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

Java - Stack and Queue, Consider a class called Configuration. This class “...

Consider a class called Configuration. This class “encapsulates” the configuration management for any software system. For example, once created, the user can simply ask the config

Create email account, Create Email Account: For sending or receiving e...

Create Email Account: For sending or receiving email, you need to have to an email account. The email account may be provided by the organization for which you are working or

Explain the working of bus connection, Question 1 Explain the working of B...

Question 1 Explain the working of Bus connection Question 2 Write a note on: Robotics and Voice Recognition Question 3 Describe the construction of CD-ROM Question 4

Number system , NUMBER SYSTEM:  We are familiar with decimal number sy...

NUMBER SYSTEM:  We are familiar with decimal number system which uses ten distinct symbols from 0...9, and has base 10. In the decimal number system a number n 4 n 3 n 2 n 1

Describe Priority Scheduling algorithm of operating system?, Priority Sched...

Priority Scheduling • The fundamental idea is straightforward: each process is assigned a priority, and priority is permitted to run. Equal-Priority processes are scheduled in FCF

How to avoid race conditions with critical section?, • The key to preventi...

• The key to preventing problem involving shared storage is get some way to prohibit more than one process from reading and writing the shared data concurrently. That part of the p

Flowchart, create a flowchart showing average score for the 3 quizzes assum...

create a flowchart showing average score for the 3 quizzes assume that there are 3 sections each having 5 students the only valid number to be entered is 1-100 for the quizzes shou

Cisc, two characteristics og CISC architecture?

two characteristics og CISC architecture?

Briefly explain the types of textures, Question 1 Describe the four compon...

Question 1 Describe the four components of light source Question 2 Briefly explain the types of textures Question 3 Explain the standard settings used to adjust th

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