If your business is looking to add new software systems to its network, the first question to ask is whether to buy an “off-the-shelf” solution or contract with a vendor to build a custom platform. Custom software is a powerful advantage for many businesses, but it’s not the right choice for everybody. The same goes for off-the-shelf software — it’s not right for some companies, but for many, it’s the perfect fit. So, what’s the right move for your business? Consider the process of buying a suit.
When you’re in the market for a new suit, you have two options: buy one in a store or have one custom made. The ones you can buy off the rack are designed for the average human figure and, while they may need a few modifications, they generally fit quite well. They’re convenient, too: you can see the material, the style, the color and texture, and how it looks on you before you purchase.
If you order a custom suit from a tailor, on the other hand, you step into terra incognita. While you discuss the design, materials, and desired look and fit beforehand, you’re relying on the tailor’s expertise to bring your vision to life. And once the suit is made, there won’t be much you can do to change it, even if you don’t like it.
My best suits have been bought off-the-shelf, and the few times I tried having custom ones made, I ended up with expensive suits I didn’t like much and rarely wore. And this experience is a good illustration of why custom software — like custom suits — aren’t for everybody. Let’s look at a few of the risks associated with custom software that might indicate it isn’t the right choice for your business.
Finding a Trusted Software Development Firm
When you’re in the market for a custom suit, you look for a tailor you trust, who understands your vision. In software, the tailor is the developer. Due to the declining standards in the ever-more-crowded industry, there are far too many developers out there who claim to be great “tailors” when, in reality, the poor quality of their work poses a serious problem for any business looking to use custom software as the cornerstone of growth.
Evolution
The software development industry has been changing rapidly due to the introduction of new technologies such as machine learning and blockchain. Economies, jobs, and personal lives are becoming increasingly more digital, more connected, and more automated. Waves of innovation build over time, powering the technology-driven-growth engine that appears to be on the cusp of another major leap forward. Emerging technologies are changing the way we work and interact with others, revolutionizing the way we do business, and making high-tech approaches an integral part of our lives.
The software development industry has been changing rapidly due to the introduction of new technologies such as machine learning and blockchain. Economies, jobs, and personal lives are becoming increasingly more digital, more connected, and more automated. Waves of innovation build over time, powering the technology-driven-growth engine that appears to be on the cusp of another major leap forward.
Emerging technologies are changing the way we work and interact with others, revolutionizing the way we do business, and making high-tech approaches an integral part of our lives. That is why we want to share some of the insights from our experienced engineering team regarding the current software engineering trends that dominate the industry today. Let’s see what they are, how they impact the world of business, and how you can adapt to get the utmost value from these innovations.
