Chapter 2, Problem 13FE

Program Plan Intro

Off-the-shelf software:

• Off-the-shelf software is a ready-made software product purchased as opposed to custom made software that is designed for a specific purpose.
• This software is available to general public for sale.
• Microsoft office is an off-the-shelf software which is a package software solution for businesses.
• It comes from the days when software was sold in boxes containing physical media and instruction manuals.

Explanation of Solution

Criteria prioritization as they are used in the organization:

• The most important criteria for selecting off-the-shelf software is vendor support. Software can’t be licensed from a vendor that has poor support.
• The next important feature of selecting off-the-shelf software is vendor viability. Hence do not get involved with a vendor who might not be in business tomorrow.
• The next important feature is cost of the software. Cost involves comparing the cost of developing the system in house and the cost of purchasing or licensing the software package.
• The next important feature is functionality. It refers to the tasks that software can perform and also include mandatory, essential and desired system features...

Explanation of Solution

Other criteria’s for selecting off-the-shelf software:

The other criterion’s which can be used for selecting off-the-shelf software include:

• It should be easy to use...