Are you too, like many others, are confused about which software solution will work best for your
company? Choosing between varieties of options is for sure quite a dilemma.
Every software development company gives you two options for the development of your application:
either a ready-made solution or optimized custom software. As each of them comes with its own
distinct features and advantages, therefore most entrepreneurs often get confused between the two.
So to make the task easier for you, we have come up with an honest comparison between the two so
that you can decide which one suits your requirements the best. So let’s begin
Custom Software Vs Off – the – Shelf: The Difference
Let’s make it short and simple, an off-the shelf or packaged software is the one that comes ready to use
while custom software is the one that is developed according to your requirements. A fee main features
of the both which differentiate them from each other are illustrated below:
Packaged Software
• Ready-to-use
• Quick implementation
• May lack few of the essential features you require
Custom Software
• Developed on orders
• Time-taking development, therefore, isn’t implemented right away
• Covers every features you need
The Goods and the Bads of Custom and Off the Shelf Software
Benefits of Off-the-Shelf Software
• Comparatively Economical Solution
Since off-the-shelf software is developed for a larger audience and not for just a particular company,
therefore their overall charges are quite affordable. Moreover, packaged system also includes a wider
variety of software support services. Therefore ready-made software is comparatively economical and
affordable than custom software solutions.
• Ease of Use
Packaged software are comparatively easy to use, does not include any complex operation and often
features a user-friendly interface, unlike custom software.
• Simple Installation
As packaged software comes ready-to-use right out of the box, therefore their installation and
implementation are not a big thing to worry about.
• Much Reliable Option
Another good reason that makes packaged software a great choice is that it has been made by keeping a
large audience in target and has tested many times after its development. This makes it quite a reliable
option
• Includes Minimum Risks
Packaged software often includes minimum risks and security breaches.
Drawbacks of Off-the-Shelf Software
• License dues
One of the disadvantages of packaged software is that though it is quite affordable, still it charges
licensing fees.
• Lack of Competitive Advantage
As it lacks many of the features you required, therefore it isn’t enough to provide you with a smooth
competitive edge.
• Lacks Scalability
Off-the-shelf software is not able to scale up with your company. So you would have to replace it with
times as your company grows.
Benefits of Choosing Custom Software
• An Array of Options
Unlike off-the-shelf software, custom software comes with a variety of options to choose from. You can
add as many features as you like without any restrictions.
• Easily Scalable
As you design your custom software all by yourself, this makes it possible for the system to meet the
future requirement of your company.
• Includes Space for Making New Changes
Custom software is always open to making any change at any time, there are no restrictions on it. So
you can add the feature you require, even after it has been completely developed.
• Provides Great Competitive Edge
Due to the fact that custom software is developed exactly according to your needs, it includes all the
features you think are required to stay ahead of the race, and so they give you a great competitive
advantage.
Drawbacks of Choosing Custom Software
• A Bit Expensive
Custom software is quite expensive as compared to the ready-made one.
• Takes a Long Time for Development
Unlike packaged software, which comes ready to install right away you ordered, a custom software
might take a very long time to develop.
Bottom Lines
So after going through the detailed comparison between the two, it is evident that none of them
overcomes each other or succeeds, but carries their own distinct features. So you must go for the one
which you think comes fits your requirements.
#custom software #software development company #solution #packaged software
