What is the lifespan of Bespoke Software?

What is Bespoke Software?

Bespoke Software or Custom /Tailored Software is a tool used by companies to cater to their specific needs. Bespoke software solutions are created to solve certain requirements for a business; it allows the company to create a workflow which will support their internal processes. This will speed up the company’s growth whilst focusing on its USPs (Unique Selling Points).

Off-the-shelf Software:

Off-the-shelf software or commercial software is a solution that has been developed for a mass market. Designed for a broad range of customers, they offer a wide selection of basic features to streamline operations. Businesses may use this as opposed to bespoke software to save costs. Another reason why a business may opt for this software is because it is ready to use.

Advantages of Bespoke Software:

To get a clear overview before deciding to invest and create bespoke software development for your business, see the top advantages below:

• An individually crafted solution tailored to your business needs.
• Promoting business growth.
• A return on investment over time.
• Creating a time-saving advantage by refining processes.
• Smoother processes with less room for error.
• Giving your business a competitive advantage.
• Create software that compliments your USPs.
• Easy maintenance – the company that sets up your custom software will usually take care of this for a small annual fee.
• Control over what software your employers are using and how they complete tasks.

How long will your Bespoke Software be suitable for your business?

One of the most common questions involves the lifespan of a software solution; this is a key factor for business owners when deciding if bespoke software is the right option for their business. Usually, the average lifespan of bespoke software is around 6-8 years, but with technology evolving some business owners worry about how long their software will last them.

Complex software solutions which solve multiple points at once usually take longer to become obsolete or redundant. Reasons for this could be the speed at which technology develops and how it will take longer for more complex solutions to be optimised using new technologies. The estimated lifespan of more complex solutions that exceed 1 million lines of code is 12-14 years.

Summary:

Most organisations invest in bespoke software because they want a solution that increases productivity, enables greater control and solves business vulnerabilities.

Investing in bespoke software is a big decision for any company – well-designed, effective custom software is not cheap nor quick to develop.  Therefore, taking your time to make an informed decision is sensible.

If you want help creating and implementing bespoke software solutions for your business, contact our team of friendly experts at Magnetar IT | Contact Us – Magnetar IT