Business applications are software that contains a custom set of programs that help enhance the business functionality.These are used to improve the productivity of a business and monitor the processes of an organization. Business applications are of various types that can be used internally or externally or combined with other business apps.
Nowadays, it is very easy to purchase off-the-shelf business applications, but many prefer to build them in-house rather than readymade apps. Moreover, with the adoption of automation tester tools, the efficiency and agility of the software development life cycle are ensured and enterprises will be able to deliver quality software within a quick turnaround time. This article will discuss a few essentialsof business applicationsfor those looking forward to developing custom-made business applications vs. readymade business apps. Here are three basic types of business applications in use.
3 types of business applications
- B2B business applications – These are largely used between the business partners like the suppliers, vendors, resellers, etc. Services and products can be accessed between these counterparts using dedicated lines like bulk order submission web services.
- B2C applications – These are used between the business partners and the customers. These general applications are made with dynamic content websites like e-Commerce apps, customer loyalty apps, service portals, etc.
- Internal applications –These apps are used inside the organizations. These are meant to control the business functionality like HR management system or an internal ERP system etc.
There are a few subcategories also in terms of business applications as below.
Front end business applications- These are the applications to which the users interact directly and through the graphical user interface.
Backend or background applications– These are the application functions behind the scenes, which help manage the background processes.
Service-based apps will serve as the common integration point for third party apps and systems with the business applications.
In a real-time example, you may consider that you begin with the new company, and there is a need to build business applications. At first, you may not be thinking of the need for scale in the future. When you are just starting, you will be testing the market to see a demand for your service. However, later the problems arise when your business grows. You may be further forced to ensure the efficiency of the operations, and otherwise, you may be ending up tripping over the business systems and further compromise your success. This is where the business applications which can scale comes in handy.
Nowadays, business apps are powered by different analytical tools and can offer actionable insights to grow business to the next level. Analytics also will help to make informed decisions in business decision-making. With this, it becomes possible to build business applications with low code and customize the apps to get exactly what you need without any additional cost or extra time for development.
Official business applications VS. custom business applications
People are always confused when they are thinking of custom business applications against off-the-shelf apps. This is because there is a big gap between these distinct approaches of business application making in terms of performance, usability, and functionality. The answer to this confusing query comes down to the fundamental needs of your business and your budget in hand. You have to analyze various factors to understand the benefits and drawbacks of each approach in your specific use case. Here are some tips you need to know about the differences between bespoke application creation and off-the-shelf solutions.
Custom business app development
Custom applications are built with the ebusinesses’ exact needs in mind, so they are flexible to cater to your needs. When it comes to custom-made business applications, these are certain things that you may want to know.
Custom design – custom applications are built with specific business processes in mind. So, you need not have to adjust further or customize your processes to fit the needs of the applications. You are paying for what you need as the functionality and features of the custom apps are meant to meet your unique company needs.
Custom design– Custom-made Business applications are meant to meet specific business processes of the given company. This means you do not have to readjust the process further.
Purpose-built features – Customer and business software can also be modified and updated as your company grows at a scale. This will give a competitive advantage over the market competitors as you will be able to make the changes whenever you want and in whichever way you want it. There is no need to wait for the new releases or patches. You can get upgrades done by real developers and run them on the business applications anytime.
Easy integration– Custom business applications can be integrated smoothly with your existing IT infrastructure.First, it is an important thing for data analytics and to develop a data-driven strategy in decision making. You can easily perform integration without any legacy systems and plan the installation of any additional systems later.
Long-term returns – The development cost of the customsolutions may be initially higher; however, these bespoke solutions may pay back over time without the need for any subscription cost, licensing fee, etc. custom software may also turn out to be less expensive than the readymade applications.
Higher user by in – The company staff may be more likely to be involved in the internal application development process. As a result, they may be more open and willing to accept the system when launched and be familiar with the same.
Off-the-shelf business applications
There are apps that you can buy, customize, and install to run immediately. Unlike a custom application, there is no waiting time or development period for the readymade business applications. When it comes to off-the-shelf business apps, there are many advantages as these are scalable and secured and can offer a high degree of functionality. However, these applications may be built with the needs of a wider range of target consumers in mind, and not all of them may be right for your needs.
While thinking of a business application, you have to gather as much information as possible about your needs and the budget to identify whether it is a custom-made business application for an off-the-shelf marketplace application that is ideal for your usecase.
