Name some features of a traditional systems development environment.
- compatibility issues; already existing hardware and software platforms and legacy systems can influence the systems design.
- designed to run on local and wide-are company networks.
- web-based features are treated like enhancements.
- development main paths: in house, software package, outside consultants.
- network limits can affect scalability.
- need substantial desktop computing power.
- security issues are less complex because the system operates on a private company network.
Name some features of a web-based systems development environment.
- delivered in an Internet-based framework (.NET).
- treats the web as the platform.
- easily scalable.
- large firms tend to deploy web-based systems as enterprise-wide software solutions for applications.
- treats the software application as a service that's less dependent on desktop computing power.
- needs middleware to communicate with existing software and legacy systems.
- more complex security issues.
What is middleware?
A software that connects dissimilar applications and enables them to communicate and exchange data.
What are the 3 evolving trends in IT?
- Web 2.0
- cloud computing
- mobile devices
What is Web 2.0?
A second gen. of the web that enables people to collaborate, interact and share information more effectively. No limits on the number of users or how they access, modify and exchange data. Ex. wikis, blogs.
What is cloud computing?
An online software where applications and services are accessed and used through an Internet connection.
Mobile devices have become ___.
Mobile devices have become ubiquitous (p.223).
A company can choose to develop its own systems or purchase (and possibly customize) a software package. True or false?
True; p. 223
What is the most important consideration when choosing to develop in-house or to purchase a software package?
TCO
What is the make or buy decision?
The choice between developing versus purchasing software.
A ___ is obtained from a vendor or an application service provider.
A software package is obtained from a vendor or an application service provider (p.223).
Companies that develop software for sale are called ___.
Companies that develop software for sale are called software vendors.
What is a value-added reseller (VAR)?
A firm that enhances a commercial package by adding custom features and configuring it for a particular industry.
What is a horizontal application?
A software package that can be used by many different types of organizations.
What is a vertical application?
A software package developed to handle information requirements for a specific type of business.
Name some reasons for developing software in-house.
- satisfies unique business requirements
- minimizes changes in business procedures and policies
- meets constraints of existing systems
- meets constraints of existing technologies
- satisfies unique security requirements
Name some reasons for purchasing a software package.
- lower costs
- less time to implement
- proven reliability and performance benchmarks
- requires less technical dev. staff
- future upgrades
- obtains input from other companies (who have it)
What are the three ways of customizing a package?
1. Purchase a basic package: can be customized to suit the project's needs. Vendors can offer options for customization.
2. Negotiate: with the vendor to make enhancements to meet the project's needs.
3. Purchase the package: make project-specific changes. A disadvantage is that the SA and programmers might be unfamiliar with the software and will need time.
What are the pros and cons of in-house development?
What is outsourcing?
The transfer of IS development, operation or maintenance to an outside firm on a temporary or long-term basis.
A service provider is a firm that ___.
A service provider is a firm that offers outsourcing solutions.
What are the different types of outsourcing fee models?
Fixed fee: uses a set fee.
Subscription: variable fee based on the number of users or workstations that have access to the application.
Usage/transaction: charges a variable fee based on the volume of transactions or operations performed by the application.
What are some issues and concerns with ooutsourcing?
- overseas can raise issues with control, culture, communication and security.
- outsourcing firm needs to be reviewed.
- mergers can affect outsourcing.
- employee job security
What is offshoring?
The practice of shifting IT development, support and operations to other countries.
What is Software as a Service (SaaS) and what are its benefits?
A model of software deployment in which an application is provided to customers over the Internet. It reduces the customer's need for software maintenance, operation and effect. Provides functionality to customer needs, but without the maintenance costs. Ex. Office 365.
What does the system's analyst do?
Selects the best dev. strategy by analyzing the costs and benefits of each development alternative.
Name some financial analysis tools.
Payback analysis: determines how long it takes for an IS to pay for itself through reduced costs and increased benefits.
Return on investment (ROI): a percentage rate that compares the total net benefits (return) received from a project to the total cost of the project (investment).
Net present value (NPV): the total value of the benefits minus the total value of the costs.
These tools can be used to determine TCO.
When deciding which tools to apply a cost-benefit analysis checklist is used. What is included in said checklist?
What are the steps of the software acquisition process?
1. Evaluate the information system requirements
2. Identify potential vendors or outsourcing options
3. Evaluate the alternatives
4. Perform cost-benefit analysis
5. Prepare a recommendation with a systems requirements document (to management)
What does the system requirements document contain?
- requirements for the new system
- alternatives
- recommendations
- similar to a contract: identifies items that system developers must deliver to users
- must be easy to read
This is finalized by the system's analyst and is the starting point for measuring performance, accuracy and completeness.