Understanding the various types of software applications is essential as industry projections suggest that the global software development tools market is poised to reach an impressive $9.944 billion by 2027. This forecast shows that the need for various kinds of application software in the contemporary world only continues to rise. Developing these software applications is far from simple, involving a broad spectrum of applications designed to meet different needs. Businesses are often faced with a crucial decision: Either to buy commercial off-the-shelf applications and tools or to contract out software that would be developed to meet the needs of the enterprise.
To gain a better understanding of what software applications are and to explore the most common types available, continue reading.
Understanding Software Applications
Over the years, the variety of software available for computers has expanded significantly. This evolution has created a problem of defining what software is with most people hard-pressed to come up with a defining characteristic. Nonetheless, among all the categories of software, two of the most well-known ones are application software. The primary purpose of application software is to enable users to perform various processes and tasks. Generally, each piece of software is designed to perform one main function, which is why such a vast array of different software applications exist today.
Computer application software typically consists of add-on features and has evolved from floppy disc-based applications to the modern tools we use today. However, it is crucial to point out that types of software applications cannot work independently from an operating platform environment like MS Windows or Apple’s iOS.
The Purpose of Application Software
The type of application software that is loaded on a computer will vary with the users of the particular computer. In the world today there are various classes and functions of application software that exist in the market. Below is a list of some of the most common software application categories:
Web Browsers
Web browsers act as the tools that allow the users to explore the web whereby they are in a position to search for information they need or even engage in research, interact with others, access content, and much more. Some of the most widely used web browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and MS Edge. Most of the contemporary web browsers feature in-application, reduced versions of other categories of software applications.
Spreadsheet Software
Spreadsheet software is among the most effective tools for organizing data, using a tabular format along with a range of equations, charts, and other features. Any person who is involved in data analysis or data interpretation will find spreadsheet software to be highly beneficial. These tools are used across a variety of industries, with Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and Apple Numbers being the most popular options.
Presentation Software
Presentation software enables users to develop enterprise information presentations that can be used in Enterprise Information Systems and day-to-day life. They are very useful in presenting data, ideas and other forms of information on any chosen subject. The content of the presentation can contain text, slide shows with images, and multimedia files, so presentations can be universal media for information exchange.
Word Processors
Word processors are one of the oldest and most common types of software applications. They are used to create and manipulate text documents. In the past years, word processors have become enriched by such utilities as spell checkers and thesauruses. It is used in the creation of text documents and the manipulation of the content of such documents. Users can also do as they wish regarding the design elements on the website such as the fonts, their sizes and color combinations.
Multimedia Software
As computers have become more powerful, multimedia software has grown in popularity for creating, recording, editing, and sharing content in the form of images, audio, and video. These types of software applications have become particularly crucial in the entertainment industry. Depending on the specific software application and the type of content being worked on, some applications may require significant processing power. However, more basic, simplified applications can run on lower-end devices and have even become incredibly popular on smartphones.
Database Software
Also known as database management software (DMS), database software has seen a rise in popularity due to the increasing importance of digital transformation. This software makes it easier to organize & access data by allowing various types of data to be stored within a single database. This makes it ideal for keeping data organized within a single system. Some popular database software choices include MS Access and MySQL.
Graphic Software
Graphic software is used to create, edit, manage, and render image files, typically for design purposes such as logos, backgrounds, web graphics, clip art, or other digital images. People also frequently use this software to create digital art or edit actual photos. The range of graphic software varies greatly—many free tools are available, though these are generally limited to basic image editing tasks. These are often used for personal tasks that don’t require in-depth work.
On the other hand, various other graphic software applications are more advanced and typically used for professional purposes. Depending on the chosen software, the price can be quite high, and some require powerful hardware to run smoothly.
Education Software
Education software includes any type of software applications that are specifically designed to enhance learning experiences. It’s commonly used in schools, universities, and other educational institutions so that teachers can better educate their students. Education software can function in a variety of ways. Some applications provide audio/visual experiences to simplify the learning process. Interactive applications are also available, allowing students to take a more active role in their education. Some widely used education software includes Google Classroom, ProProfs, and Schoology.
Other Types of Software
While the above are some of the most popular types of software applications, there are many more available. Other types include content access software, information worker software, and Shareware. With the widespread use of computers in today’s world, there are software applications designed to handle virtually any task.
What are the Right Software Applications for You?
Given the wide range of tasks that businesses might need to accomplish, finding the right types of software applications can be challenging. The best way to ensure that you have something suitable for your needs is to have it developed specifically for your organization. However, finding the right developers to create these custom applications can be a daunting process.
We can take care of that for you. We specialize in matching businesses with the right developers for their projects, allowing you to focus on other crucial tasks. Connect with us now, tell us what you need, and we’ll handle the rest.
