Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of a Request for Proposal (RFP) in the context of software acquisition?
What is the primary purpose of a Request for Proposal (RFP) in the context of software acquisition?
- To create a licensing agreement for the purchased software.
- To provide a legal document ensuring software functionality.
- To gather detailed information from vendors about their proposed hardware and software solutions. (correct)
- To test the selected software against predefined criteria.
When evaluating off-the-shelf software, why is it important to gather information from other users of the software?
When evaluating off-the-shelf software, why is it important to gather information from other users of the software?
- To obtain legal advice on software licensing.
- To understand the software's performance and usability in real-world scenarios. (correct)
- To directly compare the software's features against competing products.
- To negotiate a better price with the software vendor.
In what scenario would creating a scoring value for each item requested in an RFP be most beneficial?
In what scenario would creating a scoring value for each item requested in an RFP be most beneficial?
- When the RFP is sent to a limited number of vendors.
- When soliciting RFPs from multiple vendors to ensure objective comparison. (correct)
- When the project requirements are vague and open to interpretation.
- When the project budget is not strictly defined.
What is one key consideration when testing software after receiving vendor proposals?
What is one key consideration when testing software after receiving vendor proposals?
Which of the following presents the greatest risk related to copyright when using a textbook in a university course?
Which of the following presents the greatest risk related to copyright when using a textbook in a university course?
Which of the following is NOT typically a primary driver for an organization to outsource its information systems applications and operations?
Which of the following is NOT typically a primary driver for an organization to outsource its information systems applications and operations?
A company decides to outsource its customer relationship management (CRM) system. Which benefit is LEAST likely to be realized from this decision?
A company decides to outsource its customer relationship management (CRM) system. Which benefit is LEAST likely to be realized from this decision?
Which software source provides pre-built solutions tailored for common business processes, often requiring some customization?
Which software source provides pre-built solutions tailored for common business processes, often requiring some customization?
An organization requires a highly customized software solution that integrates seamlessly with its existing legacy systems. Which software acquisition approach is most suitable?
An organization requires a highly customized software solution that integrates seamlessly with its existing legacy systems. Which software acquisition approach is most suitable?
A startup is looking for a cost-effective solution for its basic office productivity needs (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations). Which software source would be the MOST economically viable?
A startup is looking for a cost-effective solution for its basic office productivity needs (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations). Which software source would be the MOST economically viable?
An organization wants to implement a new ERP system but is concerned about the long-term costs of maintenance and updates. Which approach would BEST mitigate these concerns?
An organization wants to implement a new ERP system but is concerned about the long-term costs of maintenance and updates. Which approach would BEST mitigate these concerns?
When evaluating off-the-shelf software, what is the MOST important factor to consider to ensure long-term suitability?
When evaluating off-the-shelf software, what is the MOST important factor to consider to ensure long-term suitability?
Which of the following criteria is LEAST relevant when evaluating off-the-shelf software for purchase?
Which of the following criteria is LEAST relevant when evaluating off-the-shelf software for purchase?
When would acquiring software from an IT services firm be most appropriate?
When would acquiring software from an IT services firm be most appropriate?
Which of the following scenarios best justifies the use of in-house developers for a software project?
Which of the following scenarios best justifies the use of in-house developers for a software project?
An organization with limited IT staff wants to implement a Customer Relationship Management ($CRM$) system. Which software component source would allow them 'instant access', and free up existing staff for other work?
An organization with limited IT staff wants to implement a Customer Relationship Management ($CRM$) system. Which software component source would allow them 'instant access', and free up existing staff for other work?
For what reason would an organization choose to use open-source software?
For what reason would an organization choose to use open-source software?
What is a primary consideration when choosing off-the-shelf software regarding its 'Functionality'?
What is a primary consideration when choosing off-the-shelf software regarding its 'Functionality'?
Imagine a company is evaluating off-the-shelf software. They discover that the software can perform all of the tasks they need, but the vendor offers very little support. What is the most reasonable action?
Imagine a company is evaluating off-the-shelf software. They discover that the software can perform all of the tasks they need, but the vendor offers very little support. What is the most reasonable action?
A business requires software that integrates seamlessly with all its existing systems and can be altered easily to meet future requirements. Which characteristic of off-the-shelf software is most important?
A business requires software that integrates seamlessly with all its existing systems and can be altered easily to meet future requirements. Which characteristic of off-the-shelf software is most important?
Why is understandable and up-to-date documentation important when choosing off-the-shelf software?
Why is understandable and up-to-date documentation important when choosing off-the-shelf software?
Flashcards
What is a Request for Proposal (RFP)?
What is a Request for Proposal (RFP)?
A document sent to vendors requesting proposals for hardware and software that meet specific system requirements.
What is software validation?
What is software validation?
Evaluating software to ensure it meets defined criteria and requirements.
Why gather information from other software users?
Why gather information from other software users?
Gather feedback and experiences from existing users of the software to aid in the evaluation process.
What is scoring value in RFPs?
What is scoring value in RFPs?
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What is outsourcing?
What is outsourcing?
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Outsourcing
Outsourcing
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Reasons for Outsourcing
Reasons for Outsourcing
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IT Service Firms
IT Service Firms
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Packaged Software Providers
Packaged Software Providers
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Enterprise Software
Enterprise Software
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Cloud Computing
Cloud Computing
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Open-Source Software
Open-Source Software
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In-House Development
In-House Development
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Packaged Software Producers
Packaged Software Producers
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Enterprise-Wide Solutions Vendors
Enterprise-Wide Solutions Vendors
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In-House Developers
In-House Developers
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Software Cost
Software Cost
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Software Functionality
Software Functionality
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Study Notes
- In the past, software development was primarily done in-house and from scratch
- Nowadays, there are diverse software sources and the focus is on integrating various components into an application
Outsourcing
- Outsourcing involves delegating responsibilities for an organization's information systems, applications, and operations to an external firm
- Outsourcing can free up internal resources
- Outsourcing can increase the revenue potential
- Outsourcing can reduce the time to market
- Outsourcing increases process efficiencies
- Outsourcing noncore activities is a reason for outsourcing
Sources of Application Software
- Software sources are categorized into six major groups: IT services firms, packaged software providers, enterprise software, cloud computing, open-source software, and in-house development
IT Service Firms
- IT service firms assist companies in developing customer information systems for internal use and employ skilled IT professionals
- Examples of IT service firms include Accenture, Deloitte, IBM, and HPE
Packaged Software Producers
- Packaged software producers serve various market segments, offering general, broad-based packages to niche packages
- Some off-the-shelf software systems cannot be modified
- Prepackaged software is also known as "off-the-shelf" software
- Examples of off-the-shelf software include Quicken, QuickBooks, Microsoft Word, and TurboTax
- Prepackaged software typically meets only about 70% of an organization's needs
Enterprise Solutions Software
- Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems integrate individual traditional business functions into a series of modules for seamless transactions within a single information system
- Benefits of ERP systems include a single repository for consistent data and the ability to add modules as needed
- SAP AG is a major provider of ERP systems
Cloud Computing
- Cloud computing provides computing resources, including applications, over the Internet
- Cloud computing eliminates the need for customers to invest in computing infrastructure
- Users typically pay on a per-use basis or license the software
- The global cloud computing market is estimated at $490.3 billion and is projected to grow to $591.8 billion in 2023
- Examples of cloud computing include Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Salesforce.com
- Cloud computing enables Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Benefits include freeing internal staff, faster application access, and lower costs for corporate-quality applications
- Security and reliability are concerns associated with cloud computing
Open-Source Software
- Open-source software is freely available, source code included
- Open-source software is developed by a community of interested people
- Open-source software performs the same functions as commercial software
- Examples of open-source software include Linux, mySQL, and Firefox
- Revenue from open-source software can be generated by providing maintenance and services or by selling a more feature-rich version
In-House Development
- In-house development involves using an organization's staff to create systems
- In-house development can lead to increased maintenance needs
- A hybrid approach that combines in-house and purchased components is commonly used
Choosing Off-the-Shelf Software
- Common criteria to consider when choosing off-the-shelf software:
- Cost: compare developing in-house vs purchasing or licensing a package
- Functionality: ensure the software performs required tasks with desired system features
- Vendor Support: assess the vendor's ability to provide adequate support
- Flexibility: consider the ease of customization
- Documentation: confirm understandable and up-to-date user manuals and technical documentation
Validating Purchased Software Information
- Request for Proposal (RFP): Vendors must propose the hardware and system software needed for a new system
- Test software: Base your test upon your selection criteria
- You should get feedback about said software: Getting feedback from other users
- If soliciting RFPs from multiple vendors: A scoring system must be in place for each requested item
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Description
This content discusses software development trends, including outsourcing and various software sources. It covers the benefits of outsourcing, such as freeing resources and increasing revenue, and categorizes software sources like IT services firms and cloud computing.
