A software house is a company that specialises in developing and distributing software solutions. They employ skilled professionals who work on custom software projects or create their own software products for various industries. From conceptualization to deployment and ongoing support, software houses offer comprehensive services throughout the software development life cycle. They may focus on specific sectors or have a broader market approach, staying updated with technological advancements to provide innovative solutions.
The business activities that fall under Software House are:
Software publishing (5820.00)
Software publishing is a business activity that falls under the domain of a software house. It involves the development, production, and distribution of pre-made software products for various users, businesses, and organisations. This activity specifically includes publishing ready-made software such as operating systems, business applications, and computer games for multiple platforms. The reason software publishing is considered a part of the software house business activity is that it involves the creation and dissemination of software products. However, it focuses specifically on the production and distribution of non-customized software solutions.
While software publishing is a part of the software house realm, there are certain exclusions. These exclusions consist of activities such as software reproduction, retail sale of non-customized software, production of software not associated with publishing, and online provision of software.
Third-party Approval (POST): After obtaining a license from Meydan Free Zone, it’s necessary to obtain third-party approval from the Ministry of Culture and Youth.
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 5820.00 is exempt from this requirement.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 5820.00 is exempt from this requirement.
Computer programming, consultancy, and related activities (6200.00)
This refers to a business activity that provides expertise in information technologies. It includes writing, modifying, testing, and supporting software, as well as planning and designing computer systems that integrate hardware, software, and communication technologies. This activity also covers on-site management and operation of clients’ computer systems and data processing facilities, along with other professional and technical computer-related services. It falls under the scope of a software house because it encompasses the core functions of software development and IT consultancy. By offering a range of services, a software house can provide comprehensive software solutions and expert guidance to clients.
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 6200.00 is exempt from this requirement.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 6200.00 is exempt from this requirement.
Computer programming activities (6201.00)
This involves the development and customization of software. It encompasses writing, modifying, testing, and supporting software to meet specific client requirements. This activity includes designing the structure and content of various software components such as systems software, software applications, databases, and web pages. It also involves the customization of existing software to make it functional within clients’ information system environments. This business activity falls under the purview of a software house because it is a fundamental aspect of software development. Software houses specialise in creating tailored software solutions for clients, and computer programming activities are an integral part of that process. They involve the creation and modification of software code to build systems, applications, databases, and web pages that cater to specific client needs.
However, it is important to note that computer programming activities exclude the publishing of packaged software. While software houses may develop and distribute software products, the focus of computer programming activities lies in the development and customization of software, rather than the packaging and publishing of pre-made software products.
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 6201.00 is exempt from this requirement.
Computer consultancy and computer facilities management activities (6202.00)
This involves providing expert advice, planning, designing, and managing computer systems and data processing facilities. This activity includes the integration of computer hardware, software, and communication technologies, as well as on-site management, support, and training services. It falls within the realm of a software house because it complements its software development and IT consulting services. While software houses focus on software development, computer consultancy and facilities management activities broaden their scope to encompass the overall management and operation of computer systems.
This activity excludes separate sales of computer hardware or software and standalone installations, emphasising the integrated services and support provided by software houses.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 6201.00 is exempt from this requirement.
- Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
- Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 6202.00 is exempt from this requirement.
- Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 6202.00 is exempt from this requirement.
Data processing, hosting and related activities (6311.00)
This refers to the provision of infrastructure and services for hosting, data processing, and data entry. This activity includes specialised hosting activities such as web hosting, streaming services, and application hosting, as well as application service provisioning and data processing activities. It falls under the scope of a software house as it complements its software development and IT services. Software houses can provide comprehensive solutions by offering hosting services, application service provisioning, and data processing capabilities. This activity enables software houses to cater to the complete software ecosystem, covering software development, hosting, and data management for their clients.
- Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
- Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 6311.00 is exempt from this requirement.
- Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 6311.00 is exempt from this requirement.
Software installation (6209.03)
This refers to the process of setting up and configuring software applications on computers or computer systems. It is a service provided by software houses to ensure the proper deployment and functionality of software applications for clients. Software installation falls within the realm of a software house as it complements its core activities of software development and delivery. By offering software installation services, software houses can provide comprehensive solutions that encompass the development, customization, and installation of software applications. This activity includes other information technology and computer-related activities not elsewhere classified but excludes activities like mainframe computer installation, computer programming, consultancy, facilities management, and data processing and hosting.
- Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
- Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 6209.03 is exempt from this requirement.
- Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 6209.03 is exempt from this requirement.
