11/7/2019 Custom software development vs.

Generic software development

Custom software development vs.

Generic software development
Iren Korkishko
May 9 · 4 min read

Originally I shared this material as a part of a custom software development handbook on

Syndicode blog.

There I talked about different ways and technologies with the help of which Syndicode
creates outstanding products regardless of the industry and budget. But it is obvious
that some distinctive features of a custom software development vs. generic software
development should be revealed. See how off-the-shelf solutions are different from
custom ones below.

In a nutshell,

Generic software development is being undertaken by the company that owns

the resulting product. Usually, this product has a reliable need in the market over a
period of time and fit for most of the business needs. Software development

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11/7/2019 Custom software development vs. Generic software development

companies develop generic software at own cost and sell it as a product for
customers. Then generic software is ready, set to use and available in the market.

Custom software development is being done as a work-for-hire project for a

particular client (the group of people or another company). The list of
requirements, product’s idea, need and money on development come from the
client/customer. Usually, it takes a lot of time to develop a custom product.

Custom software development vs. Generic software

development
As customized software provides functionalities that meet your business requirements,
it proved to be more useful in comparison to generic software.

One by one, let’s compare the characteristics, requirements, and features of a custom
software development vs. generic one.

Exclusiveness:

Generic software is produced for the open market.

Custom software is a one-of-a-kind solution developed for a particular customer.

Needs and updates:

In generic software, updates to be done according to a particular plan (defined by the

market needs). A generic software product is made according to future updates.

For custom software, changes are done when the customer needs them. Customer’s
requirement can be fulfilled whenever the customer asks for it. Custom software is
made according to the time, the budget and the needs defined by the client.

Control:

The major difference between a generic software product and a custom software
product is the control over the development process.

If we talk about generic software — its development is controlled by the development

agency. Despite the fact that the client acquires a license to use the software, its owner
(development agency) can always make some changes and remove some features
useful for the client.
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The custom software development is controlled by customer/client. Only the customer

decides what to do with the product.

Development cost:

Custom software development (tailor-made software) may cost a fortune, as the

customer gets a unique product. But a competitive advantage the customer acquires
may overweight heavy investments.

A generic software (off-the-shelf) is usually affordable. But there are might be some
hidden costs. For example, extra costs you can pay to implement this software and set it
up.

Number of functions:

Off-the-shelf software typically includes as many functions as possible because of its

wide usage. For this reason, these functions are made quite simple. But, at the same
time, you will hardly ever use even half of these functions.

Custom software is focused on the features the customer needs. It is less user-friendly
than generic software. But for a specific type of users (it is made for) — it should be
obvious how to deal with this custom software.

Functionality:

Generic software has functionality designed to solve a particular problem for many
entities in that vertical.

Custom software has functionality made to solve a problem for a specific entity.

Architecture:

Generic software should be highly scalable. Product may need to pivot during lifecycle
as per the business needs of the development company.

Custom software architecture needs to be balanced between scalability and current

client’s requirements.

Quality:

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Generic software product quality is not the main parameter a development company
follows. If the company will delay the release in order to refine some features and set
up better characteristics — these actions may lead to loss of market share. That’s why
quality is not the priority for generic software.

Custom software product, in contrast, should have the best quality to impact client’s
revenue and progress. The quality parameters for custom software will be proportional
to what impact they should have on the customer’s company.

By the way, to be successful you have to embrace new technologies and hacks available
nowadays. Do you want to know what innovations can grow your business and save
money?

In the end, remember, if you go with the right dedicated development partner, you can
achieve cost-effective services and a timely deployment with dependable support. You
will get upgrades when you need them and get the user satisfaction you desire.

Thanks for reading!

Software Development Custom Software Generic Software Business Startup

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