What Exactly is Custom Software?

Custom software (sometimes called tailor-made software or a custom business application) is software that is specially built and developed for a single customer or organization, accommodating the customer’s particular preferences and expectations. Typically, custom software isn’t built to accommodate the masses; just the organization for which it was developed.

Simply put, when a software shop is tasked to build a custom software application, they meticulously build a system that is developed from the ground up, often incorporating existing systems and/or building new systems that will help optimize and automate paper workflows and processes to exact specifications.

Companies small and large commonly use custom software for critical functions, including inventory management, HR management, customer relationship management and so much more. It is also used to fill the gaps in existing software packages or what’s called “COTS” software (commercial off-the-shelf software).

Features of Custom Software

• Customization: Software is developed and designed specifically for a company or organization.
• Flexibility: Custom software is flexible and scalable in nature and incorporates features from other software.
• Upgrades: Upgrades are available and are typically administered regularly.
• Support: Continued troubleshooting support, monitoring and general maintenance.
• Hosting/licensing: More compatible options with the server environment your software requires without limitations.
• Security: Security measures are built in from the start, preventing vulnerabilities. And if vulnerabilities are revealed, they can be quickly addressed to prevent future attacks.
• Integration: Having a custom build will ensure that there will be a near-seamless integration between your existing platforms and your custom application.

Enjoy This Shoe Metaphor

Imagine you’re buying a pair of shoes. You have wider feet than the average person and you require more arch support than typical shoe buyers. You’ve tried to buy an off-the-rack shoe (which works for 7 out of 10 people), but that doesn’t work for you. You end up spending money on shoes that hurt your feet, perhaps causing long-term injury.

If you really want a shoe that fits your unique foot needs, have it custom made. It costs a little more money up front, but in the long run, you experience less pain and less hassle. Most importantly, you look and feel great.

The same is true about custom business applications. Seven out of ten businesses have used commercial off-the-shelf software and love it, but it’s not a fit for every business.

Don’t Wait for the Other Shoe to Drop

Bitwise Industries builds tech economies in underestimated cities, driving digital transformation through its Salesforce, DocuSign, and custom SaaS solutions. Developing innovative tech solutions, and training individuals living in underserved communities with in-demand tech skills to improve their standard of living is our mission. Centering our efforts in the heart of the downtowns of these overlooked cities, Bitwise is creating a place for the technology industry to take root and ignite local economies.

This post was written by Celeste A. Barron, Content Development Manager for Bitwise Industries. You can find her dancing with the devil in the pale moonlight.

If you’re interested in uncovering the tech possibilities available to your organization or want to find more ways to increase your ROI with technology, click this link to schedule some time with one of our experts.