INF3705 Assignment 1
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
2025 - DUE 6 May 2025
For assistance contact
Email:
, Question 1: (15 marks)
What is the most important distinction between a software product's development and
a bespoke software development? What might this mean in practical terms for consumers of
generic software products?
Detailed Answer:
The most important distinction is between customization and target audience.
Software Product Development: In this case, the use of a
software product is to serve a large base of potential customers with common needs and
requirements. Its features and functionalities are designed for serving a common group of
individuals or businesses. The process here is aimed at creating a widely applicable and scalable
solution.
Tailor-Made Software Development: This refers to creating software specifically for
a specific, specified client or entity with very particular and often one-of-a-kind requirements.
The software is coded and built from scratch to explicitly address the
client's individual workflows, procedures, and goals. Tailoring is the underlying assumption.
Practical Implications for Users of Generic Software Products:
End-users of generic software products face a number of practical consequences of broad-market
focus in development:
One-Size-Fits-Most Approach: Generic software brings an array of functionalities that are felt to
be useful for the majority of the market. It means that the users need to get used to the idea that
the software has numerous features they do not need, while some of their specific needs might
not be fully addressed.
Learning Curve for Excess Features: Users may have to learn and work through features that
are not applicable to their specific task, adding to the initial learning curve
and possibly cluttering the user interface.
Workarounds and Adjustments: To satisfy their specific needs, users typically have to develop
workarounds or modify their existing process to fit how the generic software operates. This
can occasionally add to inefficiency or sacrifice.
Cost-Effectiveness (In General): Generic software products already have economies of
scale, and thus are typically less costly than having custom software developed from scratch. The
cost is spread across a multitude of users.
Timely Updates and Support: Generic software products typically benefit from dedicated
development teams that provide regular updates, bug fixes, and technical support to a
large body of users. This keeps the software relatively current and reliable.
Large User Base: A massive user base frequently denotes a rich online
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
2025 - DUE 6 May 2025
For assistance contact
Email:
, Question 1: (15 marks)
What is the most important distinction between a software product's development and
a bespoke software development? What might this mean in practical terms for consumers of
generic software products?
Detailed Answer:
The most important distinction is between customization and target audience.
Software Product Development: In this case, the use of a
software product is to serve a large base of potential customers with common needs and
requirements. Its features and functionalities are designed for serving a common group of
individuals or businesses. The process here is aimed at creating a widely applicable and scalable
solution.
Tailor-Made Software Development: This refers to creating software specifically for
a specific, specified client or entity with very particular and often one-of-a-kind requirements.
The software is coded and built from scratch to explicitly address the
client's individual workflows, procedures, and goals. Tailoring is the underlying assumption.
Practical Implications for Users of Generic Software Products:
End-users of generic software products face a number of practical consequences of broad-market
focus in development:
One-Size-Fits-Most Approach: Generic software brings an array of functionalities that are felt to
be useful for the majority of the market. It means that the users need to get used to the idea that
the software has numerous features they do not need, while some of their specific needs might
not be fully addressed.
Learning Curve for Excess Features: Users may have to learn and work through features that
are not applicable to their specific task, adding to the initial learning curve
and possibly cluttering the user interface.
Workarounds and Adjustments: To satisfy their specific needs, users typically have to develop
workarounds or modify their existing process to fit how the generic software operates. This
can occasionally add to inefficiency or sacrifice.
Cost-Effectiveness (In General): Generic software products already have economies of
scale, and thus are typically less costly than having custom software developed from scratch. The
cost is spread across a multitude of users.
Timely Updates and Support: Generic software products typically benefit from dedicated
development teams that provide regular updates, bug fixes, and technical support to a
large body of users. This keeps the software relatively current and reliable.
Large User Base: A massive user base frequently denotes a rich online
