Generic or Off-the-Shelf Software
This is a type of software that is not specific to a particular type of business. It is also known as off-the-shelf software or generic software, and it tries to be a jack-of-all-trades. Examples include:
- Word processors (MS Word), spreadsheets (MS Excel), databases (MS Access).
- Desktop publishing software (DTP): has the ability to print data exactly as it appears on the monitor screen (What You See Is What You Get, WYSIWYG).
- Game software: computer programs designed for entertainment purposes. Popular examples include Mist, The Sims, Unreal, and PlayStation (PS) titles.
- Expert system: a computer application that solves complicated problems that would otherwise require extensive human expertise.
- Graphics software: used for creating, showing and changing digital images, particularly in movie-making, desktop publishing, CAD-CAM (electronic circuit design, industrial engineering, etc.), cartography and technical drawing.
Tailor-Made (Bespoke) Software
This is software that has been written specifically to meet the needs of a particular organization. It may be written by the staff of the organization or a company hired to do so. Its advantage is that it does exactly what the organization wants and cannot be found in another organization. Its disadvantage is that it is expensive and takes time to design. It is mostly used in jet planes, cars, aircraft, clothing, military and other sophisticated industries.
Examples include bespoke business applications and custom-built software for a specific company’s operations.
