What distinguishes packaged software from custom software?

Packaged software is mass-produced for a variety of needs, which makes it widely accessible to a large number of users. This type of software is designed to address common requirements across different organizations or individuals, allowing it to serve as a one-size-fits-all solution.

Organizations often choose packaged software because it can be acquired quickly and tends to be more cost-effective than custom software development. By being mass-produced, it benefits from economies of scale, enabling software vendors to offer it at a lower price point. This easy accessibility and affordability make packaged solutions attractive for businesses looking for efficient, reliable software without the lengthy development process that custom software entails.

In contrast, custom software is specifically built to meet the unique requirements and specifications of a particular organization, which is typically more costly and time-consuming to develop. Hence, the primary distinction lies in the level of customization and the intended audience of the software.