Bespoke Desktop Application Development

What is a bespoke desktop application?

Bespoke Desktop Application Development involves creating a custom built application designed to meet the unique requirements of a single client or organisation. Unlike off-the-shelf desktop software, which is developed to be used by a wider audience with general features, a bespoke desktop application is built from scratch to align precisely with the workflows, objectives and preferences of one business.

Typical features of a bespoke desktop application

• Custom built - The application is developed from scratch based on a specification provided by the client rather.

• Integration capabilities - Bespoke desktop applications can be developed to integrate with existing software and systems already in use by the client. 

• They are scalable - The application can be easily scaled and adapted as the business grows or it's needs change, allowing for the addition of new features, users or functionalities without causing issues to existing operations.

• They provide a superior user experience - Bespoke desktop apps can be built to incorporate specific user preferences.

• Flexible support and maintenance options - Ongoing support and maintenance are the responsibility of the purchasing company.

Benefits of bespoke desktop applications

There are a whole host of benefits of having a bespoke desktop application when compared with generic, off-the-shelf offerings. 

• Custom built to YOUR requirements

  • Custom built to meet the unique requirements of the business or individual.
  • Only necessary features and functionality are present - no paying for features that are not required

• Enhanced efficiency and productivity

  • Designed to streamline workflows and processes specific to the current environment and users needs.
  • Reduces time spent on redundant or unnecessary tasks as they simply won't be there.

• Cost effectiveness (in the long run)

  • Although initial costs for development will likely be higher than with an off-the-shelf product, bespoke applications usually lead to long term savings by removing inefficiencies, unnecessary functionality and minimising the need for multiple systems.

• Wide integration capabilities

  • Designed and built to integrate with existing systems and software.
  • Enhances overall system interoperability and data flow.

• Scalability

  • They are built to be scalable depending on an organisations specific future growth or evolution plans.

• Better user experiences

  • Developed with user feedback to ensure a more intuitive and user-friendly interface.
  • Reduces the learning curve and improves user satisfaction.

• Improved security 

  • Custom built  desktop apps can be designed to include tailored security measures to fit specific security requirements.
  • Less vulnerable to widespread attacks targeting common off-the-shelf software.

• Ownership

  • The software is owned by the client on completion which allows control over its development and usage.
  • Eliminates dependency on third party vendors for critical updates and support (you may choose to outsource the support and maintenance).

What sort of projects are best created as desktop applications?

There is little doubt that web based software is growing in popularity. However, there are still some types of projects where a traditional desktop application is absolutely the best fit. Desktop apps offer speed, reliability and control that’s quite often unmatched by cloud platforms. Let's take a look at some of them - 

Heavy duty data processing

Applications that require intense computing power such as 3D modelling, video editing or scientific simulations generally benefit from being run natively on powerful, local machines.

Offline software

In environments with limited or unreliable internet access including field work, manufacturing floors or remote areas, desktop apps can ensure uninterrupted functionality - no internet connection required.

System level software

Software that needs to interact closely with the operating system such as file management tools, device drivers or diagnostic utilities are more often than not best suited to desktop environments.

Secure or regulated environments

Industries including finance, defence and healthcare may be required to have local data storage with strict access controls and a desktop app allows more direct control over where and how data is handled.

Specialist software

From CAD to audio engineering, many niche industries prefer the use of desktop apps due to their speed and ability to handle complex files and/or hardware integrations.

How can we help?

It is important to note that a bespoke desktop application may not be the best option for your business. There are thousands of off-the-shelf solutions available today that address a while range of needs successfully. However, for larger and more complex organisations with specific processes and requirements it may be a smart investment. Here at Cool Code Company, we will assess your requirements and provide you with an unbiased view as to whether you could benefit from a bespoke desktop application based on the benefits and risks associated with it. If you do decide to go ahead, we will help you define your requirements and develop a solution that addresses them all.

FAQs

Q) Are desktop applications declining in popularity?

A) Not particularly, they’re evolving. Cloud and mobile apps are now being used for projects that would otherwise have been desktop applications, but they still remain essential for work that requires speed, power and/or offline access. As part of their evolution, desktop apps can usually now integrate with cloud services, giving users the best of both worlds.

Q) What is the future of desktop applications?

A) Well, they won’t be disappearing but they’ll increasingly work alongside cloud and mobile solutions. You can expect to see more hybrid models where desktop apps deliver the power and performance needed for high consumption tasks, whilst the cloud services will provide flexibility, collaboration and global access.

Q) What are most desktop apps built with?

A) This totally depends on the development team and client requirements, they can be built using frameworks and languages including .NET, C++, C#, Java and Python. The choice quite often depends on the operating system, performance requirements and whether cross platform support is needed.

Further Reading

Advantages and disadvantages of bespoke desktop applications