For many Internet marketers, the idea of software development is nothing short of intimidating. Most marketers aren’t expert coders and the notion of building a new software product from the ground up seems almost far-fetched. Sure, they know they have the talent to sell the product. It’s the creation process that worries them. That’s unfortunate because many marketers who limit themselves to selling their own informational products or to acting as an affiliate for other products are missing out on a great opportunity.
In reality, marketers make great software development leaders. They’re accustomed to organizing large products, overseeing freelancers, planning multi-stage processes and other activities that are common to both Internet marketing and software development.
The marketer needs the idea and a vision. He or she can hire the programmers to bring it to fruition. In today’s global economy and with the tremendous competition between coders for work, this can often be accomplished at a surprisingly low price. Managing these products and their coders isn’t altogether different than managing other freelancers with whom marketers often work on other projects. The experience and skill will transfer nicely.
The advantages of becoming a developer are significant.
First, being the “name” attached to a program is an instant credibility builder in a way that even a book or ebook isn’t. It conveys a degree of seriousness, commitment and expertise that’s hard to rival--and that can add luster to other (even non-software) projects.
Second, software is good for business. A quality program that resolves a need in the marketplace will sell--especially when it’s being promoted by a good marketer. There’s actually less resistance to software purchases the ebook and info products, too. Software development can be quite lucrative. People like the idea of buying something they can “use” that will automate tasks or increase their efficiency. That’s what software development is really all about.
Third, software development gives marketers a chance to create something truly helpful for others and to make that tool widely available. If you have a “better mousetrap”, you can sell it for a fortune and help people with vermin control. It’s a great opportunity to improve the lives of those in your target demographic in some way.
Marketers shouldn’t fear software creation and development. Instead, they should attack this potentially lucrative opportunity with great vigor. Selling self-created, original software is a wonderful way to help others, to make money and to improve branding and reputation-building efforts.
In today’s age computer software has become a driving force. It is a key factor that distinguishes between modern products and services from the traditional ones. It is implanted in systems of all kinds, transportation, medical, telecommunications, military, industrial processes, entertainment, etc.
“So, what is software anyways?”
A textbook description of software looks like the following:
Software is instructions that when executed provide desired function and performance, it is data structures that enable the programs to adequately manipulate information and it is documents that describe the operation and use of the programs.
Simply put software is a collection of program codes and procedures which when run gives the desired output.
Three main characteristics of software as defined by software engineering scholar Roger Pressman are:
Software is developed or engineered; it is not manufactured in the classical sense. Like hardware when software is developed nothing physical is created. It is just sequence of texts.
Software doesn’t wear out. In due course of time every hardware component wears out due to various reasons, but since there is nothing physical about software it doesn’t wear out. It runs with the same efficiency even 10 years from when it was developed. Software might get outdated with the advent of new technology and better and faster programs.
Although the industry is moving toward component-based assembly, most software continues to be custom built. Software still continues to be built depending on the requirement and specification given by a client or for a specific application.
A few major applications of software are:
System software: Collection of programs which services other programs or enables the usage of other programs is known as system software. Example: Operating systems, editors, compilers, etc.
Real time software: Software which enables monitoring of real world events as an when they occur is known as real time software. Example: Continuous monitoring of earth pressures and radiations, etc.
Business software: Software which helps in information processing to facilitate a business decision or interactive computing fall in this category. Example: MIS systems, sale transaction processing using plastic money, etc.
Engineering and scientific software: Very high specification software with complex algorithms to give fast and detailed solutions for applications like astronomy, automation of industrial activities, etc. These were earlier known as number crunching algorithms but now it also includes software for system simulation, computer aided designs, etc.
Embedded software: Systems with embedded software are a common sight now-a-days. It’s become a part and parcel of our lives. Example: Mobile phones, digital watches, etc.
Personal computer software: This software assists a user in his everyday work like documents preparation, storing data, etc. Any application software that is available on a computer and helps a user in his work falls into this category. Example: Word Processor, multimedia programs, spread sheets, databases, etc.
Web based software: This combines numerous executable codes to give a user unlimited access to world wide information. Example: Internet.
Artificial intelligence software: Expert systems like gaming software are an example of this category.
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