custom software
noun
Custom software is software developed for the specific needs of an organization or product. Its features and processes are tailored to the intended use.
We are commissioning custom software for our nonstandard order calculations.
With custom software, you decide which tasks the application should support and which rules apply. An ordering process might combine dimensions, material choices and production planning to calculate a price. The team turns those requirements into screens, calculations and integrations.
What is built to order?
Custom does not mean every line of code is new. Developers use existing Glossary · In briefframeworkA framework is a coherent foundation for software development, providing reusable code, a defined structure and conventions for building an application.Read more, Glossary · In brieflibraryA library is a collection of reusable software code for a defined task. An application can call that code to use existing functionality.Read more and services for common functions. The specific combination and business rules make the application fit the process.
A custom component can also work alongside an existing package. You do not need to rebuild the entire accounting system just to add your own order calculation.
Development and maintenance
The first version is only part of the work. Updates, security and changes to the process still need attention afterwards. Agree on maintenance, access to source code and handover arrangements. Custom development alone does not determine who owns the rights or how easily another team can take over.