Bespoke software development versus off-the-shelf software - views of Harrogate Apps.

When Harrogate businesses are considering bespoke software development a key question should be whether bespoke software is the best approach or if off-the-shelf software would be a better option assuming a suitable package is available. What exactly are some of the pros and cons of bespoke software development versus off-the-shelf software?

Bespoke software development is when a client asks a software development specialist such as Harrogate Apps to make customised software for them from scratch. Off-the-shelf software instead involves buying one of the existing programs designed by companies who develop software themselves for specific markets or niches.

One example where bespoke software development may be needed would be for Harrogate organisations which have specific business needs that cannot easily be met by a standard software package. For instance, it might take users of an off-the-shelf program too long for to enter data or generate reports depending on how much information there is to process and therefore a bespoke software solution would allow for efficiencies and time-savings that would more than cover the additional cost of having a bespoke software solution developed. A bespoke application being designed for the client is sometimes the only way to solve the client's specific operational issue.

Conversely, bespoke apps and software can be too expensive for some clients, especially when many software programs may be available on the market that may already suit generic every day needs. Bespoke app / software development is not usually cost effective if bespoke is not needed, for example, Harrogate Apps do not receive many requests to build a bespoke Word Processor - excellent versions of this type of software application exist already and can be purchased quite cheaply. However bespoke solutions are highly adaptable and saving costs in terms of bespoke design could outweigh any potential increase in licence fees or internal training. For instance, Excel can be expanded in infinite ways without any limits but at a greater cost considering extra licences will need to be purchased often in large quantities to keep up with demand for new functionalities - if you are doing time-consuming or the same repetitive tasks again and again in an off-the-shelf software application then this can indicate that custom software may be more beneficial than you might think.

Harrogate Apps have found that in many situations bespoke software development can be a cost-effective option.  This is especially the case if the cost of the software / app development can be spread out over a number of months.  Additionally, some open-minded software and app development companies such as Harrogate Apps are happy to heavily discount the cost of their services for a joint venture kind of arrangement with the customer - this kind of arrangement is often very attractive to Harrogate startups and entrpreneurs that need a helping hand to get them launched and supported.

At Harrogate Apps we are used to exploring and understanding the needs of businesses like yours and we can then openly explain what we would do if in your shoes.  Yes we provide app development and bespoke software development services but this is not what we necessarily recommend to the businesses that we consult with, as having a bespoke software system built is not always the best option.  If you are at all unsure and would welcome a friendly yet informed discussion about the needs of your business and the best approach to take regarding whether to use a packaged software solution or a custom software system then why not give me a nudge at Harrogate Apps?