Alternative approaches for acquiring software, Basic Computer Science

Assignment Help:

Alternative approaches for acquiring software:

There are some alternative approaches for acquiring software. They are: 

i)  'off the shelf' software package 

ii)  'turnkey' package (both hardware and software) 

iii)  write your own package 

iv)  have customised programs written for you. 

Each of these approaches has its own advantages and disadvantages. Standard packages are by far the most common way of acquiring software. They offer simple and relatively cheap option, with the advantage of a large group of users of common package.

Turnkey systems, with all components of hardware, software and communications provided by the vendor (supplier) are simpler for their users as every aspect is looked after by the supplier. This is a common method pursued by some larger libraries. It is desirable that the package acquired is an integrated one - that is to say it can carry out a number of functions within a common framework. 

Examples could be library automation packages, incorporating acquisitions, cataloguing, circulation etc. There is one possible drawback associated with fully integrated packages, apart from not being flexible; some elements of integrated packages might be inferior to a program dedicated for the same purpose. For example, if database applications are particularly important, it could be a mistake to rely on the database component of a standard package. The 'customised' approaches provide flexibility and a product geared precisely to your specific needs. Though popular, software specially written for information services is too expensive and difficult to maintain and modify for it to be a realistic option in many cases. Some ability to modify software is desirable and standard packages offer the chance to modify such aspects as output formats, and help message. Also, some larger systems are available in modular form, with distinct pieces of software carrying out specific functions. Modules for particular purposes can be acquired and then combined as required, giving a fair degree of flexibility in the look of a software system. The obvious example is the library house keeping package with separate modules for acquisitions, cataloguing, circulation, etc..  


Related Discussions:- Alternative approaches for acquiring software

Memory access, Memory access: The use of semi-conductor memory elements...

Memory access: The use of semi-conductor memory elements (bistables) has been made possible by the use of large scale integrated circuits (LSI) which provide reliability, ease

The skill of Assembly Language, The skill of Assembly Language Programming ...

The skill of Assembly Language Programming (AoA), Randy Hyde''s acclaimed text on assembly language programming, is the most-frequently recommended book on 80x86 assembly language

What is the benefit of Threads?, Following are some causes why we use threa...

Following are some causes why we use threads in designing operating systems. A process with several threads makes a great server for instance printer server. For the reason that t

Characterizations of artificial intelligence, Characterizations of Artifici...

Characterizations of Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence is a typical science to describe, because it has fuzzy borders with, psychology, computer science, mathemat

Discuss the usage and benefits of storyboarding, Question 1 Discuss the us...

Question 1 Discuss the usage and benefits of storyboarding Question 2 Explain the different stages of scriptwriting Question 3 Explain the 12 fundamental principle

What is Load and store the assembly programs?, It would not emerge practica...

It would not emerge practical to type an entire program each time it is required, and to avoid this it is possible to store a program on the disk, with the vast advantage that by b

What is an array? explain, Question 1 . What is an array? Explain Qu...

Question 1 . What is an array? Explain Question 2 . What do you mean by optional arguments? Describe Question 3 . Describe in brief about interfaces Question 4

Block diagram of digital computer, Block diagram of digital computer: ...

Block diagram of digital computer: The general pattern of computer architecture has remained unchanged over the last four decades or so. It has a single processor, which accep

Pseudocode, Design a program that will read a file of sales records and pro...

Design a program that will read a file of sales records and produce a sales report. Each record in the file contains a customer’s ID, name, a sales amount, and a validated GST code

Explain the terms sampling and aliasing, QUESTION (a) Consider a syste...

QUESTION (a) Consider a system with input x[n] and output y[n] that satisfy the difference equation:                                   Y[n] = x[n] + 0.5 x[n-2] + 0.2 x[n+1]

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd