Capterra Logo
Helping businesses choose better software since 1999

Capterra Glossary

Footprint

A footprint is the amount of space a computerized device or software program occupies. A software programʻs footprint is determined by how many bytes of computer memory it takes up on a computer system. A computerized deviceʻs footprint is determined by the amount of physical space it takes up in the real world. Companies that manufacture hardware devices or develop software programs often include specifications regarding their technical products and solutions in their marketing brochures. This helps prospective clients better understand which products and solutions would best fit their personal needs or the needs of their organization.

What Small and Midsize Businesses Need to Know About Footprint

Small and midsize retailers that sell hardware devices or software solutions to their customers often use their products' footprint specifications to determine which customers to promote their offerings to. For instance, small electronics retailers tend to promote hardware devices with a small footprint such as a tablet, netbook, or compact laptop to college students. This is because this customer demographic would be more likely to want a device that is portable and doesnʻt take up much physical space.

Related Terms