The world of custom software development is constantly evolving, and 2024 promises to be a crucial year for the industry. Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of developing customized software to meet the specific needs of their customers.
It should come as no surprise, therefore, that the trends for 2024 will bring to software development—or, in some cases, consolidate—technologies and systems that are proving to have a high degree of adaptability and operational flexibility, such as machine learning and low-code/no-code development.
As with all trends, those who are able to identify and interpret them best will have a significant advantage over their competitors.
What is meant by custom software development
Custom software development is a practice that has always been part of corporate IT. Custom software, including personalized apps, comes into play whenever companies need to meet requirements that cannot be satisfied by existing solutions on the market in terms of methods, processes, scale, or costs.
In this case, software applications are designed and developed based on the specific needs of the company, typically following an in-depth analysis phase that helps the development team understand these needs and, in many cases, helps the company itself to better focus them. The aim is to create software that precisely meets these needs, as opposed to using third-party solutions, which generally require some kind of compromise when implementing them in the company.
Low-code and no-code development
An important trend that will characterize the world of custom software development in 2024 is the growing adoption of low-code and no-code development platforms. These solutions are radically changing the way companies approach software development, making it accessible to a wider audience and ensuring that even employees without technical skills can actively participate in software development.
Low-code development platforms allow developers to create software applications using a minimum of custom code. No-code platforms go even further:
they allow people with no programming experience to create software applications. These platforms offer visual interfaces and drag-and-drop tools for creating custom applications. Users can design workflows, databases, and user interfaces without writing a single line of code.
The low-code and no-code approach will consolidate its position not only as a trend, but as a cornerstone of development.
Custom software development: Artificial Intelligence and machine learning
One of the most significant trends in custom software development for 2024 is the widespread adoption of systems based on Artificial Intelligence and machine learning. Companies are recognizing the value of these tools for improving operational efficiency and offering more personalized user experiences.
In the healthcare sector, for example, AI-based diagnostic systems are already being developed that can identify diseases with extraordinary accuracy. In logistics, AI is helping to optimize supply chains and reduce operating costs.
Companies are investing heavily in developing advanced machine learning algorithms and are hiring AI and machine learning experts to lead the development of tailored solutions based on these technologies.
Custom software development: DevOps and agile methodologies
In 2024, the adoption of DevOps practices and agile methodologies will continue to grow among companies that develop custom software. DevOps is an approach to software development that emphasizes collaboration between developers and operations teams to improve software delivery and quality. This approach speeds up the development process, minimizes errors, and improves software stability.
Agile methodologies are becoming the standard for software project management. These flexible approaches allow companies to respond quickly to changes in customer needs and deliver high-quality software iteratively.
In addition, the automation of development and deployment processes is becoming increasingly common thanks to DevOps tools. This automation speeds up software deployment and reduces the risk of human error.
The introduction of more agile development methodologies and operations automation systems also has a beneficial impact on development costs, which are thus stripped of all operational overheads that do not generate added value.
Greater software security
Security will also remain central; in fact, it will become even more important. Because as customized software development grows, software threats will also become increasingly sophisticated.
This means that methodologies such as DevSecOps, which emphasize cybersecurity elements from the earliest stages of development, will be not only important but essential for effective and secure software that can be integrated into the organization.
A dedicated team for the development of customized software
The fact that the creation of customized software is a long-standing practice does not imply a lack of modernization. On the contrary, today there are new methods, such as, Modern Application Development which completely changes the approach to customized software development, while maintaining its main mission unchanged, namely to build systems capable of providing the most accurate response possible to business needs.
Within SORINT, the development department has this objective: to modernize application development, both through new implementations and through the modernization of existing ones. This involves both the use of new development methodologies (Agile and Scrum, among others) and the use of new technologies and approaches. The development of Cloud Native applications, for example, allows us to reconcile the need to create unique and customized software with the agility and scalability typical of the Cloud and “as a service” systems.
Custom software development: many steps forward in 2024
2024 looks set to be an exciting year for custom software development. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are revolutionizing many industries, offering new opportunities for operational efficiency and innovation. Data security remains a constant priority, with end-to-end encryption and the use of AI for threat detection at the forefront. DevOps practices and agile methodologies continue to drive how companies approach software development, enabling faster delivery and greater flexibility.
Overall, 2024 will be a year in which companies that invest in innovation and adapt to new trends will be well positioned to succeed in the increasingly competitive world of custom software development.