software

1. Define your current process and future needs

It becomes complex to define your process, your measurement of success, and your expectations when you are building anything including software.

You should know the following things:

• What is the current process? Don’t make the assumptions. Ask the experts who can manage the work daily.
• Why do you want to do changes?
• What the desired state is.

2. Choose the right people for the work

The following people will be needed while designing custom software:

• People who are hired for a particular job
• IT team
• Software development vendors and companies

3. Make a realistic plan with milestones

Create a team and add developers, someone who can lead and direct the overall initiative, and some subject matters experts in your team. Together, and create a road map for the project. You should be sure that it is realistic.

4. Conduct appropriate testing

You should test your software before implementing it across your business. The testing process commonly occurs on two levels;

The testing that is conducted by IT professionals and developers is called technical testing. It checks either foundational elements are working or not.
User testing is conducting by business beta users. It is used to check either software is working according to our desired and expectations or not.

5. Document the entire process

It is important for all implementation and development. You make sure you have defined what you have and what you want. You should check the following things:

• Test plan and checklist
• Statement of scope
• Implementation plan
• Training plan and detailed user documentation