Discussion
Discuss the key problems associated with using packaged software? How can these problems be minimized?
Consider the following points for this week questions:
1- Generality of packaged software
2- Work associated for the customization/integration of the software
3- Security and fitness of the software
4- Also, should look at the cost/benefits of buying VS developing
There are two primary problems associated with purchasing pre-written software. First, the software is generally written to appeal to the widest possible market. Its features are likely to be quite generic, and may not fit the procedures of the purchasing company very well. The purchasing company will have to adapt to the software's features. Second, the software has to be integrated into the organization's existing systems environment. Often, data formats are quite different between the new package and existing legacy systems. To handle these problems to some degree, the purchasing organization can do some customization on the package, or develop workarounds.