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Advantages of Off-the-Shelf Software
If you can find an off-the-shelf software package
that will do at least 80-90% of what you want
and you are willing to bend your business practices
to fit the requirements of the package, then it
may be the best solution for your business. It
is usually more cost effective (roughly 10%-25%
of the cost of custom software) and it usually
has lots of well thought out features, culled
from the input of several users. Also, it's easier
to buy, because you don't have to be involved
with the design and implementation.
Disadvantages
For many businesses, however, off-the-shelf software
is not appropriate. It is common for businesses
to discover that their off-the-shelf package won't
always provide the information and capabilities
that they need to effectively run their business.
It is often hard to locate the right package (or
even any package) and you must wait months or
years for the manufacturer to make updates that
you need yesterday.
Advantages of Custom Software
An investment in custom software can be an investment
in the future of your business. If you have a
clear idea of what you need to be more productive,
to generate more sales or to make your company
more efficient, then custom software provides
an avenue for realizing your goals. As you come
up with new ideas or as your business changes,
the software can be adapted to the new situation.
As your business grows, your software can grow
with it.
An Alternative
Some businesses choose an alternate route which
can provide the best of both worlds -- off-the-shelf
software with custom add-ons. BIT Concepts has
written several such applications and this may
be appropriate for your situation.
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