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

Binary codes, Binary Codes: We have seen earlier that digital computer...

Binary Codes: We have seen earlier that digital computers use signals that have two distinct values and there exists a direct analogy between binary signals and binary digits.

Comments in Python, A hash sign (#) that is not within a string literal beg...

A hash sign (#) that is not within a string literal begins a comment. All characters later than the # and up to the physical line end are division of the comment, and the Python in

Data transmission, DATA TRANSMISSION: When we talk on the telephone we...

DATA TRANSMISSION: When we talk on the telephone we generally transmit a message to someone else. The message is made up of words that we speak into the telephone instrument.

Input devices of a digital computer, Input devices of a digital computer: ...

Input devices of a digital computer: Input devices are used to read the instructions and data to be processed and output devices display the results obtained after executing t

Problem - programming language, Problem - programming language: A Prob...

Problem - programming language: A Problem is to carry out a particular task. For solving the problem, some input has to be given to the system. The system will process or mani

Classify computer system according to capacity, classify computer system ac...

classify computer system according to capacity. how they are different from computer according to the classification of technology.provide the comparative study also.

Consistency or data in dbms, Consistency or data in DBMS Consistency - da...

Consistency or data in DBMS Consistency - data in DBMS(Database) is accurate in modeling real world, follows integrity constraints User may ensure transaction consistent by itsel

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