The software development landscape is constantly evolving with new technologies, techniques, and preferences shaping how custom business solutions are created. As we enter 2024, several key trends are emerging that can potentially transform custom software development services over the next few years. Getting ahead of these shifts can help businesses better plan their digital strategies and make prudent software investments.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the top custom software development trends worth watching out for in 2024 with insights into how each one promises to impact the creation of custom software solutions.
Latest Custom Software Development Trends
1. Progress Web App
Progressive web apps (PWAs) are web apps that utilize modern web capabilities like service workers and web manifests to deliver native-app-like experiences directly within the mobile browser, without needing to download an app from an app store. PWAs offer the ease of use and immersive experience of native mobile apps along with the broad reach, accessibility, and frictionless distribution of traditional web apps.
The rise of PWAs eliminates much of the need for separate iOS and Android app versions during custom development – reducing cost and maintenance while still delivering modern native-quality mobile experiences accessible from any device with a single codebase. Expect considerably more investment into progressive web apps for mobile and desktop solutions through 2025 and beyond.
2. Low Code and No Code Platforms
No Code Low code development is increasing day by day. These platforms let people create applications using pre-made parts that can be put together in a simple drag-and-drop interface.
Gartner predicts that by 2024, about 65% of application creation will use these low-code and no-code platforms instead of traditional coding. This can disrupt how custom software has traditionally been built by letting more non-developers across a business build solutions.
However, low-code and no-code tools do have some limitations in terms of flexibility and ability to handle complex tasks. This means bringing in professional software developers is still a good idea for sophisticated business software that requires deeper customization and the capacity to manage large volumes of traffic.
3. Web 3.0
Web 3.0 refers to the next phase of internet evolution with a focus on decentralization, increased transparency, shared data control, and extended connectivity across platforms and devices. As innovations in distributed ledger technology (blockchain), AR/VR, 3D, AI, IoT, and the metaverse continue to advance, custom software development will increasingly tap into these emerging capabilities to enable more open, connected, and immersive experiences.
Web 3.0 opens new categories of digital experiences – like collaborative 3D workspaces (the metaverse) – previously not viable. Software teams building custom solutions will leverage these trends within their web, mobile, wearable, and conversational interfaces to keep pace with consumer and business expectations over the next five+ years as Web 3.0 delivers the next generation of our online world.
4. Continued Growth of Microservices Architecture
Monolithic application structures are declining as custom software developers continue embracing a distributed microservices design for enhanced flexibility, easier maintenance, and more resilience. Rather than having one bulky app handle all tasks, the work is divided across independent modules that each focus on specific capabilities.
Forecasts predict strong continued investment into development based on microservices. This allows companies to scale different functionalities to suit evolving needs efficiently. A microservices architecture also curbs issues with a whole solution going down. If there’s a problem with one module, others can still work correctly.
Expect custom software development providers to further leverage microservices to deliver robust and agile solutions aligned with modern IT preferences. The modular approach facilitates adapting as requirements change without excessive redevelopment.
5. Sustainability Becoming More Prominent
With climate change impacts intensifying yearly, consumers and companies alike place greater importance on sustainable operations, products, and services. Custom software solutions look to become part of these efforts through more sustainability-focused development decisions.
There’s growing consideration around optimizing energy efficiency both during building and running custom software. Additionally, sustainability-driven choices may expand around hardware used for deployments, along with data center provides leveraged for hosting solutions.
Working with experienced custom software developers who understand and cater to these shifting sustainability priorities will be key for companies that want their digital solutions aligned with business values. Expect sustainability aspects to become selling points for providers in this space.
6. Continued Cloud Migration Accelerating
While already heavily adopted, migration to cloud-based infrastructure and services continues picking up, allowing online accessibility from anywhere. Research shows over 90% of businesses now use a mix of cloud hosting for their custom software and IT needs. As cloud security and reliability improve while costs decline, this transition shows no signs of slowing.
Custom software development teams have extensively integrated cloud technology meaning they can optimize the delivery of robust hosted solutions. Per IDG, 73% of companies indicate all or most of their apps currently deploy via cloud infrastructure with another 17% planning to catch up soon. Developers skilled at effectively leveraging cloud platforms offer a streamlined pathway for companies to upgrade away from outdated on-premise models.
7. Ramp Up in Demand for AI/ML Capabilities
Custom software integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning has progressed from a nice-to-have to a must-have capability for many companies. Expanding access to advanced behavioral data coupled with rising computing power has set the stage for far more businesses to inject smart functionality powered by predictive algorithms into their software solutions.
By 2024, IDC forecasts global spending on AI software alone will surpass $62 billion.
Custom development teams that can build sophisticated AI/ML elements into client solutions using speech recognition, computer vision, predictive analytics and more will see their services remain in high demand. This technology allows software to deliver greater personalization, automation, and insights at scale.
8. The Growth Outlook for Custom Software Development
As strategic dependence on software solutions grows, most projections point to worldwide custom software development services expanding at a healthy rate through 2024 and beyond. For example, Grand View Research estimates this global industry will reach over $507 billion by 2030 reflecting a CAGR of more than 10%.
Clearly for companies wanting to remain competitive in the digital economy, having professionally built custom systems tailored exactly for your needs looks more crucial than ever. However, with applications increasing in complexity on pace with solution expectations, few organizations maintain internal teams capable of fully handling all software requirements across web, mobility, cloud, AI/ML, and data infrastructure.
This talent shortage means outsourcing custom development to adept third-party providers presents the most practical path to acquiring and maintaining specialized programming staff. A reputable software development company that stays on top of trends allows you to cost-effectively tap top-tier technical skills.
Conclusion
Capabilities are on pace to redefine custom software solutions over the next few years low-code tools, microservices, sustainability, ubiquitous cloud hosting, and smarter AI algorithms. Keeping up with technology shifts requires planning beyond immediate needs to build adaptable systems ready for tomorrow.
Embracing emerging custom development trends in advance promises significant competitive advantages for companies that rely heavily on software performance. However, realizing this agility hinges on working with an experienced provider equipped to build custom solutions that flex with changing technical landscapes and business priorities.
If you are looking for a reliable custom software development partner to bring your vision to life and position your company for the future, contact Data on Matrix Solutions. Our expert team stays on top of the latest trends and leverages modern technologies to create custom software solutions that grow with your goals. Get in touch today to explore how custom development from Data on Matrix can propel your business forward.
