Off-the-shelf software refers to commercially available software sold for common computing tasks, while custom-designed software is created to meet unique business needs. Some key differences are that off-the-shelf software is readily available for purchase online or in stores, has predefined system requirements, and usually cannot be returned once opened. In contrast, custom software is developed internally or by third-party vendors to address needs not met by existing options and can provide businesses a competitive advantage. Both approaches play important roles in software acquisition.

1. Software: Off the Shelf and Custom Designed Thomas Diorio & Josh Spilewski

2. Off-the-Shelf Off-the-shelf software refers to software that is mass-produced for use by the general public and made available through online outlets and retail stores. Many computers come with software pre-installed, but users typically have needs that require additional software programs.

3. Off-the-Shelf This type of software provides convenient and fast access to high-quality and thoroughly tested software. Off-the-shelf software is used for common computing activities.

4. Off-the-Shelf Off-the-shelf software gets its name from being available on store shelves. Stores such as Best Buy, Staples, and Wal-Mart provide dozens of software titles in their physical stores. These and many other stores stock thousands of software titles in their online stores as well.

5. Off-the-Shelf Many software applications can be downloaded directly from the retailer, developer, or distributor, and put immediately to use. By being able to download directly, avoid going to a store, and compare online prices, many consumers are choosing to shop online and not in a physical location.

6. Off-the-Shelf When buying software, it is highly important to make sure that the computer you own meets the storage, processor, and memory requirements. This information is called the system requirements and can either be found on the box of the product or the website where it is being downloaded.

7. Off-the-Shelf The downfall to almost all store-bought software is that it cannot be returned. Once the box is opened or the software is downloaded from online, there is no way for it to be exchanged, despite any circumstances.

8. Off-the-Shelf Shareware is a marketing method that allows customers to use software free of charge for a limited time in order to evaluate the software and decide if they wish to purchase it. This “try before you buy” model typically allows the consumer 30 days of use before a registration fee is required to continue.

9. Off-the-Shelf A new model for software distribution is the subscription model. With a subscription, instead of purchasing the software for a one-time fee, there is an annual payment for as long the consumer wishes to use the software.

10. Off-the-Shelf Examples: Microsoft Office 2010 Norton Internet Security 2011 Adobe Photoshop Elements Version 8

11. Custom-Designed Software So what is Custom-Designed Software? Custom-designed software is software created to meet a unique need. Where is Custom-Designed Software used? It is typically used in business and it also can give a business a competitive advantage.

12. Custom-Designed Software So why not use “off the shelf software”? When a company decides that it has a need that is not addressed by any commercial off-the-shelf software, it is time to turn to a custom solution. An example:

13. Custom-Designed Software So where do you get Custom-Designed Software? In some cases in-house software development occurs and the organization’s computer personnel develop the necessary programs. A third-party software firm, called a value-added software vendor, may develop or modify a software program to meet the company's needs.

14. Custom-Designed Software For many businesses and organizations, software acquisition involves a combination of purchasing off-the-shelf software, Altering some off-the-shelf software and creating some custom software. Example: Microsoft Share point

15. Custom-Designed Software So what is happening today? Increasingly, companies are turning to a service oriented architecture for custom-designed software Service-oriented architecture or “SOA” is a flexible set of design principles used during the phases of systems development and integration in computing

16. Custom-Designed Software SOA focuses on business processes and software services that communicate with each other, sharing data and activities to accomplish business tasks. SOA is an object-oriented approach to software development that provides businesses with savings and flexibility.

17. Custom-Designed Software Although custom-designed software can help businesses and institutions to be more efficient and effective, some companies develop software to provide their primary service to the public. Companies such as Google, Facebook, Hulu, Twitter, eBay, and the thousands of other online businesses

18. Custom-Designed Software For these companies, custom-designed software does not just support their products or services, it is their service and product. The software is not purchased or installed. The software provides a service that is accessed over the Web. Example You don’t buy Facebook software; you use Facebook software on the Web.

19. Custom-Designed Software Why is it so Important? There are thousands of off-the-shelf software products out there, but there are many times more custom-designed software packages. The world economy depends on innovation in custom-designed software as businesses depend on it to grow, improve services, and work more efficiently.

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