Bespoke Desktop Application Development

What is a bespoke desktop application?

A desktop application is software that is installed directly onto a computer and runs on that device, rather than being accessed through a web browser. Think accounting software, design systems, stock management solutions or specialist business software that your staff opens and uses directly from their work computers.

A bespoke desktop application is all of the above plus it has been built specifically around your business rather than something designed for the masses and sold to anyone who wants to have a try.

Unlike off-the-shelf desktop applications, which have to cater for a wide range of businesses and can therefore involve a serious amount of compromise, bespoke desktop software is built around your requirements, your workflows and your goals, rather than someone else's.

Typical features of a bespoke desktop application

Every bespoke desktop app is unique (the clue is in the name), but most share a few key characteristics that act as their core foundation:

• Custom built - The application is developed from scratch based on a specification provided by your organisation only. It is meant to fit to your unique environment and no one else's.

• Integration capabilities - Your bespoke desktop app can be built to connect with your existing systems and databases, ensuring everything works together to make your life easier.

• They are scalable - As your business morphs and changes, your desktop app can evolve right alongside it. You can add new features, users or capabilities at your own discretion and not that of a third party.

• They provide a superior user experience - Because you’re directly involved in the design process, the final product looks and feels intuitive for your team (or at least it should). You can give the confusing menus and features you'll never use a wide berth.

• Flexible support and maintenance options - You control the level and regularity of support and maintenance required rather than having this dictated to you by a third party.

Benefits of bespoke desktop applications

There are a million and one reasons to choose a custom desktop app over an off-the-shelf solution - here are the biggest advantages:

• Custom built to YOUR requirements

  There's that word again! With bespoke desktop apps, you get everything you do need and nothing that you don’t. No wasted features, no paying for functionality you’ll never use and no trying to make generic software fit a specific process.

• Enhanced efficiency and productivity

  Because the app is designed around how you work, it can automate time consuming tasks and streamline your processes, saving you time, money and sanity.

• Cost effectiveness (in the long run)

  Yes, initial development costs will be higher than buying something off-the-shelf. However, over time, bespoke apps pay for themselves and then some by reducing inefficiencies, removing the need for multiple software subscriptions and remaining fit for purpose much longer than off-the-shelf systems typically will - especially if you're eyeing growth.

• Wide integration capabilities

  Your custom desktop software can be built in a way that allows it to connect directly to your existing systems whether that be CRM, accounting, ERP, logistics - you name it. This not only ensures your systems can communicate with each other but also protects prior investments by extending their lifecycles.

• Scalability

  Whether you add new teams, services or customers, your bespoke app can grow alongside your business without limits.

• Better user experiences

  Your desktop app will be built with real user input and should therefore feel more 'natural' and intuitive to your staff. That means faster onboarding, fewer errors and happier users.

• Improved security 

  Because it’s custom built, your app can include tailored security features specific to your business and data. It’s also less vulnerable to mass cyber attacks that target widely used, off-the-shelf software.

• Ownership

  Once developed, the software is yours. You decide how it’s used, how it’s updated and how it evolves. You’re not tied to a third party vendor or dependent on their timelines.

Are there any downsides to bespoke desktop apps?

Of course. With pros must come cons and depending on your requirements, a bespoke desktop app might not be worth the investment. Let's take a look at some of the downsides:

Upfront costs

As ever, bespoke software costs more upfront than ready built, off-the-shelf solutions and this applies to desktop applications as well. If you're looking for a quick to access, low upfront investment option, bespoke probably isn't it.

Time to deliver

You can't just download a bespoke desktop app and start using it tomorrow. There's a whole process to go through first that involves understanding your requirements, designing the software, developing it and testing it before it's ready to go.

You need a development team

Once you've got your bespoke desktop app, someone needs to look after it. That might be an individual developer on your payroll or an external third party company - either way, it's an additional cost. Why? Because bugs need fixing, updates are necessary and your business requirements may well evolve, meaning you require different functionality.

It can be more difficult to replace

If your bespoke applications become an integral part of your business; that is to say, critical, then you're probably going to have a hard time if you ever want to replace it. You'll want to make sure you have good technical documentation, sensible architecture and of course - access to the actual source code.

Desktop specific considerations

Because the software is installed on your computers, you may need to consider operating system compatibility, installation, updates, hardware requirements and how the application will be deployed across your organisation. This can be much more involved than giving users a browser address which would be the case for a web app.

What sort of projects are best created as desktop applications?

Whilst cloud and web based solutions are incredibly popular, there are still plenty of cases where a desktop application is the better option. Here are a few examples:

Heavy duty data processing

Tasks such as 3D modelling, video editing or scientific simulations usually need serious computing power — and that’s something local, desktop-based applications handle far better than web apps.

Offline software

If you’re in an environment with limited or unreliable internet (fieldwork, factories or remote areas), desktop software ensures you can still get things done - no Wi-Fi panic required.

System level software

Software that needs to interact directly with the operating system - think file management utilities, diagnostic tools or device drivers - are almost always better suited to desktop environments.

Secure or regulated environments

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

Specialist software

From CAD design to audio engineering, some industries simply perform better with sturdy, responsive desktop apps that can manage complex files and specialist 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/or more complex organisations with specific processes and requirements it may be a worthy 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

Further Reading

Advantages and disadvantages of bespoke desktop applications