Custom Software Development: Definition, Processes & Stages To Know

comprehensive guide on custom software development

A Brief History

Custom software development has come a long way ever since its primitive era in the mid-90s. During the late 60s and early 85s, the custom application development industry was in a great crisis. Many custom application development projects had run over their budget as well as schedule. The software business operations lacked the competitive edge it does now. Hence, software development services were at a significant loss since they failed to provide a meaningful solution in time and under budget. 

The main reason for this liability was the rigidity of the custom application development procedure and a lack of security. Hence, any organization needing an application solution had to think twice about the help of technology. 

Even in the 2000s, custom apps development was an enormous task for the management and developers as the developers didn’t have any help from technology libraries or frameworks. They had to build their applications from scratch. Hence, the development team didn’t have the cutting edge tool for software development solutions. So, the end custom application solutions would be dull but costly, sometimes even if you provide them with enough time to work on only one design.

custom software development

Introduction

Over time, custom application development methodologies frequently changed for the better. People started to develop new scientific methods to make quality and robust applications. Although it took a lot of time for software solutions to initially meet the client’s need, it eventually took off like a rocket. At present, thousands of companies make lightweight and dynamic websites according to their clients’ needs.

Custom Software Development refers to the system of creating a tailored made application for any individual or company.  It’s not about just building it, though; it also involves constant maintenance over a while. An example of custom-made app development is Amazon E-commerce Application.

Commercial off-the-shelf software (COTS), on the other hand, is a different concept than custom software development services. It focuses on a broader prospect than CSD and aims for a more general business purpose. An example of a COTS solution is Microsoft Office Package.

introduction to custom software development

Why do you need Custom Software Development?

Custom Software is essential to meet intricate designs that a COTS can’t meet. It gives product owners the ability to visualize their thought processes and make a profit. 

Let’s look at an example of banking systems. At present, most banks have their own customized mobile banking software applications.

Each application meets the demands of its parent company. If any bank has an inferior software system, its brand image suffers. Thus, it may lose its customers to other banks. 

Five advantages of Custom Software Application Services

Detail Orientation: 

One of the most significant advantages of robust custom applications is detail orientation. The project’s custom modification allows developers to handle client’s minute UI/UX details with ease.

detailed orientation advantage of software development

Unorthodox Software Development: 

Let’s take an example of Facebook in its early years. It was only possible to build this type of eccentric application back in the day due to the customized procedure and system.

orthodox software development

Profitability: 

You can license your application and sell it to others for a profit. Any business and individual user not wanting to waste more time on small software solutions can buy one within their budget.  At present, you can also charge other business applications and services for your product API. An API is similar to a database where developers keep the data of every user.

money

Scalability:

It is easier to scale a custom-built application. Software development vendors can integrate more features into the existing application without any additional costs for licensing. 

scalability

Security: 

You can build and add custom security to protect your applications from potential hackers. Your systems might have unwanted bugs that remain undetected in the testing stages. So, you might want to find any remaining faults and protect your data.

security

What does a  software development company do?

Software development companies are companies that specialize in making software solutions for your business requirements. They provide custom shelf software solution services for your product requirement.

An example of an app development company is Wolfmatrix. We design and develop applications for mobile and web-based on your unique business requirements. If you need any help regarding tech support, you can contact us at in**@wo*******.com.

what does software development company do

Key to Effective Custom Application Development Processes

Regardless of which method you use, you always come across the same software development life cycle known as SDLC. They are :

Custom Software Planning 

Software Planning is the first step of an SDLC operation. It involves knowing all the technical requirements of clients and documenting all of them. A typical planning process includes the following:

  • Acquiring information about unique business product requirements
  • Documentation of the technical specifications of a software project by a custom software development company. 
  • Estimation of the cost of custom software development service
  • Assignment of the application development team
  • Assignment of a project manager to carry out the management tasks
  • Choosing programming languages and technology needs.
  • Assignment of senior front-end and back-end developers
  • Appointment of a lead QA for the software project
  • Selection of an app support team for the custom software product
custom software plan

Design 

The next step in custom application development is the design phase. The design team makes a cutting-edge layout for the whole application. At present, SEO has become a crucial factor for companies and the development team. So, design solutions for customized software are occasionally based upon unique business SEO needs.

custom software design

Implementation

Then, the developers at the software development company start implementing the design. The implementation takes place on a small scale at first.  Developers build small parts of the whole application, initially called modules. Then, they continue building larger modules by integrating the small application modules. 

Front-end developers develop the UI/UX and design parts mainly, and back-end developers deal with data and information in the whole project.

implementation

Testing 

Quality Testing gives you a competitive advantage while building a custom solution. Corporate applications are usually complex and need a large project team. The project team works with time deadlines to meet the project requirements. So, it is essential to test applications and see whether they meet project requirements or not. It is also equally important to see if users are gaining quality user experiences or not.

testing

Deployment

After all the build requirements are complete, the product management team must deploy the customer’s bespoke application. The company issues “rights reserved” for the software solutions of the project. Project managers with a lot of experience can quickly know the server needs for their application solutions.

deployment

Maintenance 

Depending upon the application development budget and cost requirements, management provides requirements for the maintenance services. Companies usually work with the same application management team to gain a competitive advantage. Since the developers already know customer needs, tech, and management well enough, they can work on newer designs without additional support.

maintenance

These processes are executed differently in each method. Here, we look at some of the few techniques and practices essential to complete the above-mentioned tasks.

Six Most Essential Methodologies in Software Development

Waterfall Model

 Waterfall Model is one of the earliest known app development lifecycles. Since it has a linear sequence, on occasion, it is known as the linear-sequential life cycle model. The name waterfall implies that the product development moves to the next stage once an initial phase completes. It cannot revert to the initial step.  Hence, this model is not flexible and was replaced by the Iterative model.

Iterative Model 

The iterative model is the second known SDLC model. In this model, the SDLC process is divided into iterations. In the initial iteration, you can build a product with some specifications in the first version. If you need to add any additional features or change them, you customize the first version product in the second iteration. 

Spiral Model 

Barry Boehm first mentioned the Spiral Model in his 1986 paper “A Spiral Model of Software Development and Enhancement.” It is a combination of iterative and waterfall SDLC methods. It was mainly designed to reduce the risks in the application development phase.

V model 

In this method, you execute the development activities sequentially in a V-shape. Every development phase associates itself with testing criteria. The next step of development starts only after the completion of its previous stage. 

Agile Methodology

It is still one of the most popular SDLC methods used in the present time. It focuses on adaptation and customer experience. In this method, various tasks are assigned to different team members simultaneously. The tasks are completed in a limited time frame called sprints.

DevOps

DevOps is an advanced development methodology that combines IT operations and the application development process. It aims to provide continuous delivery through continuous, seamless integration. Jenkins, Docker, etc., are some of the famous DevOps tools.

Five most common Programming Languages

most common programming languages

React

React is a javascript framework that focuses on the front end of an app. In a programming world, the front end refers to the UI/UX part (something that the users see and experience.) It is developed and maintained by Facebook.

Django 

Django is a framework of python programming language. At present, python has gained a significant rise in popularity. The reason for its popularity is due to its straightforward approach to coding methods. It is comparatively easier to learn for beginners.

Firebase

Firebase is a backend platform of Google that helps you to develop high-quality applications. It can support web applications as well as mobile applications.

MySQL

MySQL is a structured database that creates and stores data. It is used along with another programming language in app development. The combination of both is known as the backend of an application.

Nodejs

Nodejs is another famous backend programming language. It is comparatively more comfortable to use than PHP. Some of the most common Nodejs frameworks are Express, Koa, etc.

Why choose Wolfmatrix for a custom application development service?

App development is a complicated procedure that requires immense technological and communication skills. Wolfmatrix has a team of expert developer who possesses hands-on experience and knows their work on the back of their heads. Their in-depth understanding of innovative approaches means that they can solve problems through a scientific approach. It leads to cost-effective solutions and timely delivery to the clients.

Final Thoughts

thought on custom software developemnt

If you are looking for a software development company to develop your product, think before you rush into any company.  My best advice is to research the company you want to work with about their level of service, their in-house team, and relevant experiences. Almost every established software development agency has a list of case studies on its website. Look at the company profile of clients they have worked with. Are they progressive? Does their idea excite you?  Decent clients only work with a well-run company with a deep understanding of modern development methodologies and business processes. If the company has a decent list of clients, it usually means they are good at their work. Bespoke software development is an expensive software endeavour compared to off-the-shelf software, but the entire business process can profit from its long-term benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Software Development

What is custom build software?

Custom build software is a type of software developed with the defined set of requirements for a specific set of users, functions or organizations, unlike commercial off-the-shelf software.

What are the examples of custom software?

Some of the examples of custom software are Custom relationship management(CRM), Automated invoicing, Content management system(CMS), Bug tracking software and E-commerce software solutions. 

What is the difference between custom-written and customized software?

Customized software is developed specifically to address the specific needs and requirements of the user. But custom-written software is a general-purpose software and can be purchased already developed.

Customized software is tailored to meet the business needs but custom-written software needs your business to adjust accordingly to the software capabilities.

 

 

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