Bespoke software vs off-the-shelf software. what to choose?

What is Bespoke Software?

Made for the needs of the customer from scratch, bespoke software solutions are always unique and specialized. It adapts to your existing business processes. There are no equivalents. Its interface is tailored specifically for the workers and clients of a particular business. All bespoke software functions and tools are used to their full extent/capacity % - nothing odd, just useful. Of course, such bespoke software allows you to work most effectively.

Moreover, this type of software belongs only to your company. This means you can add and remove features. If necessary, it is always possible to develop a bespoke software solution according to the business requirements.

The bespoke software development ensures total control over any changes and absolute independence from third parties. Amazon, Uber, Netflix, McDonald's, Google go bespoke.

Impressed? Before making a final choice on bespoke software development, let's review its counterpart - off the shelf software.

What is off the shelf software?

Off-the-shelf means that the software is ready from the very beginning. It is not unique. Off-the-shelf solutions are universal. They suit everyone. This kind of software is developed to cover different functions and approaches for diverse businesses. Off-the-shelf software offers a comprehensive set of features to streamline operations of any enterprise type.

Indeed, You can also try to adjust them for yourself just like we adaptSkype, Microsoft Office Suite, SAP, Oracle.

Both of these options have their pros and cons. Let's figure them out.

Bespoke Software Pros and Cons

Here we look at the pros and cons of bespoke.

PROS:

• Tailor-made. All applications easily adjust to business processes, and not vice versa. Tailor-made software is convenient in its design, so employees will quickly get used to it, and you will save time and effort spent on learning to use the new software. Apart from the necessary functions, bespoke software will have fewer errors and time spent at work.
• Autonomous. With bespoke software, you don't have to worry that some features will cease to operate. The software owner can sunset it anytime. But this is not the case with bespoke - you are the sole owner of the software, and no one will take it away.
• Competitive. Your direct competitors are likely to use the same software unless yours is bespoke. With it, you decide how your software will look and work, and thus you can make the best deal on the market. For example, you can make it more client-oriented, while your competitors use ready-made software with limitations.
• Flexible. You decide what and when you need to change your software. Bespoke software presupposes enough control to add, change, remove functions, and adjust to your new business needs. Moreover, you do not need to migrate your software - transfer work data to a new platform. You can simply expand yours on an existing platform.
• Cost-effective. You do not need to pay to extend the access to the application (as it often happens with off-shelf solutions). Also, you do not have to pay for additional functions that you may need in your work.

CONS:

• Expensive. You will need to pay for the development costs. Depending on your needs, the price can vary from medium to very high. The initial price will be greater than any monthly subscription. Facing this, businesses often do it gradually. They adopt only the most necessary functions at first. Moreover, you will most likely save in the long term. To check it, you can compare your software's cost and the subscription software cost for the duration you plan to use.
• Time-consuming. Bespoke software requires some time and effort. First, you have to develop a project, outline the desired functions, budget, and deadlines. The planning stage usually takes a whole week. After that comes development and implementation itself, here timeframes may vary - averaging from 3 months. For a more precise estimate, talk to us about your project. Feel free to leave your contacts and your question, and our specialists will reach out to you as soon as possible.

original here https://www.zfort.com/blog/bespoke-software-vs-off-the-shelf-software