What is bespoke software?

We all know what software is - it's the part of your computer you can't touch, the thing that writes what you see on your screen and responds to what you type. Most software is what we call 'package' software; its authors have developed a general-purpose piece of software and 'packaged' it so that it can be sold off the shelf to thousands or millions of computer users.

Bespoke software is software that has been developed specifically for one function, department or organisation. Each piece of bespoke software is unique, exactly fitting the requirements of that organisation in every identifiable way. It's a bit like having a suit made for you by a master tailor instead buying one from a chain store. You get to choose exactly the fabric, shape, colour and fit you want, and the resultant garments look, feel and last so much better than their off-the-peg cousins. The extra cost is easily justified, especially if you usually find it hard - or even impossible - to fit into the standard offerings.

Samarind creates bespoke database software for businesses. You tell us what you need it to do, and we deliver you a fully working system that does it. All businesses need databases; list of customers, contacts, products, quotations, invoices, jobs, staff, payroll and so on. Many of these needs can be satisfied by off-the-shelf applications like Sage, Outlook, Act! and the ubiquitous spreadsheet. However if any of these don't do what you want or the whole thing is getting too disjointed then getting something made specially for your business can be very beneficial.

Other pages in this section explain the advantages of bespoke software, the sorts of development we do for both Windows and the Internet  and what sort of businesses decide to invest in a bespoke development.

If you think your business or department could benefit from having a piece of bespoke software developed specially for you, have a look at the pages about our development process and our portfolio so far then contact us for a completely free, no-obligation software consultation.This gives you the opportunity to speak to our top business analyst and system architect, who'll be able to give you an insight into how bespoke software could help your team and help you decide whether or not it would be a cost-effective solution for your business.