A Complete Guide of Application Software- Types and Examples

From being a luxury in the past to becoming an essential part of our lives today, application software programs have come a long way. Discover how they have changed the scenarios of app and software development world.

 

We use a plethora of application software in everyday life without noticing it. They are more of a necessity to us that reduce our effort and help us do tasks much more efficiently. From sending emails to updating status on professional and personal social media networks and sites like LinkedIn and Facebook, all these prominent application software examples around us make work effortless.

 

As the technology has been evolving sharply the effect can easily be seen in different types of application software. The following article is going to take an in-depth insight into application software.

Before we go further, here is a round-up of headlines this article will be covering: 

# What is Application Software?

In simplest terms, application software programs have a specific task to conclude. They are developed with high-level programming languages. Application software is useful in a number of ways as users can explore them for a number of purposes.  

Application software examples include Skype, Adobe Photoshop, Windows media player and other such applications that are installed on user’s systems and make tasks effortless for them.

 

These programs are available for installation for free and with a minimal price and can be used as software as a service (SaaS) from online repositories. SaaS services are available from many vendors. Users can get a pre-installation of application software services from these vendors,

 

In order to download these apps, users require a system software primarily an operating system.

Popularly accepted application software includes a wide variety of Office Suite, security programs and data management software. Because of their effectiveness, these programs are also known as productivity programs or end-user programs.

# Types of Application Software

Application software programs have different categories when it comes to differentiating them depending upon the type. The names here are categorised into three distinctive categories, namely, general application software, business application software and customised application software. Here is more on the programs that come under these categories.

1. General application software programs include the following:

• Graphic software
• Spreadsheet software
• Content access software
• Web browsers
• Word procession software
• Education and reference software
• Presentation software

2. Business application software programs include the following:

• Education software
• CRM (customer relationship management) software
• ERP (enterprise resource planning) software
• Project management software programs
• Business process management software programs
• Productivity software
• Database

3. Customised application software programs include the following:

Customised application software programs have the widest category that can further be divided in the following types.

• Freeware application software
• Open source application software
• Shareware application software
• Closed source application software

4. Other Types of Application Software

# Functions of Application Software

The functions of application software include a wide variety of tasks. These functions depend majorly on users’ requirements and the goal they want to achieve. Irrespective of the types of application software or the industry/ domain they belong to, their functions include the following:

• Project and data management
• Resource and HR management
• For development purposes (animation, video, graphic, images)
• Finance management (accounting and payroll management)
• For text, email, and video conferencing
• For enterprise and IT infrastructure management
• For managing spreadsheets and creating presentations
• For writing and managing codes for developers

The core purpose of an application software resolves around automating majority of tasks. They save time and reduce the scope of error, which is always a possible scenario with manual assistance.

A number of organisations also use application software programs to optimize collaboration between teams. Additionally, data security is the added advantage that comes along with the use of application software.

# Benefits of Application Software

Now that we have an in-depth insight on what is application software, and what are the types of application software, let’s have a discussion on benefits of application software.

• Greater customer satisfaction

Customer application software works by integrating business-centric CRM with other existing systems. This is reliable and ensures that every piece of information is updated and adds value to customer-centric services that businesses offer. This is useful for service agents as they can efficiently respond to queries from clients ensuring improved services and enhanced customer satisfaction.

• Effective decision making

As businesses and people in decision-making have access to updated information related to business data and customer servicing, decision making gets efficient for people in power. With application software benefits, it gets easier to track past and ongoing business information, analyse the available data, get an insight of future forecasts, plan the budget for business activities, and streamline in advance the plans for the future.

• Flexibility

Among the various benefits of application software, flexibility is one that most users like a lot. Due to the program’s flexibility, it is effortless for developers to integrate data from various sources to further utilise it. This becomes a hassle-free process that helps individuals to customise data, generate reports and use it further.

• Effortless management

Application software is not only about managing and customising reports but also eliminating risk. With businesses, risk is a constant element. An effective application software can easily provide error-free apt solutions. This ensures managing business tasks without error while providing an exceptional user experience.

• High-end data security

Integrating any new software application with existing ones requires robust security. This ensures an added layer of security for third-party apps also that are already integrated with the existing software systems. The application software is updated automatically ensuring the system remains up-to-date.

• Enhanced productivity

With application software at your disposal managing regular business tasks becomes effortless owing to an automated system. This automation saves a huge chunk of time for developers and allows them to be more productive for any given task. Application software examples for enhanced productivity include apps that can recognise text from scannable images. There are other such applications that are helpful in reducing repetitive functions. This includes replying to emails and validating regular tasks.

# What to Consider When Choosing Application Software

Application software programs come in a wide variety and types. However, when it comes to choosing the right program, the requirement very much depends on the needs of your business. Moreover, the end goal with selecting such a system is always to improve the overall business efficiency and therefore critical thinking will go a long way in making the right decision. 

Here is an extended account of what all to think before choosing your application software.

Consider all these questions before selecting the right application software.

# What value the selected program is adding to your existing system?

As businesses differ in their approach and serving needs of the clients, the value addition with an external program differs as well. Therefore, consider the value your new software application will bring to your business.

How much does the application software cost?

Pricing is essential when adding new software programs to the business. Find out whether or not the selected system is a value addition or an expense to the business. Depending upon your findings decide if it is actually required. 

Does the system has the flexibility to meet business needs?

High-end application software will not only add a huge expense but also the customisation will ask for additional expenses. In such a scenario, it is important to have a well-thought decision to consider the implementation of an application system into your existing businesses.

Will the software implementation require additional assistance?

When considering the implementation of a new software system, the need for its installation should discussed as well. Complex software models may require a huge amount of effort to understand the system, which may have a negative impact owing to a huge amount of time as well as effort involved. Therefore, considering all points around implementation matters the most.

In addition to all these pointers, think about the following checklist:

• Define your expectations to analyse if the new program will meet the same
• Conduct research to find out the future profitability of the application software
• Validate the software app based on current and future needs
• Find out how the new program will surpass the benefits of the existing one

# System software Vs application software: The difference

Here are the differences between the both

System software

• These programs control and manage hardware and similar resources of the system
• The program is pre-install with the existing operating system
• It is also known as general-purpose software
• It is basically an interface between system and application software
• The application software runs in the background
• Primary functions include task scheduling, memory management, hardware installation, etc.
• System software can run independently
• It includes complex programming

Application software

• These are designed to accomplish a specific purpose
• It is a third-party software that can be used as per users’ need
• Application software involves programming languages like C++, Python, and JavaScript
• It runs in the foreground
• These programs are also known as specific-purpose software
• Programing is simpler as compared to system software
• The program is hosted on the platform, provided by system software
• It performs tasks based on users’ request

# Examples of Application Software

 

# Cost of developing application software

Cost is a crucial factor for businesses working in a competitive space. When it comes to developing a customised application, the pricing can be an important factor to make the decision further. Therefore, it is an essential step to know the cost beforehand when considering the development and installation of application software.

Here are the pointers that determine the cost of developing an application software.

• Purpose of the application software

The purpose comprises the scope, features, and functionality of application software.

• Maintenance and support

Ongoing maintenance and support will require additional expenses that the business needs to take care of.

• Which type of application is it?

You need to specify if your application is web-based, native, hybrid or cross-platform.

• Hardware compatibility

Ensure the application software you will develop has hardware compatibility with the existing system.

# Wrap Up on Application Software

Application software is a necessity for not only businesses but also for people on a day-to-day purpose. As they help with specific user tasks, the solution is critical for businesses to have.

Services for application software development is easily available with a number of service provider, however, an experienced vendor can help in bringing the desired transformation in the business with an ideal software program.

 

One of the most exclusive advantages of application software is it can be customized with as many functionalities required to the business, provided you contact a recognised service provider. 

The main objective behind adopting application software is to automate business operations that otherwise takes considerable time and effort. In addition to this, these software programs also make collaboration much easier while eliminating the chances of error in a number of tasks. Added to all this the much-required element of security is always there with application software programs.

 

# Custom Application Software: How IDS Logic Can Help?

Custom application software finds its specific use in concluding specific user requirements. These are not complete software suites and therefore developed for specific purposes. IDS Logic can help in customizing the functionality of application software as per the specific company requirement.

We have an entire service package available that can help you bring innovation and digital transformation to your existing business.