18 Types of Application Software with Examples

Imagine a future without email for messaging, spreadsheets for data analysis, or browsers for online browsing. It's similar to figuring out a busy metropolis without a guide. 

The foundation of contemporary organizations is application software, which simplifies, expedites and even makes routine work fun.

But what precisely are these tools? 

It's simple to become stuck in details with the different types of application software accessible. According to recent research, Global IT investment is expected to rise by 8% between 2023 and 2024, reaching $5.06 trillion. Before the year ends, it is predicted that global IT spending would surpass $8 trillion, an increase from the 6.8% growth estimate from the previous quarter. An ever-expanding list of application software, each tailored to a particular requirement, reflects this expansion.

In this blog, we'll explore various classifications of application software. We've also explained the types of application software with examples to help you better understand the uses of application software and how they might aid your company.

Let's begin by understanding what exactly application software is.

Application software is a program that is built to perform specific functions. For instance, entertainment, communication, education, business, and other functions. The primary reason to design them is to make end users' lives hassle-free and increase their productivity.

From tracking time, jotting down notes, setting the alarm to doing calculations, etc., application software is there to ease your life. They can also be referred to as productivity programs. Each program is developed to assist users with particular specifications.

Before moving onto what are the types of application software, lets understand the functions of application software. 

The functions of application software are not limited to the end user's needs; these applications can have various functions. Here are some of the standard functions of that you need to look for before choosing the right applications software for your business:

• Managing resources

• Project management

• Sending out emails, text messages, videos, and audio.

• Provide Education

• Calculating expenses

• Writing reports

• Manipulating Data

As we are done knowing what application software is and some of its functions. Now, we will be taking care of another question that must be popping into your mind right now. 

Though "application software" and "software application" refer to the same thing in practical usage, that's not the case. Let's discuss this further.   

Application Software  

Application Software refers to a class or category of software designed to help users perform specific tasks. This is in contrast to other software categories like system software (which includes operating systems).  

• Application Software Examples: Word processors, graphics editors, databases, web browsers, and games. 

• Scope: This term emphasizes the type or category of software. For instance, when distinguishing between system software and application software.  

Software Application  

This often refers to a specific software program that falls under the broader category of application software. It emphasizes the individual software instance or product.  

• Software Applications Examples: Microsoft Word (a specific software application) falls under word processors (a type of application software). 

• Scope: This term emphasizes a specific software product or instance. It's like pointing out a specific entity within the broader category.  

However, it's important to note that these terms are used interchangeably. The difference is subtle and often unimportant for general discussions. But if you're in a setting where precision is essential, it's good to be aware of the distinctions.

Now, what are the types of application software with examples? We are answering this in the next section of our guide.

Now, How many types of application software are there exactly? We are answering this in the next section of our guide.

Selecting the correct type among the different types of application software for your organization can proactively improve efficiency and save costs. 

However the list of application software can go on and on, but we have tried to mention important ones. 

Let's look at some examples of application software!

General Application Software  

General application software addresses a myriad of user needs, streamlining tasks and providing essential functions for both professional and personal contexts. They offer intuitive interfaces and features tailored for specific functions.   

Here's a closer look:  

1. Word Processing Software

These are designed to facilitate the creation, editing, formatting, and printing of text documents.  

• Features: Spell-check, grammar review, text formatting, headers, footers, and integration with other tools. 

• Popular Examples: Microsoft Word, Google Docs, OpenOffice Writer.  

2. Spreadsheet Software

This software is primarily for data organization, mathematical calculations, and statistical analysis.  

• Features: Cells, formula application, chart creation, and data visualization. 

• Popular Examples: Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc.  

3. Presentation Software

This software assists users in creating visual and textual content presentations. It's used often for meetings, lectures, or webinars.  

• Features: Slide transitions, animations, templates, multimedia integration. 

• Popular Examples: Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote.  

4. Database Software 

This helps users store, retrieve, modify, and manage vast amounts of data efficiently.  

• Features: Data sorting, query execution, report generation, data security. 

• Popular Examples: Microsoft Access, Oracle, MySQL.  

5. Web Browsers

Web browsers facilitate the access and navigation of the World Wide Web.  

• Features: Tabbed browsing, bookmarks, private mode, extensions/plugins. 

• Popular Examples: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge.  

6. Graphics Software

This aids in the creation, editing, and manipulation of images, designs, and illustrations.  

• Features: Layers, brushes, filters, vector drawing, and color manipulation. 

• Popular Examples: Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, CorelDRAW.  

7. Multimedia Software 

These are used to produce, modify, and experience multimedia content such as audio and video.  

• Features: Editing tools, playback controls, codec support, and format conversion. 

• Popular Examples: VLC Media Player, Adobe Premiere Pro, Audacity.  

8. Educational Software

This software provides educational content and interactive experiences to facilitate learning in various subjects.  

• Features: Quizzes, simulations, progress tracking, and interactive lessons. 

• Popular Examples: Duolingo, Khan Academy, Rosetta Stone.  

9. Entertainment Software 

It's primarily for recreation and relaxation. The software ranges from video games to interactive media experiences.  

• Features: Diverse gameplay mechanics, immersive stories, and advanced graphics. 

• Popular Examples: Steam (platform), The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Netflix.  

Business Application Software  

Business application software equips businesses with tools to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and improve overall operations. As a result, these software solutions play a pivotal role in contemporary business management.   

Let's explore them in detail:  

10. Customer Relationship Management (CRM)  

Customer contacts are facilitated by a CRM, which also streamlines sales procedures and enhances customer support.    

• Features: Contact management, sales forecasting, lead tracking, email automation, and analytics. 

• Popular Examples: Salesforce, HubSpot CRM, Microsoft Dynamics 365.  

11. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

ERP software facilitates the unification of disparate corporate operations into a single system. Current information and data-driven choices are made possible by this.

• Features: Financial management, inventory tracking, procurement, order management, and analytics. 

• Popular Examples: SAP ERP, Oracle ERP Cloud, Microsoft Dynamics GP.  

12. Project Management Software

These are methods to arrange, carry out, and oversee projects, guaranteeing their timely and cost-effective completion.   

• Features: Task assignment, Gantt charts, time tracking, collaboration tools, and milestone tracking. 

• Popular Examples: Trello, Asana, Microsoft Project.  

13. Human Resource Management (HRM) Software  

This program facilitates the management of employees, from hiring through retirement.   

• Features: Applicant tracking, payroll processing, time and attendance tracking, employee self-service portals. 

• Popular Examples: Workday, BambooHR, ADP.  

14. Accounting Software 

Organizations can efficiently handle their funds because of this program. This involves performing transactions, creating financial statements, and keeping correct financial documentation.     

• Features: Invoice generation, expense tracking, financial reporting, tax preparation. 

• Popular Examples: QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks.  

15. Manufacturing Software

This software assists businesses in overseeing production processes, ensuring efficiency, and quality control. 

• Features: Production scheduling, inventory management, quality assurance, and equipment maintenance. 

• Popular Examples: M1 ERP, Katana Smart Manufacturing Software, NetSuite Manufacturing.  

16. Supply Chain Management (SCM) Software

This makes it easier to monitor the flow of goods, data, and money from suppliers to producers to wholesalers to merchants to final customers. 

• Features: Inventory management, order processing, procurement, logistics, and supplier collaboration. 

• Popular Examples: SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP), Oracle SCM Cloud, JDA Supply Chain.  

Harnessing the power of business application software enables companies to stay agile, competitive, and customer-focused in an increasingly complex market. These application software don't just simplify processes—they often become the backbone of successful enterprises.

17. Collaboration Software 

The goal of collaboration software is to facilitate coordination, communication, and teamwork among teams in businesses. Team members can work together on projects, share files, have online conversations, and instantaneously interact no matter where they are physically located.  

• Features: Task management, sharing files, video calls, real-time communication, and connections.

• Popular Examples: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Trello

18. Antivirus Software

The purpose of antivirus software is to locate, stop, and remove spyware—dangerous malware—from computers and networks. To ensure that your data is authentic and safe, it continuously protects it from threats like viruses, Trojan horses, worms, and other malware. 

• Features: Quarantine, Firewall Integration, System Scanning, Automatic Updates, and Real-time Security

• Popular Examples: Norton Antivirus, McAfee, Kaspersky

More and more companies are investing in building application software.

Here are some of the benefits that can't prevent you from building an application software for your business

1. Better data security

Application software is ultimately designed to maintain a robust data security infrastructure. By integrating sophisticatedly developed application software into your existing business ecosystem, you can leverage the benefit of data security.

2. Flexible operations

As your business grows, your operations increase too. With the rise in the number of processes, you can leverage software that can handle your operations by streamlining them and organizing reports.

3. Confident decision-making

Once you grow and update your business information, all your decisions will be backed by data. You can analyze all the data to make informed decisions and better future forecasts.

4. Enhanced customer service

Precisely made custom application software can double your sales performance. They help you to collect and maintain customer data smartly and, therefore, efficiently improve customer satisfaction. 

5. Improved productivity

When your team's productivity goes into performing mundane and time-consuming tasks, crucial tasks go neglected. As you adapt customized application software, your team's productivity increases.

You ought to understand many different types of application software and how they might revolutionize enterprises by now.

We at Toobler take great satisfaction in leading the way in India's application software development industry. Our skilled team of professionals has a plethora of experience in several fields, making us well-positioned to realize your distinctive software concept.

Speak with one of our specialists right now, and together, let's shape the future of your company.