Bespoke software development vs off-the-shelf software: pros and cons
Currently, the software market is so diverse that it sometimes gives the impression that ready-made solutions exist for practically any industry and task. However, there is also a huge number of examples where off-the-shelf software for a specific enterprise or organisation does not exist, or it requires such significant modifications that it is cheaper to order development "from scratch".
In particular, this was discussed by the participants of the online event "Software Market Trends in 2023 and Forecasts for the Future". The event took place on 2 October 2023 under the auspices of the Software Ukraine association and the Intecracy Group consortium. Serhii Balashuk, Director of the company and a Ukrainian information technology expert, participated on behalf of IQusion IT. The event participants highlighted the main advantages and disadvantages of bespoke software development services for clients.
\r\nIn this article, we will list the main arguments "FOR" and "AGAINST". However, it is worth starting with the difference between these concepts. Thus, a ready-made product means that the software was developed as a universal solution that suits most enterprises (in the opinion of the developer company's marketing department). Bespoke software, developed to order, is created specifically for a particular enterprise and/or organisation and will not suit others.
\r\nBespoke software development: advantages and disadvantages
\r\nArguments "FOR"
\r\n1. Individuality and flexibility
\r\nDirect competitors are highly likely to use standard (off-the-shelf) software. A bespoke solution will allow you to work faster or better than them. The organisation itself decides what and when needs to be changed in the software: in almost all business solutions, developers provide a kind of "constructor" that allows adding, changing, deleting functions and adapting to new business needs. It is also worth noting that quite often off-the-shelf software has no possibility of modification, or this is directly prohibited by licensing terms.
\r\n2. Speed of operation
\r\nBespoke solutions (custom software development) work faster because they do not contain redundant functions, do not create additional queries, and are initially designed solely to solve specific business needs (tasks).
\r\nArguments "AGAINST"
\r\n1. High cost
\r\nWhen developing a bespoke solution, the client is forced to pay the development costs in full. The initial price will be higher than any monthly subscription or license purchase. Faced with this, enterprises often implement the task of deploying their own software gradually. First, they develop only the most necessary functions, then the software is evolved by adding extra features.
\r\nBut remember that in this case, you are likely to save not now, but in the long term. To verify this, you should compare the cost of your software with the cost of subscription software over the period you plan to use it. We are talking about a perspective of 5-10 years and more (subject to support and regular updates).
\r\n2. Complexity of development
Bespoke software requires time and organisational effort from the enterprise. Firstly, it is necessary to plan the project, define the required functions, budget, and deadlines. Next comes development and implementation, where the timeframes can vary – on average from 3 months. To make a more accurate estimate, all the features and tasks of the project must be taken into account.
\r\nIQusion IT LLC helps clients with project design, technical specifications, and is capable of executing the development itself. For this purpose, we employ business analysts, architects, coders, etc., on our staff.
\r\nOff-the-shelf software: pros and cons
\r\nNow let us consider the advantages and disadvantages of standard software.
\r\nArguments "FOR"
\r\n1. Price and speed
\r\nThe cost of using off-the-shelf software at the start is many times lower than the process of development from a blank slate. Usually, product companies offer flexible pricing packages and free trial periods. In addition, models are often provided that allow paying exclusively for the number of workstations (user accounts).
\r\nIt is also important that to start work, it is sufficient merely to deploy the software — this usually involves installation and user training (for organisation employees). Sometimes this entire process takes only one day.
\r\n2. Support and updates
Many users have already worked with this standard software. Most likely, they have already encountered problems that you do not even know about yet and which you will try to solve when you start using it. This ensures quick support on all issues. In addition, there are guides for the most popular settings and ready-made answers to the most frequently asked questions. Furthermore, the software developer regularly releases updates themselves, allowing you to always keep pace with the times.
\r\nArguments "AGAINST"
\r\n1. The need to compromise
\r\nNo matter how universal the software is, it usually does not fully meet the needs of the organisation. A need arises to adapt or even change business processes to fit the existing software. Unfortunately, this is not always possible, or it does not fully comply with the requirements of regulatory acts (especially in the public sector).
\r\n2. Dependence on the developer
\r\nThe organisation risks becoming dependent on the activities of a third-party company, which it does not influence and cannot influence. Consequently, bugs may appear after updates, sometimes necessary functions are removed or changed, and one has to find a way out of this situation. Also, if the software developer company experiences financial difficulties, it may cease support and further development altogether.
\r\nWhat should be the optimal choice?
\r\nSerhii Balashuk, Director of IQusion IT LLC, assures that before starting a project, the company always analyses the tasks and offers the client the most optimal solution. Often it is a hybrid one. This is when, on the basis of off-the-shelf software, bespoke modifications are carried out to include the individual needs of the organisation. For this, the UnityBase platform is optimal and convenient. In addition, it has already proven its resilience against hacker attacks and operational capability even when using weak hardware. "We have been working for over 10 years. We know how to develop bespoke solutions, adapt ready-made ones, and support their operation in any, even crisis situations. We can expand and update existing functions, as well as create hybrid solutions," notes Serhii Balashuk.
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