Pop quiz: Which is an example of application software?

A. Adobe Photoshop

B. Google Chrome

C. Spotify

D. All of the above

If you chose "D," you're spot on! This simple quiz highlights just how diverse and ubiquitous application software has become in our daily lives and businesses. But what exactly is application software, and how can it benefit your business?

Let’s answer those questions in this article.

What is Application Software & How Does It Work?

You might have wondered: Is an application software, or is software an application? The terms can be confusing, so let's clear that up right away.

Application software, often simply called "applications" or "apps," is a specific type of software designed to perform particular tasks for users. All applications are software, but not all software is an application. Think of software as the broader category, with application software being a subset focused on end-user tasks.

So, what exactly does application software do? It's the workhorse of your digital world, helping you accomplish a wide range of tasks:

• Personal use: From managing your photos to planning your budget
• Educational purposes: Like interactive learning platforms or research tools
• Business operations: Such as project management or customer relationship management

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Application software is designed to boost your productivity, spark creativity, or improve communication between team members. It's the reason you can write a report, edit a video, or chat with colleagues across the globe, all from your computer or smartphone.

What Is the Difference Between “On-Prem” and “SaaS” Application Software?

When it comes to application software, you've got two main options. Let’s break them down:

• On-premises software: Think of on-prem software as owning a house. The software is installed on your company's physical servers, and your IT team is responsible for maintaining it. You have full control over the software and your data. Popular examples include traditional versions of Microsoft Office 2019 or earlier, and Adobe Creative Suite (prior to its transition to Creative Cloud).
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• Software as a Service (SaaS): SaaS is more like renting an apartment in a managed building. No installation is needed as the software lives in the cloud. The SaaS provider handles updates and troubleshooting, while you can access the software from anywhere with an internet connection. Instead of a high upfront cost, you typically pay a subscription fee.

Many companies are switching to SaaS applications for cost-effectiveness and accessibility. As this trend grows, some software providers are phasing out their on-prem offerings.

A key perk of SaaS is scalability. As your data needs grow, the SaaS provider handles the backend, ensuring your applications run smoothly without needing to upgrade infrastructure (if your subscription plan accommodates it). 

The choice between on-prem and SaaS comes down to whether you should build or buy software. While both have their place, SaaS's convenience and flexibility are making it increasingly popular for businesses of all sizes.

Benefits of Business Application Software

When you're running a business, the right tools can make all the difference. That's where business application software comes in. Here's how it can help:

Get More Done, Faster

Think about all the tasks your team juggles daily. Now, imagine completing them more quickly and with fewer errors. That's what good application software does. It streamlines your work, whether you're managing projects, handling customer data, or balancing the books.

For instance, project management software like Asana or Trello can help teams onboard new employees and track tasks, deadlines, and progress in one place, reducing time spent on status updates and meetings.

Keep Your Data Safe

Data security is crucial for any business. The right software can add layers of protection to your sensitive information. You can set up things like two-factor authentication or control who has access to what data.

For example, CRM software like Salesforce allows businesses to configure robust security features, including IP restrictions and audit trails, to protect customer data.

Help When You Need It

When you're stuck on a tech problem, having expert help available can be invaluable. With widely-used application software, support is always at hand. Most providers offer help through chat, phone, or user forums.

For instance, QuickBooks, a popular accounting software, provides various support options, including live chat, phone support, and a comprehensive online knowledge base.

Your Files, Anywhere

Cloud storage has transformed how businesses handle files. Most modern application software lets you store files in the cloud. This means you can access your work from anywhere, and if something happens to your computer, your files are safe.

Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) is a prime example, allowing teams to collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in real time from any device.

Room To Grow

As your business expands, your software needs to keep up. Many application software options are built to grow with you. They can handle more data and more users without slowing down, so you don't have to worry about outgrowing your tools.

Shopify, for instance, offers tiered plans that accommodate businesses from small startups to large enterprises, scaling features and capabilities as needed.

Types of Business Application Software

Here are some of the most common business application software categories:

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is an application software that manages an organization's core operations and other business processes.

ERPs can streamline time-consuming business processes like accounting, project management, order processing, compliance, data analysis, and supply chain management.

NetSuite, Odoo, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 are examples of ERP software.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software

Customer relationship management (CRM) application software provides a seamless experience, bridging the gap between a company and its existing clients and prospects. A CRM collects, analyzes, and interprets customer data in various ways for a company's sales, marketing, and operations team to utilize.

Salesforce, Zoho CRM, and HubSpot are examples of CRM software.

Business Process Management (BPM) Software

Business Process Management (BPM) software maps out a company's everyday processes to pinpoint and remove bottlenecks, manage expenses, optimize day-to-day operations, and maximize employee effectiveness.

While ERPs excel in automating and streamlining existing processes, BPMs provide tools to address a company's future requirements. Kissflow, Zoho Creator, and Processmaker are examples of BPM software.

Time Management Application Software

Time management application software makes it easier for a company's workforce to stay productive by helping them keep track of time spent on projects. Harvest, Everhour, and DeskTime are examples of time management application software.

Project Management Application Software

Project management application software simplifies company resource allocation, scheduling, and project planning.

These applications facilitate the flow of information and collaboration among project members. Additionally, it allows users to track project resource budgets and generate reports. Asana, Basecamp, and Trello are examples of project management application software.

Inventory Management Application Software

Inventory and retail management application software tracks your product inventory quantity and where it is. Most warehouse operations require inventory tracking software to keep tabs on where products are located, where they came from, and where they are supposed to go.

ShipDudes, inFlow, and Cin7 are examples of inventory management application software.

6 Examples of Application Software 

Example #1: ShipDudes

ShipDudes is a third-party logistics company that warehouses and ships products for next-generation e-commerce brands. ShipDudes inventory management application software offers users a custom dashboard that displays their inventory levels for both products and components used for each product. 

Humble brag moment: ShipDudes leveraged Blaze.tech’s no-code platform to develop a secure, scalable inventory management system. Read how they built it without technical expertise. 

Example #2: Microsoft Dynamics 365

Microsoft Dynamics 365 offers ERP options geared toward a variety of business needs. The software uses AI to provide insight into optimizing business operations and nurture authentic customer relationships.

Their application also integrates seamlessly with LinkedIn Sales Navigator, which is a big advantage for businesses that are already familiar with the tool, so they don't have to implement a separate ERP service. 

Example #3: HubSpot

HubSpot is a comprehensive platform offering CRM tools alongside marketing, sales, and service automation. It’s an automation tool that helps companies attract website visitors, gain a deeper insight into their prospects, and nurture customers through their sales funnel.

It does this through a unified codebase and intuitive UX to make interacting with its application smooth and seamless.

Example #4: Harvest

Harvest is a cloud-based time-tracking software made for businesses of all sizes. It combines timekeeping and invoicing features so users can be paid based on the tracked time entries without having to export data to another invoicing software.

Harvest's intuitive cloud-based interface is accessible across all desktop and mobile devices.

Example #5: Basecamp

Basecamp is a cloud-based project management application software to help companies, teams, and individuals organize tasks, locate relevant project information, and get real-time project progress updates. 

Collaboration is the main draw with Basecamp, with dedicated tools built in for project planning, sharing files, or team brainstorming sessions. The application can also be integrated with other products for enhanced reporting, analysis, and time tracking. 

Example #6: Forecast

Forecast is a full-suite project and resource management software for businesses that offer professional services. AI technology helps in resource planning and fine-tuning operational processes to help predict the success and profitability of projects.

The method of allocating and assigning projects is simplified with an application like Forecast. 

FAQ

Q1. How Does Application Software Differ From System Software?

Application software is designed to help users perform specific tasks, while system software, like operating systems, manages the hardware and basic functions of a computer. System software serves as a platform for application software to run on.

Q2. What Is Business Application Software?

Business application software is specifically designed to help businesses perform various functions such as accounting, project management, customer relationship management (CRM), and enterprise resource planning (ERP). Examples include QuickBooks for accounting and Salesforce for CRM.

Q3. Why Is Business Application Software Important for Companies?

Business application software is crucial because it streamlines operations, improves efficiency, and enhances decision-making by providing tools for managing business processes, analyzing data, and facilitating communication within the organization.

Q4. What’s the Difference Between Application Software and an Application Platform?

Application software is what you use, while an application platform is what makes that software work behind the scenes.

Application software is designed to perform specific tasks for users, like word processors, web browsers, or photo editors. It's the tool you interact with directly to accomplish your goals.

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On the other hand, an application platform provides the foundation for application software to run. It acts as the underlying infrastructure that supports and enables application software. An application platform typically includes operating systems, execution services, data services, cloud services, and development tools.

Design Your Application Software Today With Blaze.tech

Creating custom application software can be challenging, especially for businesses without extensive technical resources. Blaze offers a no-code solution that simplifies this process, allowing you to build tailored applications quickly and efficiently.

Blaze's key features for application development include:

• No-code platform: Build applications using a drag-and-drop interface without writing code.
  
  
• Comprehensive component library: Access pre-built widgets for maps, layouts, and more, speeding up development.
  
  
• Powerful workflow automation: Create complex business processes without coding, improving efficiency.
  
  
• Enterprise-level security: Protect your data with features like automatic audit logs, two-factor authentication, and HIPAA compliance.
  
  
• Extensive integration capabilities: Connect seamlessly with existing systems using out-of-the-box or custom REST API integrations.

A key advantage of Blaze is its implementation team, which assists in building the initial version of your app. This support significantly reduces the learning curve and time to market, making it a valuable asset for businesses aiming to quickly develop and deploy custom applications without extensive in-house technical resources.

To see how Blaze can address your specific needs, we recommend trying a free demo. This will give you a firsthand look at how Blaze's features and flexibility can benefit your project.

Schedule a Free Demo Today.