What Is Horizontal Market Software?

Date First Published: 18th March 2024

Topic: Computer Systems

Subtopic: Computer Software

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty Level: 5/10

Learn about what horizontal market software in this article.

Horizontal market software is a type of software that is not developed for specific industries and is generally useful in a wide range of industries. Since horizontal market software is developed to be used by a wide audience, it lacks any market-specific customisations. It is a mass-market type of software designed to satisfy the needs of as many people as possible.

Horizontal market software has a wide audience, but also faces high levels of competition. This can make it harder to compete with competitors, especially when they offer very similar software applications. It is the opposite of vertical market software, which is only developed for a specific industry.

Examples Of Horizontal Market Software

Examples of horizontal market software include word processors, web browsers, spreadsheets, calendars, and project management applications. These types of software can be used by a wide range of businesses and consumers.

What Is Horizontal SaaS?

Horizontal software as a service (SaaS) is a type of horizontal software. However, horizontal SaaS is provided by the cloud or over the internet instead of being downloaded and installed on user devices. Like horizontal software, horizontal SaaS targets a broad audience. Examples of horizontal SaaS are CRM platforms, email marketing tools, and cloud storage services.

Difference Between Horizontal Market Software and Productivity Software

Horizontal market software most commonly includes productivity software, but it is not the same. Productivity software is a type of software which allows users to produce things, but it is not always horizontal market software.

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