Customized software (also known as bespoke or tailor-made software) that has been specifically developed for an individual or an organization usually has many advantages, some of which form the subject matter of this blog post and are therefore discussed in detail below.To begin with, a customized or bespoke software application, custom written to meet specific client requirements obviously makes running a business much simpler and more effective, while at the same time eliminating restrictions that would have otherwise hampered its performance. Needless to say that generic off-the-shelf software can never vie for attaining these qualities. However, some of the key advantages of customized software are discussed here for the benefit of the reader.

• Customized software is easy to adopt for the simple reason that it has been developed the way you are supposed to work at your best.
• With customized software, you are always in control whether it involves bringing in changes in customer relationship or implementing new legislature imposed by the local law enforcing body.
• Customized software splendidly matches with your normal working practices, as a result of which you gain better efficiency, lesser supervision check up and of course, fewer errors.
• By automating repetitive tasks routinely, customized software increases productivity while cutting down cost of production in a structural fashion.
• Customized software sets you apart from your competitors by way of providing maximum ROI.
• Customized software can be made to integrate into your current system as of today and of or relating to subsequent system or systems in later years.
• Customized software no doubt gives you a cutting edge proficiency in running your business as it has the requisite components ingrained within it in a methodical form.
• As compared to off-the-shelf software, customized software is more flexible – it can be changed when your business undergoes some change or can be altered if the situation so demands.
• Even though the customized software costs more than off-the-shelf software for serving similar purposes, the investment is often considered an asset since it brings in so many plus points for the business.
• Surprisingly enough, customized software can sometimes cost less, particularly for large number of users. With PSS, you are supposed to pay a one off fee irrespective of the number of users.

Customized Software Development – Onshore or Offshore?

Although the topic is rather disputatious, many believe that getting the software developed offshore in India proves cost effective in many ways. What is more, delivering applications using platform based solutions has become a common practice with most Indian developers. Emerging technologies such as the open source DotNetnuke provides opportunities for overseas customers to leverage on these to jumpstart their Web application development. Added on to these are the capabilities to build application using O/R mapper tools like LLBLGenPro. Oftentimes, DNN modules developed using LLBLGenpro provide clean architecture and code, fast development and an effective offshore partnership.  Nevertheless, there are quite a few problems, too such as:

• Problems relating to working across different time zones, languages and cultures
• In the absence of face-to-face meetings, lack of understanding arises, which in turn leads to poor quality of development
• Processing may take longer than the estimated time schedule and as a result, overseas customer may run the risk of not getting what is actually wanted.

Conclusion

With too much competition among Indian custom software developers, the business outlook in India already appears pretty dim. Added on to the fray are Chinese software developers who appear to have “experience in design, implementation and support for web and desktop applications, web portals, database programming, data modeling and conversion, system integration, e-commerce functionality, content management, user interface improvements, requirement analysis, modification and maintenance to current applications”. What more do you want?