Software: Acquiring, Off the Shelf, and Custom

Michael ZysmanFrank Hyun

Acquiring Software

-Refers to the several methods by which software can be purchased or accessed

Ex: Off-the-shelf, custom-designed, or Web-based

Different methods of storage

• CD/DVD• Once was floppy disk• USB• Web server

System Requirements

• Always check to make sure the software matches up with your computer

• Not all software works on all computer systems

Off-the-shelf• Refers to software that is mass-produced for

use by the general public and is made available through online outlets or retail stores

Off-the-shelf

• Provide convenient and fast access to high quality software

• Usually purchased for personal computer use

Off-the-shelf

• Gets its name from being available for purchase right off a stores shelf

• Also available online

Off-the-shelf

• Common computing activities benefit from this

• Ex: word processors, media players, and spreadsheet software

Shareware• Marketing method allowing users to access

software for free for a trial-period• Way for customers to see if the software

works for them• Hopefully you get some happy customers

Subscription Model

• Pay an annual fee for the length of time you wish to use the software

• Do not have to pay a one time fee when you first receive the software

Subscription Model

• Ex: Virus Protection, Web-site articles(ESPNinsider)

• Trend of the future

Custom-Designed

• Software created to meet a unique need• Typically used in business, allowing the

business to have a competitive edge

Custom-Designed

• Used when business needs a specific software• Off-the-shelf software is not specific enough• Meets unique needs• Essential in a business’s competitive strategy

Custom-Designed

Value-Added Software Vendor-third party software firm-develops or modifies a software program to

meet the needs of a business

Contract Software

• A specific software program developed for a particular company or organization

• These programs are created by the value-added software vendors

Custom-Designed

Service oriented architecture-uses a method of software development that

focuses on business processes-software services that communicate with each

other, sharing data and activities to accomplish business tasks

Custom-Designed

• Some companies develop software in order to provide their primary service to the public

• Ex: Google, Facebook, Hulu, Twitter• All designed their own software to meet their

specific needs

Custom-Designed

• For the companies like facebook and google, the software designed IS their service and product

• Software is not purchased or installed• Software is available strictly over the web

Conclusion

• Despite the large amount of off-the-shelf software, there are many more custom-designed software available

• More companies in need of specialty software

Conclusion

• World economy depends on innovation in the software being built today

• Technology continues to evolve, as does software being used