off-the-shelf

Refers to shrink-wrapped software you buy from a big box store (directly off the shelves). The modern alternative is to download the software "straight off the Net," which is usually cheaper because you do not have to pay for the company's packaging or distribution costs (and it's better for the environment). "Off-the-shelf" software is also used in contrast to "custom-developed software," that which has been tailor made for a company's particular needs.

NetLingo Classification: Online Business

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