Killer Application
Definition of 'Killer Application'A software package that is novel and desirable enough to persuade a consumer to buy pricier hardware in order to run the application. The term "killer application" may be derived from the fact that such an application is perceived to be innovative enough to overcome the competition.Better known as "killer app." |
|
Investopedia explains 'Killer Application'Word-processing software and spreadsheets were widely considered to be the killer apps of the 1980s, when personal computers started getting popular. Similarly, Internet browsers and webmail were the killer apps that fueled the online and dotcom boom of the 1990s.Killer apps are instrumental in driving rapid growth in sales of the platform on which they are based. While some companies that develop killer apps can enjoy substantial margins and profits for many years, this competitive advantage does not last for long for most companies in the dynamic world of technology, where short product life cycles are the norm rather than the exception. |
Related Definitions
Articles Of Interest
-
Technology Sector Funds
Evaluate past performance before investing in these types of gadget funds, as technology investors have been on a wild ride for a few years. -
The History Of Information Machines
Discover how technology changed the way we exchange information when trading. -
Weighted Average Cost Of Capital (WACC)
Weighted average cost of capital may be hard to calculate, but it's a solid way to measure investment quality -
What is a monopoly?
Monopoly is a fun family game, but in real life, a monopoly can be dangerous to a country's economy. A monopoly occurs when an industry or sector has only one producer of goods or retailer for ... -
Capital Expenditures (CAPEX)
Learn more about what it costs to produce goods. -
Working Capital
Working capital is one of the basic metrics used to evaluate a company's financial health. Find out what it can tell you about a stock and learn how to calculate it. -
What is the difference between "hard money" and "soft money"?
Hard money and soft money are terms that are often used to describe coin money and paper money, respectively. However, these terms are also used to refer to political contributions in the United ...
Free Annual Reports