Application software, also known as apps, are computer programs that perform specific functions for personal or business use. There are many types of application software including word processors, spreadsheets, databases, graphics software, presentation software, web browsers, and more. Application software can improve productivity, efficiency, and decision making. They are available in different models such as freeware, shareware, open source, and closed source. Businesses benefit from application software through improved customer service, data security, flexibility, and productivity. The cost of developing an application depends on its functionality, platforms, integrations, and other factors.
2. Introduction
Application software or ‘app’ in short has
become a part of our day-to- day life and
there are many software for each of your
requirements. From Microsoft office suite of
products to Google applications, Facebook,
WhatsApp, Netflix... and what not...There is
a lot of applications to meet our personal and
professional needs- Just in your fingertips.
3. What is application software ?
• Application software is a computer program that performs a specific
function, be it educational, personal, or business.
• For instance, Word processing software can be used to edit, save, and print
documents. Similarly, MS PowerPoint and Google slides designed specifically
for making presentations. All the apps that we use on our smartphones are
other examples of application software
4. Types of application software used in businesses
Choosing the right application software for personal or professional
use can improve function and efficiency, save cost, time, and resources,
enhance productivity, and improve decision-making
Check which one is fit for you :-
• Word processors
• Graphics software
• Database software
• Spreadsheet software
• Presentation software
• Web browsers
• Enterprise software
5. While the list of application software is more exhaustive than this, we
have tried to detail a few of the important types of application software
below :
PRESENTATION SOFTWARE
This type of application software lets you to
represent your thoughts and ideas with ease
and clarity by using visual information. It
displays the information in the form of
slides. It has three components:
• Text editor to input and format text
• Insert graphics, text, video, and
multimedia files
• Slideshow to display the information
WEB BROWSERS
Web browsers are application software used
to browse the internet retrieving data from
web. The most popular web browsers are
Google, Internet Explorer, Yahoo, Firefox,
MS Edge, Safari, etc.
6. MULTIMEDIA PROGRAMS
Multimedia programs or multimedia
application software lets you to create or
record images, audio, video files. This
software is widely used in animation, graphics,
image, and video editing. Eg: VLC media
player, Picasa, KM player etc.
EDUCATIONAL/REFERENCE
SOFTWARE
These types of softwares are, also termed as
academic software, which is designed to
facilitate learning a particular subject. TED,
Coursera, Udemy etc
GRAPHICS SOFTWARE
Graphics application software allows you to
manipulate visual data or images. Adobe
Photoshop and snapseed are a few examples of
graphics software.
SPREADSHEET SOFTWARE
Spreadsheet is used to perform calculations. In
this software, data is stored in a table format.
Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets are examples
of spreadsheet software.
7. DATABASE SOFTWARE
Database is used to create and manage a
database. Also known as a DBMS, it helps
you organize your data. So, when you run an
application, data is fetched from the database,
modified, and is stored back in the database.
Eg:- Oracle, MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server,
PostgreSQL, MongoDB
WORD PROCESSING SOFTWARE
Word processing software can be used to edit,
save, and print documents. Examples include
G Doc and Microsoft Word Doc.
8. TYPES OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE BASED ON SHAREABILITY AND
AVAILABILITY
Freeware
Free download is available & can use the software
without paying any fee. But it is not allowed for
any modification Eg: Adobe PDF, Mozilla Firefox,
and Google Chrome etc.
Shareware
This kind of software is available on free of cost
on a short period of time. The users are expected
to pay if they want to continue to use application.
Eg: WinZip, SnapTouch, and Adobe Acrobat.
Open source
Open source software is available along with the source
code that allows you to modify the software, and even
add features to the software. These could either be free
or paid. Gimp, PHP, Blender are examples
Closed source
Most of the application software that we use falls under
this category. These are usually payable and have
intellectual property rights or patents over the source
code. It comes with restricted use. Eg: Microsoft
Windows, Adobe Flash Player, WinRAR, mac OS, etc
Application software can also be classified based on their shareability and availability.
Some such categories are:
9. FUNCTIONS OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Application software programs are designed to facilitate a large number of functions. Some of these include:
• Management of data and information
• Creation and management of Visuals and video
• Emails, text messengers, audio and video chats
• Accounting, finance, and payroll management
• Resource management (ERP and CRM systems)
• HR management
• Business process management
• Educational software (LMS and e-learning systems)
• Healthcare application software
10. BUSINESS BENEFITS
OF APPLICATION
SOFTWARE
1. Improved customer service and
satisfaction
2. Robust data security
3. More flexibility
4. Improved productivity
5. Authority in decision-making
11. THE COST OF
APPLICATION SOFTWARE
DEVELOPMENT
It is difficult to determine an exact cost for development
of an application software since many factors influence
it. However, our experts can get back to you with a
ballpark estimate According to your needs, By
considering:
• Functionality, scope, features, and purpose of the
application software
• Platforms and devices supported
• Third-party integrations required
• Type of application: web, native, cross-platform,
hybrid, etc.
• Back-end development
• Hardware components and compatibility
• Complexity of the application
• Maintenance and support requirements
12. DEVELOP YOUR APPLICATION WITH
‘FINGENT’
The importance of custom software development is increasing as
the digital platform increases.Fingent is there for all your needs
To get a glance visit:
https://www.fingent.com//blog/a-detailed-guide-to-types-of-soft
ware-applications/