In this assignment task I will be discussing suggestion for the manager to purchase either an ‘off the shelf’ software solution or rather a custom-written (bespoke) system. Furthermore, I will include pros and cons in which I will use compare and justify my conclusion in explaining which one is a more suitable out of the two options.
What is ‘Off the shelf’ Software?
‘Off the Shelf’ simply refers to a software product which aren’t pirated, but legal purchased from the company or public store often sold in factory package. This software varies around a collection of programs such as word processor, databases, desktop publishing packages, graphics packages, spreadsheet, etc. that are typically run by thousands or even millions …show more content…
Moreover there are pros and cons when comparing to custom written (bespoke) and vice versa. Below are some points to consider the use off the shelf software:
Pros & Cons to using off the shelf software:
Pros -
Off the shelf software is available in most retail stores/shops.
Off the shelf software has been thoroughly and carefully tested to minimise any possible serious bugs or problems.
Off the shelf software provides advanced resources which can be seen with Excel or Word.
Due to the popularity of the off the shelf software there will be a lot of user support such as forums, online support, books, user guides, etc. can be found on the internet, however it is fairly easy to install and use with simple program such as …show more content…
As a result, it requires less supervision and thus creating less errors.
Cons -
Very costly when compared to off the shelf software.
Developing such a software/system can be a length wait which can be either months or years.
Other than the main developer the business may require to employ a team which consist of programmers, testers, business analysts, etc.
Without the source code for the bespoke system the business is ruined, as not only are you dependant on the developers continuing to develop the existence of the present system then without the source code your unable and uncovered.
If the software wasn’t developed to a professional standards also known as Best Practice standards it final software may be unstable, thus meaning it may be undependable and buggy, especially in packaged software (collection), however can be countered using a developer who follows the Best Practise standards.
Expense
Off the shelve software is often a sensibly priced, however when compared to a custom written software it can be fairly costly to create (build), but due to the development of off the shelve product which is a worldwide distributed to a number of consumers with licenses for the product. In contrast, custom written software is exclusive as it’s made for a single buyer with their