Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) vs. Customized Applications

COTS solutions often force companies to adjust their business processes to fit the software—creating challenges in adoption and efficiency. While COTS may meet 80–90% of requirements, the remaining 10–20%can be deal breakers, stalling implementation, and limiting flexibility.

Additionally, COTS applications stifle innovation by restricting access to their underlying code, preventing businesses from developing truly differentiated solutions with competitive advantages.

In contrast, custom applications are designed to be modular and adaptable, leveraging best-of-breed components that can be seamlessly upgraded or replaced as technology evolves—ensuring long-term scalability and strategic alignment.

Challenges in Developing Customized Applications

Customers often face several hurdles when building custom applications:

• Lack of clarity on best-of-breed choices – With a vast array of technologies available, it can be overwhelming to     identify the right building blocks for an optimal solution.
• Unclear requirements and goals – Many businesses struggle to clearly define their problem statements and     objectives, making it difficult to scope and design an effective solution.
• Technology complexity – Understanding what is realistically achievable amidst a rapidly evolving     tech landscape can be challenging.
• Limited expertise in optimization  – Many organizations lack the in-house skills and bandwidth required to     effectively develop and deploy advanced optimization-driven solutions.

How OSI Helps Customers Build Customized Applications

• Trusted Partnership—We     collaborate closely with customers, guiding them from requirements     formalization to selecting the right technology stack for their IT     landscape. We also educate the customer about the art of the possible     through demos and proof-of-concepts so that the customer can make informed     decisions.
• Phased Implementation –     We advocate a structured, step-by-step approach to ensure smooth adoption     and effective change management.
• Comprehensive Support –     We provide knowledge transfer, training, and ongoing maintenance to     empower teams and ensure long-term success.

Skilled manpower – We effectively fill the skills gap critical in delivering custom applications.