What Is the Difference Between General-Purpose Software and Customized Software?

Faced with the necessity of software development most business people have poor insights into what model to choose. However, we know how to get it right and help you understand some aspects deeper. So, the first step you need to take is to analyze the specifics of each solution and figure out what kind of software your business needs. Let’s get it straightened out!

General-purpose software

In other words, this software performs common tasks for the business, but not for specific purposes. General-purpose software relates to standard processes in business companies. In most cases, this software meets certain requirements and is suitable for most companies. (For example, a universal accounting solution or sales automation software). General-purpose software allows users to perform different tasks in the same workspace (one application) saving time and money.

Examples of general-purpose software

• Word processing application;
• Database application;
• Supply Chain Management Software;
• Presentation software;
• Desktop Publishing Software.

Main features of general-purpose software

Easy-to-use software

Software installation isn’t a time-consuming process. Moreover, coherent and easy to read user guidelines allow you to do it without extensive efforts.

Budget development

Buying general-purpose software is more cost-effective than developing a tailor-made one. But if you plan to expand your business, then a unique solution according to business requirements will be a wise choice. Modifying an existing solution and adding new features can become a challenging and resource-consuming task.

Easily available solutions

General-purpose software is easily available as a multitude of users can work in one application simultaneously. As all files are saved in the system automatically, your team has access to files from anywhere via an Internet connection.

Customized software

Imagine that you are developing a system or platform that should be tailored to your specific customers’ needs. If a product is not limited by settings, but it is necessary to modify or add basic functionality, you have to conduct a parallel development.

Customized software is an individual solution for a specific business, depending on the customer’s needs. This software development is crucial when the customer’s business needs more to achieve success. This covers expanding the main functionality or creating a unique solution for daily tasks. It gives a special advantage because the application is compliant with the competitive requirements of the company and strengthens the work of each separate department including financial, marketing, sales department, etc.

In simple terms, customized software is designed for a wide range of tasks depending on the business model. For example, some products are aimed at performing one specific business task. A customized solution can include several modules, each responsible for a specific field and adapted to the client’s needs.

Examples of customized software

• BPAs (Business Process Automation Systems);
• CRMs (Customer Relationship Management Systems);
• E-commerce software solutions;
• Data Management tools;
• Customer portals.

Main features of customized software

Personalized approach

As business is constantly growing, it requires additional modifications. They are rather hard to implement while having chosen a general-purpose software recently as it is not flexible enough. In this case, the professional team helps create a highly optimized and unique business solution according to the requirements.

Cost-effectiveness

Ready built software needs standing costs. By developing a customized solution, you get a wide range of functions and operate on a complete program pack in one product. Expenses for additional functionality are excluded. In this case, the return on investment gives a better result than the general-purpose solution.

No excess functions

As a rule, the development of such a product requires a deep analysis of your business. The modular structure allows you to compose a set of functions suitable for your departments’ work. Thus, you pay only for what your business needs. Moreover, the software flexibility allows you to expand the functionality with new extra features at any time.

Reliable security

When buying a universal solution, be prepared that this software is more vulnerable to hacking. Moreover, the availability of multiple users increases the level of system hacking and data leakage). Individually designed software is used only by your team, and the likelihood of intrusion is minimized. Hackers prefer cracking universal software because it is easier for them to know its vulnerabilities than to spend time studying the customized one.

Software development allows you to use the latest techniques to meet your business needs. The choice of a specific software product model depends on your business specs. General-purpose solutions cover a set of the most common functions. The tailor-made one allows you to stand out for the individual approach for business processes and tasks.

If you are looking for such a solution or have fresh ideas, our team is ready to develop an individual, high-quality and reliable comprehensive product for you!