For many businesses, an off the shelf package for their software requirements is perfectly adequate and they have no need of Custom Software Development. However, other businesses, because of their size or due to the fact that they have very niche requirements, do need to use the services of a development team who will create a bespoke package for them.

But what are the pros and cons of each? Well, a bespoke software package will of course cost far more, both in the initial cost and in the ongoing updates and new releases. Businesses with bespoke software will need a far higher level of support in all areas including training, testing and customising.

A package off the shelf will of course cost far less than bespoke software but it may not match the requirements of what the business needs it to do for them. It is also more likely to be kept updated with new releases. (more...)

In the past, the tv guide was solely a supplement that came with a weekly newspaper. Now, however, there is a multitude of magazines dedicated specifically to provide a viewing schedule.

Somehow though, even with new publications that deal exclusively with programmes shown on the television, the TV guide remains not particularly user friendly. Notoriously badly written and full of mistakes, the TV guide is not the clarifying piece of literature that it proposes itself to be.

Granted the problem usually comes from the programmers themselves, and not from the writers who simply transcribe the viewing schedule and publish it. When the printed TV guide is wrong, it is more often than not the fault of altered planning. (more...)

Buying insurance can be a notoriously tricky business. With so many brokers and volumes of promotional content out there, choosing the company to suit your needs is nearly impossible.

Every insurer advertising using what is essentially the same set of claims. Each one promises to offer you lower premiums and to maximise cover tailor-made especially for you. As the consumer, you know that not every one is telling the truth: they can't all be the cheapest and the best.

In order to weed out the good from the bad, it is useful to turn to an online house or car insurance comparison generator, or 'screenscraper' as they are known in the lingo. This kind of site is able to line up all the available options and show you simply and clearly what each one is offering to give you for your money. (more...)