How can you know if you need custom software? Here are the pros and cons of custom software development so you can make the best choice for your business.
Audience
Custom software is just that – custom. Your business is its intended audience, so everything about the product is designed for your team of users. This can be invaluable for a business with highly specialized practices. It’s also good for more mainstream businesses that want to get an edge on the competition.
A potential downside to using custom software is that sometimes you need more options than you initially thought. Many businesses find that pre-made software has functions and tools they never knew they needed. Because it’s made for a large audience it has to appeal to a wide array of industries and needs.
Adaptability
When you choose custom software development, you can make changes to the product as you need them. You have total control over the finished product and updates.
This is great for businesses that are growing or rapidly developing. You get to choose what to change and when. When you purchase pre-made software, you don’t have that freedom. Instead, you have to wait for updates and hope that they do what you want them to do.
There really aren’t any cons associated with this aspect of custom software development. In fact, it’s one of the strongest arguments for investing in it.
Price
Here’s where a lot of businesses falter. The price of custom software development is significantly higher than the cost of mainstream software. The thing is, it’s just the upfront cost.
Yes, the price is high. However, if you’re thinking of investing in custom software development, you have to look ahead and see how much it will save you in the future. Well-designed custom software can provide an invaluable service and has the potential to give your business the edge it needs to grow and expand.
The downside of the price of custom software is that many smaller businesses cannot afford the upfront cost. However, by thinking of it as an investment rather than an expense, you may find that it’s a little easier to pay so much.
These are the three biggest things to take into account when you’re thinking about custom software development for your company. For a wide array of businesses, the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Contact Ayoka Systems for more information and to see how custom software can benefit your company
