Software development is an umbrella term covering anything
from a simple stand-alone program to an enterprise-wide solution that includes
a whole host of features and functions. Since one size does not fit all, custom
software development is the key to a solution giving highest productivity and
ROIs. Even then there are various methods in software development such as agile
software development, crystal method, feature driven development, lean methods,
the rapid application development method, scrum, spiral and age-old waterfall
method.
One can go by specific set of rules but often, custom software development is dictated by a customer’s requirements. These
requirements may not be fixed and may evolve as their goal or product designs
change, making it tougher for developers since work requires frequent changes.
Then again, if it is not the customer who requires changes, certainly
competition and evolution in the market place will necessitate change. From a
different angle, technologies in IT change and it may be useful for customer
and developer to modify a package for better performance. All these variables
are further influenced by the level of service support. A competent software
developer would offer integrated system and services support throughout
the product life cycle.
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| Custom Software Development |
Most software developed for use in business is pure software.
Except for the IT hardware, there is no other software involved. Such software
can run on computers, smart phones, tablets and laptops on one operating system
or multiple operating systems according to their design. The matter becomes
different when software must be allied to specific pieces of hardware as is
seen in PLCs, CNC machines, process control equipments and embedded systems
used in industry. Though limited in functionality, these purpose developed
hardware require expert embedded software development for smooth
functioning. This is where a specialist with expertise in real time system
development and embedded software proves his worth by building
sophistication into the programming of a microcontroller and thus immeasurably
increasing value of the hardware to which it is connected.
One example is LED displays. LED technologies have changed
but the basic software controlling them has remained more or less static. If a
user wants a display to perform various functions such custom software
development agencies can deliver the “goods” besides interfacing the displays
with various sensors to further extend their functionality as can be seen in
the radar traffic speed signs.
Software development diverges into two paths. One is the
traditional purely software based applications used in business and the second
is embedded systems, the number of which is growing. Apart from LED displays,
today’s digital cameras, printers, dishwashers, TV, air conditioners, medical
equipments, transportation and automotives, to mention only a few areas, use
embedded software. For such applications, the rule is to retain a custom
software development agency with specialization in real time system development
and embedded software development. No other developer will fit the bill. If a
developer such as this also has hardware manufacturing capabilities then it is
as good as having found a gold mine to boost productivity, efficiency and lower
costs while gaining an edge over the competition.
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