COTS software (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) is a strategic alternative to bespoke development for companies that want to digitise quickly without mobilising significant resources. But how do you find your way around a busy market?
What is COTS software?
A COTS software is a ready-to-use commercial application, developed to address recurring business needs. Unlike bespoke development, it is available immediately, at controlled cost, and benefits from a user community and an established product roadmap.
Essential selection criteria
Functional fit Does the solution cover 80% of your needs without specific development? This is the threshold generally recommended for a COTS to be viable.
Ease of integration Does the software offer open APIs and connectors with your existing tools (CRM, ERP, accounting)?
Deployment model SaaS (cloud-hosted) or On-premise (installed on your servers)? The choice depends on your technical, regulatory and budget constraints.
Sector references Prefer a solution proven in your sector. Customer references and documented use cases are valuable indicators.
Support and scalability Does the publisher offer responsive support? Does the solution evolve regularly to adapt to new needs?
The KEATIC method
At KEATIC, we have developed a rigorous qualification process to evaluate each solution against these criteria. Our goal: to offer you only software that has passed our quality filters.
