Businesses that do not use common web applications such as Google Docs, Evernote, and others are rare. Enterprise web applications allow businesses to facilitate real-time collaboration, centralize data, and offer round the clock service to customers. Businesses either go for commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions that are integrated directly into their workflows or opt for custom web application development tailored to their specific needs and work environment. The latter offers several advantages over the regular commercial applications and this is what drives most businesses towards developing custom web apps.

Here are the top 5 benefits of a customized web application

Seamless integration

Since customized applications are tailored to the client’s business, the compatibility they offer is unmatched. This, in turn, reflects in the high productivity of the individuals using the apps. The problem with off-the-shelf solutions is that they are built with the one-size-fits-all approach and hence, integration with the client workflow can be a cause of concern. The client may need to use connectors and some heavy coding to integrate the app into its ecosystem. In custom web application development, this is no longer a worry for the client.

Easy scalability

When businesses purchase or subscribe to off-the-shelf software, they base the decision primarily on the current requirements and processes. But as the business grows, the solution may fail to keep pace with the high workload or the additional license costs may be exorbitantly high. On the flip side, since a custom app is built around the nucleus of the customer’s ecosystem, its workload capacity is in perfect sync with the organization’s growth rate. This way, the business saves itself from the resource-draining hassles and the need for expensive alternatives in the long run.

The security quotient

For out-of-the-box solution users, online security breaches are a major threat as suggested by the rising number of data leakage instances. The simplest reason is the fact that for hackers, it’s not difficult to figure out the loopholes of commonly used software. However, for custom-coded solutions, developers can use custom security layers to protect the data. Also, custom software is always an unattractive target for hackers since identifying its vulnerabilities isn’t much rewarding.

Upgrades and maintenance

For custom software, the client can decide the frequency and type of software updates based on circumstances and budget. Although most major off-the-shelf apps do offer updates, they are not regular and may not address the pain points of the customer. For organizations that require regular updates, changes, and new features, custom apps is a no-brainer. Another argument in favor of custom apps is that bug fixes can happen instantly and more effectively with an on-going maintenance practice in place.

Long-term savings

The upfront costs of building a custom app may be similar to that of a popular off-the-shelf solution, but the former doesn’t require users to pay for expensive licensing packages and other add-ons every now and then. Custom apps are built on the user’s existing hardware and the client is the sole owner of the solution, making its maintenance the only recurring cost.

Before deciding on one of the two options, organizations must carefully consider the dynamics of their business, the future growth plan, and the solution’s scope of usability. If they want complete control over the web solution, betting on custom web application development would be a wise move.