A custom software development company designs and builds applications for one organisation's specific processes, rather than selling the same product to everyone. The result is software that fits how your team already works, instead of a team adapting to a generic tool.
What the work usually includes
- Discovery: understanding your processes, users, data and goals, and writing a specification.
- Design: wireframes and interface designs approved before coding begins.
- Development: building the application in stages, with regular demonstrations.
- Testing and launch: quality assurance, user acceptance testing and deployment.
- Support: fixing defects during a warranty period, then ongoing maintenance.
When custom software makes sense
Off-the-shelf software is usually the right first choice when a standard product already fits. Custom software becomes worthwhile when your process is a competitive advantage, when you are juggling several tools and spreadsheets that do not talk to each other, or when licence costs for generic tools keep growing with your team.
What to ask a development partner
- Who owns the source code once the project is paid for?
- How is the project split into milestones, and what is delivered at each?
- How are changes to scope handled and priced?
- What happens after launch: warranty, support and hosting?
Clear answers to these questions, in writing, are the best predictor of a smooth project.