Software

Which One Is Better – Bespoke Software or Off-The-Shelf Software?

Every business has diverse requirements and needs to implement efficient software solutions which can improve workflow, processes, and output. Most of the software in use is called Commercial Off-the-Shelf Software, also known as Packaged Software. This software can fulfill the requirements of many organizations but is not suitable to meet every client’s specific needs and expectations. On the other hand, Bespoke Software (or Custom Software) is built as per the exact needs.

Which One Is Better - Bespoke Software or Off-The-Shelf Software? 1

It can adapt to the current requirements as well as future needs of a business. This makes the process smooth and improves the working efficiency. However, many organizations prefer to develop a Bespoke Application tailored to meet the organization’s needs. So, which type of software should an organization or individual use? There are two sides to the same coin. Similarly, Bespoke Software and Custom Software have their benefits and disadvantages. Let us discuss this further to help organizations to make the right decision.

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The ADVANTAGES of Off-the-Shelf Software

The first benefit for any organization is that Off-the-Shelf Software is relatively cheaper than Bespoke Software since there are many end-users. This software offers features as more resources have been used for its development. This is possible because the revenue earned from such software is higher than Custom Software. Support, maintenance services, and help manuals for this software are easily available (at a lesser cost) as many users are using the software. It is easier to share files since it is likely that other users are also using the same software. There is no need to spend time on the development process.

The DISADVANTAGES of Off-the-Shelf Software

This software is highly complicated and may require a lot of time to learn. It has many features which are not used at all. By its very nature, this software is designed for a large number of users. So, the organization will need to adapt and alter work practices that meet the software requirements and not the other way around. You cannot gain an edge over your competitors as everyone has access to the same software.
The organization has no control over the development and cannot make any changes to the software, even if it needs to do so. As a result, iAs a result, if an individual faces some problem, then his concerns may take a long time before the organization solves the issue.

The ADVANTAGES of Bespoke Software

Bespoke Software is designed to meet the specific requirements of an organization. So, it is perfectly tailored to the needs of a business and operates accordingly. This software is developed as per specific needs and is flexible. It can solve existing issues easily and has the potential to adapt to future needs as well. Bespoke Software can easily integrate with existing systems and provide a fully integrated IT infrastructure. In addition, its addition, it provides an easier and intuitive user interface.

It does not contain unnecessary features which are not of use to a particular organization. If users face any problems, they can directly contact the developers and get the issue resolved quickly. Thus, itus, itt saves precious time and resources. Bespoke Software developers can suggest more options and innovative features improve the productivity and efficiency of an organization. An organization can gain an edge over the competition by using Custom Software as the competitors are not using the same software.

The DISADVANTAGES Bespoke Software

A single company develops this software, so it requires a higher investment initially for the development than Packaged Software. A business needs to compare the costs and the expected benefits to come to the right conclusion. It is important to be wise in the choice of developers. You need the services of an experienced and highly professional team who follow the best industry practices to develop Custom Software. An inexperienced team can deliver software that is unstable and has many bugs.

It is important to get a copy of the source code; else, an organization will depend on the developers’ goodwill. This application is designed to meet specific needs and can take a longer time to implement.
Bespoke software offers you a competitive edge and higher revenues. Moreover, it is easier to use. At the same time, it involves a higher investment in terms of money and time. An Off-the-Shelf Software is a cost-effective solution that many people use. So, organizations need to evaluate the pros and cons before coming to any conclusion.

CODE Technologies Limited is a software development company that offers expertise in many services like Bespoke Software Development, e-Commerce Development, Web Development, and Mobile Application Development. The company engages highly experienced developers and designers who provide the most suitable Custom Software that fulfills complex business requirements. The company hands over the code to the clients to have complete control over the Bespoke Software. Besides implementation, CODE offers maintenance of the software and tackles any issues which the client may face later on. The clients can contact the company representatives at any time to discuss their problems. CODE uses advanced technologies to offer innovative solutions and help the customers to meet their business goals cost-effectively.

Roberto Brock
the authorRoberto Brock
Snowboarder, traveler, DJ, Swiss design-head and HTML & CSS lover. Doing at the nexus of art and purpose to develop visual solutions that inform and persuade. I'm a designer and this is my work. Introvert. Coffee evangelist. Web buff. Extreme twitter advocate. Avid reader. Troublemaker.