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Difference between Generic Software Development and Custom Software Development

Last Updated : 20 Jun, 2024
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Software development can be broadly categorized into two approaches: Generic Software Development and Custom Software Development. These methodologies cater to different market needs and user requirements. These approaches differ significantly in terms of their target audience, level of customization, and adaptability to specific business processes. Each method serves distinct purposes based on the unique needs and objectives of the end users.

What is Generic Software Development?

Generic software development is a process executed by the developers that develops the software product. The type of project under this development are product software projects. Usually, this product is made for all types of business needs which has a positive demand in the market over a duration of time. Software development companies develop generic software on their own and hand it to a group of customers having a similar need. 

What is Custom Software Development?

Customer software development is how a company develops a product for an individual client. The type of project under this development are service software projects. Individual clients may be a company or group of persons. This product mostly has a distinct need in the market only for a limited time and is for specialized business needs. Software development companies develop custom software at the cost of particular customers.

Generic software development vs Custom software development

AspectGeneric software product developmentCustom software development
Purpose and Target AudienceThe generic software development is done for developing general-purpose software.Customer software development is done to develop a software product as per the needs of a particular customer.
Requirement GatheringIn this development process, the software developers have to depict the end-user's specifications.In this development process,  the end-user requirements can be aggregated by communicating with them.
ComplexityFrom designing and marketing perspective, this type of development is very difficult.This development does not require marketing, because it is developed for an appropriate group of users.
User BaseThe large number of users may be using this kind of software.This type of software is used by a limited number of users.
Quality FocusQuality of the product is not a preference for generic software.Quality is the main criterion in customer software product. Best quality of the product is focused for customer or company.
Development ProcessDevelopment team controls the process of generic software development.Customer determines the process of software development in this type of product.
Cost Generally the software developed is economical. There may be some hidden costs such as installation and implementation cost.Software product is of high cost as the particular product for customer is developed.
ExampleExample of generic software product development is Word-editing software.Inventory control and management system are examples of customer software development.

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