Software as a service (SaaS) is a growing industry. Finding the right software solution for your company can be challenging as there are many factors to be taken into account throughout the selection process. Software development is split into two categories: packaged and custom. Perhaps the biggest challenge is whether you should use custom software or off-the-shelf, i.e. ready-made software. But what do we mean by each of these terms?  

In this article, we will see the differences between packaged software and custom software, to help you make the choice that best suits your needs. Let’s take a look. 

The difference between Packaged Software vs Custom Software Development

To begin with, it is essential to clarify what the concepts of “packaged” and “custom” mean.  

When we talk about “packaged” software we are referring to something that we can either buy or download, i.e. accessible to everyone since we can simply purchase it or have it downloaded. Packaged software will offer you the exact same functions as any other company or person who uses it, but it can’t be modified or altered even if there is a need.

Custom software, on the other hand, will be made just for you. In other words, it will be completely personalized to your needs and will have unique features since such criteria will have been specifically designed for you or your company. 

Each option has its strengths and weaknesses, so you have to compare each of them carefully according to your company’s needs. 

Top 5 advantages of custom software development

1. Tailored just for you 

Tailor-made software is customized to meet your needs. It is specifically designed to resolve any type of situation you may have.  

2. Scalability 

Your technologies should evolve in sync with your business. Custom software, unlike packaged software, is built to scale with your company’s growth. It’s possible that a prepackaged solution that performs well now won’t work in the future. 

3. Competitive advantage 

Custom software offers a competitive advantage over your peers as it is something they don’t have and can’t have since it is designed only for you. 

4. Full support 

Custom software means specialized support. Custom software offers more in-depth training and longer personalized support which can help your company address any issues encountered with the software. 

5. Cost-Effective 

With custom software, you are only paying for the functions you need, you don’t have to pay for the ones you don’t use, meaning there are no wasted features. 

Key points when choosing a software development partner

We know that choosing a software development partner is not an easy decision. You need to deeply explore each of the custom and packaged software to determine which one is the best fit for you.

Here are a few essential points for you to have in mind. 

Start by asking yourself what are your needs? What problem are you trying to solve? Why are you looking for a software solution? Examining your reasons can help you know if your needs are unique or rather common. Keep in mind that custom software is able to solve almost any problem you may have.  

You need to know that the packaged software option may be suitable for you if your company has fairly simple or very general needs. Packaged software is designed so that everyone can make use of it in the same way. However, you or your company must have the flexibility to adapt your processes to what the software offers. 

On the other hand, custom software development may be more suitable for you if you need a solution that meets your company’s specific needs, it will be designed exactly to what you require, something you can’t have with packaged software.  

We’re here for you

As a software development company, we help your business reach its goals  
with a custom software solution. At Applaudo Studios, customization is at the core of our company.  

We create high-end tailor-made software solutions providing a wide range of software development services designed exactly for the goals and needs of your business, that perfectly blend with the market’s demand.