Custom Software Key Terms
ScottDatabases.com
These Custom Software Development terms are intentionally defined in a clear, non-technical way — perfect for anyone looking
to better understand the world of software development. These explanations may help when discussing your project with
technology vendors such as ScottDatabases.com.
Line of Business (LOB) Software – LOB software is tailored to a specific line of business, designed with
specialized functionality that supports company-specific processes. It’s similar to “Vertical Market Software” but serves a
narrower audience. For instance, both a men’s clothing store and a laundromat might need POS systems, but each would require
a different one. In cases where a business’s needs are truly unique, a vendor like ScottDatabases.com can
create a custom LOB solution.
POS (Point of Sale) – A POS system is the software used at checkout counters and registers in retail
environments to process sales transactions.
Vertical Market Software – Software created for a specific industry, such as insurance or healthcare.
A vendor may specialize in one type of software (for example, call center systems for any industry), while others — such as
ScottDatabases.com Technologies — focus on developing all the specialized tools a given industry might
need.
Web Applications – Web applications run inside a browser. E-commerce sites are a common example. Many
organizations now use Web Applications for internal operations because they eliminate installation issues — all you need is
a browser. They can be private (Intranet), semi-private (Extranet), or public (Internet).
While traditional web apps can be less responsive than desktop software, technologies like JavaScript and AJAX have made
modern web applications fast, interactive, and dynamic.
Desktop Applications – Programs that run directly on your computer’s operating system (for example,
Microsoft Office). They often provide faster performance and more direct access to local files and hardware.
Custom Software Development – The process of creating software specifically for one organization.
Unlike off-the-shelf products, custom software includes only the features you need — without unnecessary extras that slow
things down.
Intranet – A private, internal network that behaves like the Internet but is only accessible to people
within the organization.
Extranet – A private online environment that allows limited external access (for example, vendors logging
in to view billing information or reports).
.NET (Dot Net) – Microsoft’s software framework and development platform. Each version of the .NET
framework is unique — software written for .NET 2.0, for example, won’t run on a system that only has .NET 1.1 installed.
VB.NET – One of the most widely used programming languages in business software. Its roots trace back to
the BASIC language of the 1970s and 80s (used on early computers like the Apple II and Commodore). Today, VB.NET powers
countless systems across government agencies, financial institutions, and Fortune 500 companies worldwide.
C# – The sibling language to VB.NET. While it looks similar to Java in some ways, VB.NET and C# are
functionally identical once compiled.
SQL – “Structured Query Language.” Used to store, retrieve, and modify data in a database. SQL was first
developed by IBM in 1975 as SEQUEL (“Structured English Query Language”) and has since evolved into multiple variants,
including Microsoft’s T-SQL and Oracle’s MySQL.
Java – A cross-platform programming language originally developed by Sun Microsystems. Java is known for
its lightweight, portable design, which makes it ideal for web-based and enterprise applications.
Client/Server Software – Software architecture where the client application (used by the user) connects
to a central server that stores data. This model allows multiple users to access and update a shared database efficiently.
Microsoft’s SQL Server is a popular foundation for such systems.
Database System – Software that manages structured data. Most business applications use standard database
systems (such as Microsoft SQL Server or Access) rather than building their own. These databases are often secured with
passwords or APIs to control access and ensure data integrity.
Platform – The combination of an operating system, programming language, and database system that
together form the foundation for running a software solution.
QA (Quality Assurance) – The testing and validation process used to ensure software works correctly,
meets requirements, and delivers a great user experience. QA is a vital step in any professional development lifecycle.
Development Lifecycle – The entire journey of software creation: planning, coding, testing (QA), release,
and post-launch support. Many projects follow an iterative cycle that incorporates user feedback to improve the final
product.
RPA (Robotic Process Automation) –
Robotic
Process Automation uses software “bots” and machine learning to automate repetitive digital tasks
— such as data entry, record maintenance, and transaction processing — allowing businesses to save time and improve
accuracy at scale.