Custom application development is the process of developing and deploying well-known software applications designed for specific users. For example many schools allow students to create their own custom websites that can be used by healthcare providers and businesses for a variety of purposes for their patients and employees. The most well-known and widely used custom software is the Uber ride-hailing application the Netflix video streaming platform and Apples iOS software. The custom implementation process is often done in-house by developers or outsourced to a third party. Similar processes and methods apply to off-the-shelf applications but with a much narrower focus. The rise of low-code development platforms has allowed citizen developers to build these types of applications instead of building programs from scratch with code. A low-code development platform reduces reliance on dedicated developers reduces production time and cost and increases developer efficiency.
What are the benefits of custom application development?
1. It’s tailor-made
The most obvious advantage of custom app development is that unlike standard software the apps you build are tailored to your businesss exact needs. This means that all your needs will be met saving you time effort and money in the long run.
2. It’s adaptable
Custom applications can be customized over time to meet your companys current and future needs. In contrast commercial software is at the mercy of developers who cannot update or improve the software to their satisfaction. You can use your own developers or knowledge to tweak the software to fix problems and changes yourself.
3. It’s compatible
Businesses tend to use a variety of software in their operations which can cause compatibility issues. Custom app development helps circumvent this problem by ensuring that the apps you create are compatible with other tools your company uses thereby increasing efficiency. Additionally custom software development can often create workflows that span multiple applications increasing efficiency and reducing user errors.
4. It’s more secure
Uncommon software is more vulnerable to hackers because it is used by many businesses and is available to everyone. As a result the hacker is familiar with the code of the particular program which makes the penetration easier. Moreover the possibility of access to the data of various businesses is very attractive for cybercriminals. Custom built applications are more difficult to hack because they are only used within the company with a potentially added level of security that makes them less attractive as a data source for any hacker.
5. It’s your IP
Using unusual software puts your data at risk of being controlled by others. If you dont read the fine print you may find yourself learning that your data is actually controlled by the company that produced the software. You have no say if the developer of the program decides to change it. Compare this to your own custom software – you own the intellectual property rights to it and can continue to use it regardless of what other companies or private developers want to do with it.
6. It’s easy to use
Understanding a new program is always difficult but much more time consuming and confusing if its not customized for your business. Each person needs to be educated about it and for software containing higher levels of information (such as databases) it becomes much more difficult to guide someone without experience in the field to use it. . Take for example a sales representative who wants to access data from a database. Using the data may require the assistance of a data expert for a long time. Custom applications can ignore this by using friendly language to describe user requirements and expose them to all stakeholders not just experts.
7. It’s automated
We touched on operations briefly before but they should be highlighted as they are a very important part of business efficiency. Automate more manual and repetitive application development tasks while saving time and freeing up your employees to perform important tasks only humans can do. Whether its sending emails or moving data automatically special software can eliminate tedious tasks and make your business more efficient.
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