APPLICATION SOFTWARE AND ITS TYPE

Introduction: Application software are set of instructions written in such a way that it must satisfy one's need. It consists of multiple applications bundled together. They often have related functions, and user interfaces which can interact with each other or open each other's files for further processing. For example:- Microsoft Office is an office automation suite which has bundled applications like Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Access etc.

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Application software are being developed to automate the specific functional department so that the transactions occurring in the interest of the department / organization can be recorded electronically, so that meaningful data can be processed further to interpret in the information.

Information is customized into reports which further accessed by the top level, Middle level and any member who is responsible, so that information can be converted into knowledge. Knowledge helps them to analyse the existing environment and performance so that correct actions can be initiated in the interest of the organization. For Example:- Tally. Tally is the application software developed to automate the accounting practices in the organization which is capable to record all the transactions occurring in the interest of the organization, prepares books of account, Profit & Loss Account and automatically prepares balance Sheet etc, which disseminate the financial information to the stakeholders in the organization and helps them to manage the financials effectively.

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Now, Lets discuss the types of application software

1. Enterprise Software:- This type of software are oriented towards Industry needs and wants. There are number of Enterprise software which is designed to serve different purpose of the organization. In organization, there are different departments which is integrated in a way which coordinates various tasks of the organization and these departments are synced to achieve the goals of the organization. 

The objective behind the enterprise software is to automate various departments of the organization so that transactions of these departments can be recorded electronically and then the same can be further integrated/processed within the departments for data/info distribution to have smooth work coordination. This helps the organization to have fast access of work data within the fraction of seconds, helps in provided good customer services, helps to maintain good relations with the suppliers, helps to understand the consumers tastes and preferences thus increases the performance and the accountability within the system. 

Enterprise Software is also knows as ERP, provided all the functional modules are integrated within the organization.

ex:- Customer Relationship Management(CRM), Supply Chain Management(SCM), Material Management System(MMS), Financial Management System(FMS) etc are the enterprise software developed to support the various functions of the industry. Company Involved in this business:- SAP, Oracle, BAAN, People Soft, Microsoft etc.

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2. Enterprise Infrastructure Software:- EIS provides necessary capabilities required to support / run the enterprise software. Examples include databases, email servers, and systems for managing networks and security. Database is the backbone of the enterprise software as it records the entire raw facts/data of each department and gives the access to enterprise software to manipulate/ process / transform the recorded data into any form of meaningful information which can satisfy the information need of any level of management.

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3. Information worker software:- are those software which addresses the needs of individuals to create and manage information. Examples include time management, resource management, documentation tools, analytical, and collaborative. Word processors, spreadsheets, email and blog clients, personal information system, and individual media editors may aid in multiple information worker tasks.

4. Content access software: those software which access the content of files without editing. There are software available which can access the content and allows user to edit the same. Each content which we play or save are of different file system thus we need to have different content access application software to access the data stored in the file structure. Example:- .doc , .pdf, .xls , .mp3 etc. Therefore, we need to have Microsoft Office to access the files with .doc and .xls, Adobe reader for .pdf and vlc player for .mp3.

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5. Educational Software:- is like a content access software, but has the distinct content designed to address different domains for use in by educators or students. For example, online and offline tutorial and courses in typing, foreign language, Maths, Science etc.

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6. Simulation Software:- are computer software for simulation of physical or abstract systems for either research, training or entertainment purposes. Mostly simulation software are used in training programs to have an idea/experience of system and facilities, so that candidates can be exposed and trained before putting them in real time situation.Example:- Airport Simulation software, Driving simulation software etc.

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7. Media development software:- are those software which facilitates the user to develop and generate print and e-media for others to consume. It is mostly in commercial and educational settings. This includes Graphic Art software, Desktop Publishing software, Multimedia Development software, Digital Animation editors, Digital Audio and Video composition, HTML editors etc.

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8. Product Engineering Software:- PES is used to develop and design hardware and software products and any other product. The most important tools includes computer aided design (CAD), computer aided engineering (CAE), computer language editing and compiling tools, Integrated Development Environments, and Application Programmer Interfaces (Visual basics).

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