Lagos — Application software are several lines of codes (written instructions) written to tackle a specific task. Such tasks could include word processing, calculations, presentation, documentation, book keeping, accounting and others.

Off the shelf application packages are general purpose packages for a particular task but which cut across the boundaries of industries and nations, while a customized application package is a package for a particular task but further tuned for that country and, or a particular industry. An example is an accounting solution developed for the Nigerian insurance industry. Loads of these customized application packages are being developed daily for different sectors of the economy.

One antidote to business deterioration is continuous improvement, frequent appraisal and deployment of state of the art technologies especially in IT which includes deploying necessary application packages to help reduce daily routine and increase processing speed of business transactions. But the findings are that these application packages are not so accepted by entrepreneurs in this country. The question is why?

As a result of my direct involvement in this industry, I have found out that the major problem lies in our culture, among other things. The major problems are highlighted below:

Culture:

On a first contact; over 50 percent of the chief executives contacted to procure customized software for a particular industry were of the opinion that doing their business the old way, i.e. carrying files and documents from one desk to the other would be better for them. Most of the times, this reason is underlaid with several other reasons like pricing, training or just being defensive, though slightly over 20 percent of the above category are ready to change their mind on the second contact. The main point here is that a good number of executives prefer the old way of doing things especially when it comes to introduction of new customized software.

Within this context, continuous customized application introduction to various sectors of the economy while providing the potential to shift the traditional focus of being lackadaisical or lethargic with improved economy will confront the complexities of trying to change such strong and dominant traditions. I believe this mindset or culture will be changed as the economy and socio-interaction improves.

Right Pricing & the Economy:

A right price of a product is the one accepted by the overwhelming majority of the class that the product is designed or intended for. Though there are several factors to be considered before fixing a price of a product especially for customized software application, but because the process of rolling or shipping out a product can be so tedious, the pricing is accordingly affected.

The economy has further affected the psyche of our people especially when it comes to paying for services or purchasing products even when the benefits far outweigh the cost. We actually find it difficult paying for services in this part of the world and I think the major reason is the economy. We can get out of this quagmire by appreciating genuine works and services, your own works and services will be appreciated more and valued when you do the same for others. What comes around goes around so they say.

Quality and Professionalism

A well-engineered (customized) software should be maintainable, reliable, efficient and user friendly, but most of us are not able to achieve these qualities because only one or two developers are often engaged to carry out the tasks meant for more than 10 developers. For example, one or two persons might have to do the following: Requirement analysis & definition, system & software design, coding, integration & testing and operation & maintenance.

I can authoritatively say that the economy and right pricing have also played an important in affecting the quality of customized software being produced except for some few developers who are naturally carefree.

Most of our colleagues, whether individual or corporate, know some of these underlying principles guiding the trade but try to cut corners when clients will either not be ready to pay the appropriate price or will take forever to pay the agreed amount.

But no matter the explanation or justification, software developers (Individual & corporate) should deploy necessary tools, both human and capital, to make sure that quality is not compromised. The standard of Nigerian software is already high which can be compared with their foreign counterparts, but we still need to gain the confidence of executives and the industry as mentioned above.

After all is said and done, the challenge is, 'Nigerian Software, Are You Ready for It?'