Custom Software Vs. Ready-Made Software

DarthHazard Level 1

July 5, 2017, 1:52 pm

17

Write the reason you're deleting this FAQ

I am currently developing my own gaming platform/social network and I decided to custom code every single aspect except the forum. I did this because it would be much cheaper than buying a ready-made software and it would also be easier to implement features that I actually wanted. The only issue is that it would obviously take much longer to launch the site. But do you guys think that ready-made software is better than having custom programmed software? Of course not everyone can code their own project so they may have to get a programmer which can become expensive and problematic due to communication problems etc. So it is just better to have less hassle and get ready made software?

Comments

Please login or sign up to leave a comment

Join

ninjasalesgroup

ninjasalesgroup

Finding software that has already been made and is being maintained for your specific purpose is always easiest in my opinion. You may need to be pay to have additional features customized for you, but this will still be more affordable than starting from scratch in many instances.

As time goes on and your application needs to be updated, it's nice having the creators support to fall back on as well rather than completely relying on your own developer.

8 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

anwebservices

anwebservices

I have done both in past. Coding my own scripts and CMS and using ready made scripts and or CMS. In one case there were no ready made script for what i wanted so it was great success to code my own project. But when it comes to buy something, specially if it's coded right and have all or most features that you need, i would prefer to buy, even if it's looks bit expensive because it saves a lot of time, lot of error chasing, time for testing, hustles etc etc...

9 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

mybarya

mybarya

You will have to perform a cost benefit analysis on which option gives you better ROI. Include in your analysis not only the cost of developing/purchasing, but also maintaining the software. Maintenance cost, in turn, is a function of the maturity of a product i.e. the more mature the product, the less maintenance it needs. For custom software then, expect that you'll have to put in more time and effort (in the form of QA) before releasing production-ready software.

You might also want to consider open source software as baseline, and customize it to fit your requirements.

9 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

brian88k

brian88k

In my opinion it's depending on the expected income of the game you are working on,
if you are working on a good idea game with high quality care to make and graphics that could acquires the interests of players and make good incomes even in long term then go and purchase ready-made software that will do the job for you.
but if you are making a "Solitare, Chess.." like games that doesn't request high quality graphics and complicated components then you can make it your self.
but I always have a rule in work that says:
What comes free goes free, don't expect to get good cash without investing.
hope you find my words helpful.

9 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Neiltarquin

Neiltarquin

As a beginner, I would also go for ready made software. Ready made softwares are already been tested and people are already using it, meaning less occurance of error and glithches. Also, as a beginner, I can't spend too much on software developing for a game. I might over board on my budget, making my project in a tight situation.

9 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

overcast

overcast

If you wish to save time then use the ready made software. That way you can easily join more number of people for any edit to be done on security side. Most of the people use open source for same reasons. Custom software which are already made in open sources save a lot of time. Find if your requirement has that sort of software already designed. You can extend such software. And this way you can save time.

9 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

zeedollar

zeedollar

Whats important here is usually the quality of code. If you find a well coded software, going with that for you project might just prove a wiser decision and could save a lot of valuable time on your side. But in a case where you are a coding ninja and need some unique feature, you should just go with custom work.

9 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

arachnophobik

arachnophobik

Both have their own pros and cons, but I admire you for choosing the custom path. The good thing about custom coding everything is that nobody else could use your software/program and you can make features that are unique to you that other people can't do when they're using the ready-made software. But the good thing about the ready-made software is that you will leave it up to the developers to maintain the program over time and you would just lie there waiting.

9 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

DenisP

DenisP

Both are going to have their benefits and downsides, and you're going to have to plan and prepare according to them. Custom software obviously has the benefits of not only being designed specifically to your needs and purposes, but knowing the ins and outs of the code can be invaluable when avoiding disastrous errors and bugs. Obviously, it takes far more time, knowledge, and possibly money in order to take this route. On the other hand, ready-made software may end up being cheaper in the long run as well as having the benefit of being bug tested and such meaning you not only save time but potentially money as well. The downside is obviously limiting your vision to someone else's.

9 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

itommy

itommy

Custom soffware is always better for me because it does which I needs.
Also it will not consume more resources for unused functions.

9 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

clara1993

clara1993

Both custom software and ready made ones each have pros and cons and for me I would prefer to make my own project and maybe hire a programmer to make it quick and complete it because ready made softwares don't give every feature you need in your project but also ready madw softwares are cheaper than getting a programmer to make a software for you, Which is hard to choose and I think this will depend on affordability and personal preferences.

9 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

itommy

itommy

I like Custom Software but its cost is high although it can serves works better than Ready-Made Software.
But after all, it depends on what you will use for your work so you can choose accordingly.

9 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

fishbate

fishbate

I prefer custom software because its always an advantage that you know everything how a certain system works. Although a customized software takes time and effort to accomplish, its the same reason why it is so important. A programmer can add everything he/she wants on the software and behave the way he/she wants. Unlike ready made software you are bound to make adjustments on the feature it offers.

9 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Corzhens

Corzhens

I have an experience with programming and I’d say a custom-made software is expensive and it involves a great deal of work. If you understand the term user acceptance testing, it has a long list of scripts that needed to be tested before the developer can submit the software to the client. If you will use a ready-made software then you can start your activity today.

8 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Bravosi

Bravosi

Meh, I don't know. I'd say that I'd go for the 2nd option.

Simply because a custom software may lack certain high quality polishment. I might be wrong of course, but the ones I encountered were exactly as I have just described.

Second me on that please.

8 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

DenialSom

DenialSom

I think it is obvious that ready-made solutions solve mass problems, the most popular questions that can help a large audience. While Custom Software always creates teams of professionals who cover all the needs of a particular company or industry. This is always better, but it is usually much more expensive than using some SaaS tool. Usually software development company only hire companies with a good budget that can create an effective solution for their business, which is sure to pay off

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Whiz5Wanderer

Whiz5Wanderer

Balancing between custom-coded and ready-made software depends on your project's unique needs and resources. While custom coding offers tailored features and cost-effectiveness, ready-made solutions provide convenience and quicker deployment. It's essential to weigh these factors against your budget, timeline, and technical expertise before making a decision. Additionally, consider that outsourced IT costs can vary significantly depending on the complexity and scope of the project, so thorough research and evaluation are crucial. For more insights on IT outsourcing costs,

3 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?