8 Myths about Custom Programming We Can’t Believe Exist

There’s been a lot of buzz around custom programming in recent years – but not all of it is accurate.

According to common misconceptions, it’s risky, costly, and ultimately not worth it. But according to research, custom software’s popularity is skyrocketing and its benefits transform businesses large and small.

So, what’s the truth? You’re about to find out.

What Is Custom Programming and Why Does It Matter?

In contrast to off-the-shelf (OTS) solutions, custom programming produces unique software specifically designed to meet your needs. Rather than catering to a general usership, an in-house or outsourced team develops the application exactly to your specifications.

Currently valued at $35 billion, the custom software market is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 22.5% from 2024 to 2030. And it’s all thanks to these benefits –

• Personalized Functions – Your unique business doesn’t necessarily share the same needs as other businesses. Custom applications address your unique challenges, assist your staff, and satisfy your customers.
• Custom Integration – The highly integrative nature of custom software is one of the features that make it so desirable. You can fit a custom application perfectly into your workflow by integrating it with your existing systems.
• Added Flexibility – With custom software, you have the freedom to update, upscale, and even downscale at any time. This flexibility helps you stay abreast of changing market demands and business needs.
• Competitive Advantage – Because custom software streamlines operations and fills essential gaps in your process, it’s key to attracting and retaining customers. That gives you a leg up among your competitors.
• Task Automation – There’s no excuse to be performing rote tasks manually when the best in the business have automated it all. Automation through custom software saves you time and resources by improving efficiency, freeing up staff, and limiting human error.
• Better Security – Custom programming gives you a level of control over the program’s security that you can’t get with OTS software. What’s more, custom apps’ uniqueness makes accessing their data a chore for hackers.

Custom Software Development Myths You Shouldn’t Believe In

Despite the undeniable benefits, there are enough misconceptions about custom software and custom programming services to give anyone pause.

Below are the top eight that may be robbing you of the perfect custom app for your business.

Myth 1) Small Businesses Don’t Need Custom Software

It may seem like custom apps are best suited to large-scale businesses with bottomless budgets. But custom small business software has just as much to offer.

Whether a business is large or small, not all of its unique challenges can be overcome by a one-size-fits-all Band-Aid. For that, you need total control over the features of your software.

When you’ve developed a solution that boosts efficiency, productivity, and customer experience, business growth will naturally follow.

Myth 2) Custom Software Doesn’t Scale Easily

Business owners may still be reluctant to commit to custom programming if they believe this myth.

However, custom software has the potential to be far more flexible than OTS software. Its architecture enables it to support increased user loads, feature additions, and integrations in the future.

And you can easily scale your software up or down if need be. After all, you own the code and have a team who’ll happily help.

Just remember to invest some time and thought into planning ahead. That way, you can have the necessary requirements ready beforehand and scale up or update quickly.

Myth 3) Off-the-Shelf Is Cheaper

On the face of it, custom programming services may seem on the pricy side compared to OTS software. However, custom development is priced for the return on investment (ROI) you can expect in the long term.

OTS software leaves you with nowhere to go when your business requirements inevitably change. You either end up purchasing another product to fill the new gaps, or you transition to custom software after all.

Meanwhile, a custom application can be updated whenever you need. That reflexiveness is what keeps it from becoming obsolete and, ultimately, a waste of money.

Myth 4) Outsourcing Development Isn’t Worth It

If you already have an IT team capable of developing software, you may not see the value in outsourcing. But unless your in-house developers have experience building custom business apps, you may be disappointed with the results.

Outsourcing brings a group of specialists into the mix. Their unique skills are founded on dozens or even hundreds of projects like yours. So, you can safely expect to get the best version of what you asked for.

But be sure to refresh yourself on the top tips for custom business app development first. It pays to be prepared and know exactly what your company needs.

Myth 5) Custom Programming Is a Buggy Mess

Let’s be clear: all apps have bugs. That’s why even the most polished software rolls out updates every so often. So, the claim that custom apps have more bugs than OTS ones isn’t inherently true.

That said, they may have fewer bugs as custom software is tailored for specific use cases, minimizing redundant features that can introduce vulnerabilities. You also have the advantage of a dedicated support team that can quickly identify and resolve any issues.

You can further prevent too many bugs by choosing the right tech partner. Businesses that fail to properly vet their choice of developer may find themselves with a rushed, untested, or poorly designed product.

Myth 6) Custom Development Takes Way Too Long

Thanks to modern tech, we’ve evolved past the days when “development hell” was the norm. But it seems many people haven’t gotten the memo.

It’s true that the more advanced a project is, the longer it’ll take to develop. Most custom apps, however, can get through the entire app development lifecycle in under a year.

Better yet, a minimum viable product (MVP) can be produced in just a few months. This allows you to access core features in advance, giving you time to implement and improve your software.

Myth 7) Using Custom Software Requires Tech-Savviness

Custom programming may seem daunting for a company whose employees aren’t up to date on the industry’s tech.

Fortunately, custom software is designed with user-friendliness in mind for exactly that reason. Even despite delivering a straightforward user interface, a reliable developer will include simple tutorials or even training sessions. Nothing is off the cards.

Myth 8) The Maintenance Will Be a Pain

If you’re worried that you’ll be responsible for your app’s maintenance cycle, here’s some good news.

Most software development companies are committed to providing ongoing support, so custom software is actually easier to maintain. What’s more, you’re likely to have –

• Access to on-demand updates, allowing you to fix problems and even make changes at a moment’s notice
• Good code documentation that speeds up the maintenance process
• Mutual familiarity with your development partner, so you understand their workflow and they understand your business needs

Feeling More Confident about Custom Programming Services?

DPL offers friction-free custom business software development guaranteed to take your business to the next level. Whatever your industry or size, we’re ready to tackle your unique obstacles and meet your unique objectives.

Tell us what your business needs using the form below. Let’s work together to build just what you’ve been hoping for.