One of the traditional reasons why companies have often shied away from customized software solutions in favour of off-the-shelf or prepackaged software has been the perceived high cost of developing custom software.

However, as software development tools continue to mature, shortening the development cycle and reducing the overall cost of development, this perception is becoming increasingly inaccurate.

Today’s leading-edge development tools, such as the Microsoft .NET platform, now relieve programmers of much of the actual coding, allowing them to concentrate more on addressing business problems and requirements. The traditionally distinct responsibilities of programmer and business analyst are becoming increasingly blurred.

This is especially true when it comes to Internet-based applications. The latest set of development tools for developing web-based applications has matured significantly over previous generations. These tools now allow for the development of rich Internet-based applications that rival traditional Windows-based applications in functionality, robustness, ease-of-use.

In addition, when developing somewhat generic applications like shopping carts or workflow solutions, licenses for fully customizable, pre-written and tested programming code can be purchased at very low prices. This code base provides the foundation for the solution to be developed, leaving only the costs of customization and deployment.

Now is a great time to be developing affordable applications for the Internet.

This trend is transforming the traditional role of programmers, allowing them to nurture their business skills while concentrating less on pure coding.

Therefore, not only can solutions be developed more quickly and cost-effectively, but the resulting solutions do a better job of addressing real business needs and objectives.

So what does mean to businesses when deciding which technologies offer the right fit for their organization?

Customized software solutions are becoming more of a viable alternative to off-the-shelf software. Organizations can now realize all the benefits of customized software without the traditional high cost and long development cycles. These benefits include suitability, flexibility, better user adoption and lower long-term licensing and support costs.

While certain types of applications like accounting, human resources and CRM may still be better suited to prepackaged software solutions, applications that can benefit from customization are now becoming more affordable than ever.

The bottom line is that when choosing customized software solutions, companies are now realizing a better return on their investments in technology than ever before.


Datapro Technology Solutions is an IT consulting firm that helps small and medium-sized businesses get the most from their investments in technology.

To find out more about the services we provide and how we might be able to help your business, visit our web site at dataproforbusiness.com or give us a call at 416-977-1991.