Custom software is designed exclusively for a specific organization and is not intended for use by other organizations. It is desirable when existing software packages cannot meet the entity’s needs. Custom software can be developed in-house or outsourced and goes through several revisions before being installed and managed by an IT team. Examples include software for manufacturing processes and private communication networks for governments.
Sometimes known as bespoke software, custom software is any type of software designed for the exclusive use of a particular organization. This approach is slightly different from custom software, which is essentially an adaptation of an existing software product intended for general use. With custom software, the idea is to create something new and unique that meets specific needs with a specific organization and is not intended to be adapted for use by other organizations. This form of software product is desirable when the nature of the business or other entity is highly specialized and there are no existing software packages that can adequately address the entity’s needs.
One of the best examples of custom software has to do with products designed for use in an enterprise environment. For example, a manufacturer may commission the creation and development of software that drives all automated functions associated with the manufacturing process. The program will be written in such a way as to ensure that each step is performed within a specific sequence and includes guarantees that business programmers can use when and as needed.
Governments also sometimes develop custom software that helps create private communication networks, establish links between different departments within the government structure, and allow key data to be shared between government entities with some level of security clearance. As is true with most types of custom software packages, the software is considered proprietary and may not be used by any entity outside the governmental structure. This feature often makes the process of trying to break the security measures inherent in software programming more difficult and thus serves to protect the data shared via the software function.
Creating custom software can be handled by programmers who are full-fledged employees of the company, government agency, or other type of organization. There are also independent programmers who contract with customers to create a custom package. Whether managed in-house or outsourced, the process usually begins with defining what the software should do, creating a basic operational plan, writing the first prototype, and beta testing this prototype. Over time, the prototype goes through several revisions as tests identify any issues that affect the efficient operation of the software. Once the final product is delivered and installed, custom software is usually placed under the management of an IT team who ensure that the software continues to perform to specification.
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