Which features are important? What should you be focused on before making your final decision which: Off-the-shelf or Bespoke software? We present several pros and cons for both options that may help you to choose.
5. PROS of Off-the-Shelf Software
Usually the starting price is lower than a bespoke solution
Tends to be feature-rich, more resources can be dedicated to its development
Standardised maintenance service and support
Support literature is widely available
6. CONS of Off-the-Shelf Software
You have very little influence over the software development
You will most likely need to change your processes to meet the requirements of the software
Off-the-shelf software is complex as it tries to fit in requirements from all clients, hence you will probably use only about 20% of its facilities
You can be at mercy of a large organisation who may not care about your individual needs
7. PROS of Bespoke Software
Designed to meet your requirements and functions exactly as you expect
Quality support - you can contact the development team directly
You will have a unique solution that gives you an advantage over your competitors
Bespoke software will be compatible with software that you already use
8. CONS of Bespoke Software
You will be a single investor. Its cost will be higher than off-the-shelf software
There is a risk that you can choose an
inexperienced or unprofessional development team
If you do not own the source code, you will be dependent on your developers
11. โฆ show us that the following industries should choose off-the-shelf software
Smaller companies 5-10 users โ costs per licence of off-the-shelf software can be lower
Businesses with standard processes that do not require any special work flow
12. Companies that should look at having a bespoke solution
Companies with over 10 users, as for them it will be cheaper to use a customised solution
Companies looking for strong and specialised systems that give them an advantage over the competition
If your business is unique or offers very specialised products and services
13. The more complex your product or service the more you are likely to need specialised bespoke software.
The creation of decent applications as a collaboration between the customer and the software developer is still very much in demand.