Software suite - Definition and Overview

A software suite is a collection of computer programs, usually applications of related functionality, often sharing a more-or-less common user interface and some ability to exchange data with each other smoothly.

Common examples of software suites include:

• Internet browser suite - includes at least an web browser, maybe an email and news client, addressbook, and a Internet communication client (irc, instant messaging, netmeeting, etc).

• office suite - word processor, spreadsheet, presentation software, and so forth.

• graphics suite - 2d drawing, 3d modelling, 3d rendering, clip art.

Sometimes software makers will introduce "suites" that are little more than repackaged versions of older programs, but at a lower price.