Top Five Benefits of Custom Software

June 13, 2023

Custom software is fragile, expensive and prone to breaking. At least that’s what people used to say. Are they still saying it? Not so much. We’ll cover the top five benefits of custom software but first let’s discuss how we got here from there.

Build vs. Buy

As long as there’s been software there’s been the debate of Build vs. Buy. In many scenarios, commercial off-the-shelf software is just fine; especially when it comes to commodity software like word processing and email. After all, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. However there are other scenarios where benefits of custom software are clear.

Sometimes building custom software might be the right choice. If the software provides a key business advantage, and if the available commercial options aren’t a good fit or are prohibitively expensive, or if commercial software doesn’t support a required integration, then building custom software might make sense. In the pre-cloud, and pre-low-code, days, it had to really, really make sense. This was often because of the cost of development and lack of standard APIs (which also drove the cost of development).

Today, with the wide-spread adoption of cloud computing and growing adoption of low-code platforms, custom software isn’t only accepted but is often encouraged through programs like citizen development. More and more people, with less and less technical ability, are able to build their own applications to meet their business needs; whether it’s a simple app for an individual, a more complex corporate solution, or something inbetween.. Low-code cloud platforms have lowered the overall project cost while accelerating the entire development process.

The phrase custom software is now seen as a sign of innovation, productivity and cost savings, rather than being met with objections and trepidation.

Here are some reasons why you might want to consider using custom software instead of commercial software:

Top Five Benefits of Custom Software:

1. Tailored to Your Needs

Custom software is designed specifically to meet the unique needs and requirements of your business, while commercial software is developed for a broad range of users. With custom software, you have complete control over the features, functionality, and user interface, so you can create a solution that is tailor-made to your business needs.

2. Scalability

Custom software can be designed to be highly scalable, which means it can grow and evolve with your business as your needs change over time. You won’t have to worry about outgrowing the capabilities of commercial software or being forced to switch to a new platform when your business expands.

3. Integrations

Custom software can be seamlessly integrated with your existing systems and processes, which can help improve workflow and increase efficiency. Commercial software may not always be compatible with your existing systems, or may require additional plugins or modifications to work properly.

4. Security

Custom software can be designed with security in mind, which can help protect your business from data breaches and other security threats. With commercial software, you may not have as much control over the security features, leaving your business more vulnerable to cyberattacks.

5. Cost

While custom software can be more expensive up front, it can ultimately be more cost-effective over the long term. Commercial software often forces you to buy an entire suite even if you only need 80% of the features. Custom software can be maintained and updated in-house, potentially saving your business money in the long run.

When choosing to build your own custom software, a cloud-based low-code platform is a good option to get started quickly and to maintain that momentum going forward. It’s important to evaluate low-code platforms to ensure they meet your needs concerning scalability, security, ability to integrate, etc.

Ultimately, the decision to use custom software or commercial software depends on your specific needs and budget. It’s important to carefully evaluate your options and choose the solution that best fits your business requirements.

Convinced of the benefits of custom software? Ready to start your next custom software project? The Appivo low-code platform is perfect for both web and mobile applications. Sign up for an Appivo free trial today or contact an Appivo solution advisor to learn more.

Not convinced of the benefits of custom software yet? Read what McKinsey & Company has to say about how software excellence fuels business performance.