What is a potential downside of In-House Development?
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It can lead to more maintenance needs.
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What is a potential downside of In-House Development?
It can lead to more maintenance needs.
Who is a leading vendor of ERP systems?
SAP AG.
What are the six major groups of sources of application software?
IT services firms, Packaged software providers, Enterprise software, Cloud computing, Open-source software, In-house development.
What is a Request for Proposal (RFP)?
A document provided to vendors asking them to propose hardware and system software that will meet the requirements of a new system.
What is a key characteristic of open-source software?
It is freely available, including source code.
What is a leading firm in IT Services?
Accenture.
What type of activities are typically outsourced?
Noncore activities.
When should you go to IT services firms for software?
When a task requires custom support and the system can’t be built internally or needs to be sourced.
What are some examples of cloud computing services?
Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and SalesForce.com.
What type of professionals do IT service firms employ?
Skilled IT people.
What are the six different sources of software?
Various origins from which software can be obtained, including in-house development, open source, and packaged software.
What are some examples of off-the-shelf software?
Quicken, QuickBooks, Microsoft Word, TurboTax.
When should you consider packaged software producers?
When the supported task is generic.
Can all off-the-shelf software systems be modified?
No, some cannot be modified.
How can outsourcing increase an organization's revenue potential?
By allowing the organization to focus on core activities and improve efficiency.
What is the current focus in software development?
On where to obtain various pieces and components to combine into an application.
How does cloud computing affect access to applications?
It allows for faster access to applications.
What is a key benefit of using ERP systems?
A single repository resulting in more consistent and accurate data.
How do users typically pay for cloud computing services?
On a per-use basis or by licensing the software.
What should you create if soliciting RFPs from multiple vendors?
A scoring value for each item requested.
How was software development primarily done in the past?
Mostly in-house and from scratch.
What is a well-known platform for Open Source software?
SourceForge.net.
What type of documentation is important when choosing off-the-shelf software?
Understandable and up-to-date user’s manual and technical documentation.
When should you approach enterprise-wide solutions vendors?
For complete systems that cross functional boundaries.
What type of service does cloud computing allow?
Software as a Service (SaaS).
What percentage of an organization's needs can off-the-shelf software typically meet?
At best, 70%.
What is another way to monetize open-source software?
Sell a more full-featured version of the free software.
What does flexibility mean in the context of off-the-shelf software?
The ease with which the software can be customized.
What are some concerns associated with cloud computing?
Security and reliability.
What is outsourcing in the context of software development?
Outsourcing refers to the practice of hiring external firms or individuals to handle software development tasks.
What do enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems do?
They integrate individual traditional business functions into a series of modules for seamless transactions within a single information system.
Is it common to use a combination of in-house and purchased components?
Yes, it is not unusual to incorporate a hybrid of both.
How do you evaluate off-the-shelf software?
By assessing its features, compatibility, cost, and support options.
Name two examples of open-source software.
Linux and mySQL.
Which company is a leader in Cloud Computing?
Amazon Web Services (AWS).
What is a key criterion to consider when choosing off-the-shelf software related to expenses?
Cost: compare developing in-house vs. purchasing or licensing the software package.
What internal staffing is required for packaged software producers?
Some IS and user staff to define requirements and evaluate packages.
What are the internal staffing requirements for cloud computing?
Few; it frees up staff for other IT work.
What is cloud computing?
The provision of computing resources, including applications, over the Internet.
What do packaged software producers serve?
Many market segments.
What is outsourcing in the context of information systems?
Turning over responsibilities for some or all of an organization’s information systems applications and operations to an outside firm.
Which company is known for packaged software solutions?
Microsoft.
What does functionality refer to in the context of off-the-shelf software?
The tasks that the software can perform and the mandatory, essential, and desired system features.
What does In-House Development involve?
Using an organization’s staff to create systems.
Can you name a characteristic of IT service firms?
They assist in developing internal customer information systems.
What are the six different sources of software?
The six sources include in-house development, outsourcing, off-the-shelf software, open source software, cloud-based solutions, and packaged software providers.
What benefit does outsourcing provide in terms of time to market?
It reduces time to market.
What are the internal staffing requirements for IT services firms?
Internal staff may be needed, depending on the application.
What is the internal staffing requirement for enterprise-wide solutions vendors?
Some internal staff necessary but mostly need consultants.
When should you consider open-source software?
When the supported task is generic but cost is an issue.
What is the primary role of IT service firms?
To help companies develop customer information systems for internal use.
What is outsourcing?
The practice of obtaining goods or services from an external source.
What is another term for prepackaged software?
Off-the-shelf software.
Which firm is recognized for its packaged software alongside Microsoft?
Oracle.
Can additional modules be added to ERP systems?
Yes, additional modules can be added as needed.
What should you do to validate purchased software?
Test the software based upon your selection criteria.
Who typically develops open-source software?
A community of interested people.
What is one way to make money with open-source software?
Provide maintenance and services.
What is a financial benefit of cloud computing for corporations?
Lower cost for corporate-quality applications.
What advantage does cloud computing provide to customers regarding infrastructure?
Customers do not have to invest in the computing infrastructure needed to run and maintain the resources.
What types of packages do packaged software producers offer?
From general, broad-based packages to very narrow, niche packages.
What is one reason organizations choose to outsource?
Freeing up internal resources.
How does outsourcing contribute to process efficiencies?
By allowing specialized firms to handle noncore activities more effectively.
Name a company that provides Cloud Computing services besides AWS.
Google.
What internal staffing is needed for open-source software?
Some IS and user staff to define requirements and evaluate packages.
What is the internal staffing requirement for in-house developers?
Internal staff necessary, though staff size may vary.
What is the estimated global market value of cloud computing?
591.8 billion in 2023.
How can one evaluate off-the-shelf software?
Evaluation can be done by assessing functionality, cost, user reviews, compatibility, support, and scalability.
What has changed in software development today?
There are many different sources of software available.
Why is vendor support important when selecting off-the-shelf software?
To determine if the vendor can provide support and how much support they can provide.
What is one benefit of cloud computing for internal staff?
It frees internal staff.
How can you gather information about purchased software?
By gathering information from other users of the software.
How does open-source software compare to commercial software?
It performs the same functions as commercial software.
Name a firm that specializes in Enterprise Software Solutions.
Oracle.
Which firm is known for both IT Services and Cloud Computing?
IBM.
When is cloud computing a suitable option?
For instant access to an application; when the supported task is generic.
When should you use in-house developers?
When resources and staff are available and the system must be built from scratch.
What is the focus of Chapter 2 in Modern System Analysis and Design?
The Origins of Software.
