If you’ve always used canned software packages, you’re well aware that they don’t always fit your needs. In fact, you probably have changed your procedures more than once to adapt to an application that fits your operation fairly well, but not perfectly. If you’re on the fence about buying a new package or using a custom design, consider a few of these custom and open source software benefits:
1. Fits Your Needs Perfectly
Anyone who has ever purchased a custom-made suit knows that anything tailor-made fits much better than something you can find on the rack. Instead of changing to meet the needs of a piece of software, your new computer system will be developed from the ground up to meet your exact needs. Need a specific feature that no one else finds important? It’s no problem when you’re developing a custom solution. And when you use open source software like the Mplayer to view movies, if you want to change the code and add plug-ins, you are free to do so.
2. It Can Change With You
Because you own the source code of your custom-designed system, you can change it at anytime as your business rules change. And as mentioned above, with open source code, you can also change it or work with other developers to change the code on products like KM Player. Can you imagine calling up Microsoft or Apple and explaining how you need a feature to work just a little differently?
3. A Competitive Edge
Many companies find that a custom-made computer system can give them a competitive edge. As they are able to quickly supply information to their customers or make a decision faster because their system is just better, both customer satisfaction and sales increase. A custom solution should also streamline your process to save on those high payroll expenses. You may be able to either reduce your staff or redirect their efforts to more productive tasks.
While a custom solution may be a little more expensive than a canned product, you should be able to make it up by increasing sales and reducing expenses. If you think this means you’ll have to carry an entire IT department, take a look at the many software design companies that are waiting to create your perfect system!