Question

Our TCO C this week covers the challenge of building information system (IS) applications vs. using off-the-shelf alternatives, sometimes called COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf). What is that anyway? How are systems provided for your organization? So, let us know what your organization is doing in this area. Building everything? Buying everything? Or a mixture of both? And, how effective is the process?

Answer 1

Our TCO C this week covers the challenge of building information system (IS) applications vs. using off-the-shelf alternatives, sometimes called COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf). What is that anyway? How are systems provided for your organization? So, let us know what your organization is doing in this area. Building everything? Buying everything? Or a mixture of both? And, how effective is the process?

ANS 1There are two types of application software
1)Standard Application s/w
2)Customized application s/w

A COTS product is usually standard application software/Hardware product tailored for specific uses and does not require modification before installation.
for example:- XYZsoft Office
which full fills the need of an office,
such as creation of official documents, and so on.

Ans 2. Build and Buy (mixture of both) :-

a)Purchase computer system with required configuration
RAM,CPU speed,Secondary memory
change all the default setting to protect the system from hackers.
b)Purchase and install licensed anti virus on the computer.
c)Purchase and install firewall to protect the IS from network attacks.
d)develop or get developed own Information System to meet out the exact requirement of the organization.
such as reports should be generated in format prescribed by the top management of the organization.

summary:

Computer hardware will be purchased.
IS will be developed by the organization(if organization has developers).
or
get developed by the software development company.

In case of IS , the system should be customized as per the organization's need
and IS will be developed by the organization to meet out the