Creating software for a business or for a business function can be greatly beneficial to an organization if done correctly. However just like any other project, trade-offs need to be made, just make sure scalability isn’t one of them. Scalability shouldn’t be seen as an ‘optional’ function to be incorporated only if funds allow, but rather as a necessary function of the software. Before getting into the benefits of scalable software, it is important to firstly highlight what scalability in software entails.
Scalability
For software to be considered scalable, it has to be able to handle any increase in work and be comfortable accommodating growth. Therefore, the importance of scalability in software does not become apparent until further down the line when a business requires a higher level of operation from the software. Since the importance of scalable software comes after initial software launching, it is often overseen during the designing process. Building scalable software from the get go is a way to ensure that your application will remain usable and intact regardless of your changing business requirements.
Unscalable Software
If your software wasn’t built to be scalable, then chances are the effects won’t be spotted until later. At the beginning, it becomes difficult to see the impact of scalability, however as the software advances and becomes more pivotal in the business functions, problems may become easier to spot. For example, as the amount of data stored increases, the software may begin to experience slower load times, and run the risk of data loss. Additionally, unscalable software may not support the needs of a growing business. Unscalable software can also place a limit on the amount of users, so when a business grows, the software may become unusable. Often times, new software can be costly, so you want to ensure that when you design software for your company, it is something that will be able to be used long-term. This is where scalable software comes in.
Benefits of Scalable Software
As mentioned above, incorporating scalability into your new software is very beneficial, so let’s get into the specifics. Firstly, in the long run, scalable software will save you great time and money. By having software that is able to adapt to the ever changing and increasing needs of your business, you avoid the need to scrap and build new software everytime your business undergoes change. This in turn also increases the value of your investment into the software, since it will be able to be utilized for a much longer time. Additionally, it allows businesses to pay for only what they need at the moment rather than trying to incorporate everything they may eventually need all at once. This way, businesses can plan their needs as time comes, without worries about any unused functions. Lastly, using scalable software for your business also benefits employees. By having software that will be used long-term, employees will need overall less training on how to correctly use software, which also cuts costs. Essentially, the most important factor that scalable software offers is that it allows for growth. All businesses want to grow, and with scalability, the software can grow with it.
At Evenset, all of the custom software we create for our clients is built to be scalable so that your software can help your business grow, not hinder it. If you or your business has a custom software idea, contact Evenset for a quote!