How to choose between bespoke software and off-the-shelf software?

 Available in the market are two different software options, bespoke software and off-the-shelf software, and business organizations are free to choose from any one of them depending upon their needs as well as keeping in mind the expenditures on both.

Bespoke software is designed according to the specific business requirements whereas off-the-shelf software is a readymade product with many inbuilt features some of which are required and some maybe not.

Let's discuss the pros and cons of both kinds of software which may help to decide which one is suitable for the business organization.

Bespoke software features:

1.            Software Flexibility: the business organization has total control over the application since it is designed to meet specific requirements and one may adapt new features into it as the company grows.

2.           Software Functionality: Functionality can be previewed and changed according to the need since highly skilled professionals work on it, providing ideas to suit the business best and create software that exactly serves the purpose. But it is difficult to select the developers as a good team of experienced and skilled professionals are needed, who can work, keeping in mind the recent industry trends and thus create stable and error-free software.

3.           Software Help and support: Since the Bespoke software is built on an order to meet specific requirements, the business firms are free to talk to the software developers if any problem arises and gets that fixed.

4.            Software More options: Since the software is developed for a particular business, developers may come forward with a variety of options and innovative ideas to set up software features that may aid in influencing business positively thus increasing its productivity and goodwill.

5.         Software Integration into ongoing processes: One of the essential features of bespoke software is integration. The software can be so developed, such as to incorporate existing systems and databases with no data loss or set back to business, and thus as the company gets bigger the software can be developed in such a way to adapt to meet up the company's requirements.

6.         Software Cost: Since it is the kind of software that is developed to suit business criteria, it is evident to cost more in the beginning. But looking at the company's growth and extensions it is very resourceful and also prevents wastage.

Off-the-shelf software features: 

1.          Software Flexibility: Any task can be settled with such software since they have been built, keeping in mind a wide range of businesses. But with it come a lot of features that are unwanted for a particular business.

2.           Software Functionality: It has been created developed and tested carefully. So, there are fewer chances of complications or errors.

3.           Software Help and support: Since this software is used by a wider business professional, some response teams and help and support systems are available to clarify doubts. But if any doubt remains unclear, one may stay frustrated getting stuck to a problem due to the applicable limit of the software.

4.           Software More options: This software possesses a good number of features as well as resources since good revenue is earned. Support and Maintenance Services are readily available. It is easier to share files with those using the same software. There is no need to spend time on the development process.

5.         Software Integration into ongoing processes: Putting into effect and off- the- shelf package one needs to adapt to it affected by resistance from Associates. It is also a matter of concern as to how the software is going to support future business growth.

6.          Software Cost: Since there are a huge number of buyers the production cost of such software is much less.

Conclusion

To put in a nutshell bespoke software is easier to use but needs higher investment initially whereas off-the-shelf software is a cheaper solution.

So, for any business to consider which suits it best requires evaluating all of the above-mentioned features of both software types.