System Design and Analysis

Chapter 2 _ The origins of Software

Key Terms 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Cloud Computing Enterprise resource planning (ERP) Systems Outsourcing 4. Request for proposal (RFP) 5. Reuse

Match each of the key terms above with the definition that best fits it. Outsourcing The practice of turning over responsibilities of some to all of an organizations information systems applications and operations to an outside firm. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) A system that integrates individual traditional business functions into a series of modules so that a single transaction occurs seamlessly within a single information system rather than several separate systems. Request for Proposal (RFP) A document that is provided to vendors to ask them to propose hardware and system software that will meet the requirements of your new system. Reuse The use of previously written software resources, especially objects and components, in new

applications. Cloud Computing The provision of computing resources, including applications, over the internet so customers do not have to invest in the computing infrastructure needed to run and maintain computing resources. Review Questions 1. Describe and compare the various sources of software. The sources of software are the following: Information technology services firms Packaged software Producers Enterprise-wide solutions

Pinto 2 Cloud computing vendors Open source software In-house developers IT services firms is when task requires custom support and system cant be built internally or system needs to be sourced and internal staff may be needed, depending on application. In comparison with Packaged software producers is when supported task is generic and some IS and user staff to define requirements and evaluate packages. Enterprise-wide solutions vendors are complete systems that cross functional boundaries and some internal staff necessary but mostly need consultants. On the other hand Application service providers and/or managed services providers have a instant access to an application; when supported task is generic (ASP only). Few, both ASP and MSP use free up staff for other It work. Open source software is when supported task is generic but cost is an issue, some IS and user staff to define requirements and evaluate packages. At comparison with In-house developers is when resources and staff are available and system must be built from scratch. Therefore, a internal staff is necessary though staff size may vary. 2. How can you decide among various off-the-shelf software options? What criteria should you use? There are several criteria to consider, and special criteria may arise with each potential software purchase. For each criterion, an explicit comparison should be made between the software package and the process of developing the same application in-house. The most common criteria are: Cost Functionality Vendor support Viability of vendor Flexible Documentation Response time Ease of installation

The criteria that needs to be use is probably had to choose two criteria that would always be among the most important, those two would probably be vendor viability and vendor support. 3. What is an RFP and how do analysts use one to gather information on hardware and system software?

Pinto 3 It is a document provided to vendors that asks them to propose hardware and system software that will meet the requirements of new system. 4. What methods can a systems analyst employ to verify vendor claims about a software package? Systems analyst can verify vendor claims by sending prospective vendors a questionnaire asking specific questions about their packages. Also, vendors will usually provide a list of customers and people who are willing to be contacted by prospective customers. Other requirement you can place on prospective software vendors as part of the bidding process is that they install their software for a limited amount of time on your computers. 5. What are ERP systems? What are the benefits and disadvantages of such systems as a design strategy? ERP is a system that integrates individual traditional business functions into a series of modules so that a single transaction occurs seamlessly within a single information system rather than several separate system. The benefits of the enterprise solutions approach include a single repository of data for all aspects of a business process and the flexibility of the module. However, there are disadvantages to enterprise solutions software. The systems are very complex, so implementation can take a long time to complete. 6. Explain reuse and its advantages and disadvantages. Reuse is the use of previously written software resources, especially objects and components, in new applications. Advantages of reuse grow as more corporate experience is gained from it, but so do the costs and the amount of resources necessary for reuse to work well. Disadvantages- is not simply putting software assets on a shelf; the problem is correctly labeling and cataloging assets so that others can find the ones they want to use. 7. Compare and contrast the four approaches to reuse. The four approaches to Reuse: The first approach is Ad hoc the reuse level none to low cost is low and the policies and procedures none. The second approach is facilitated the reuse level low the cost low and the policies and procedures developers are encouraged to reuse but are not required to do so. The third approach Managed the reuse level is moderate, the cost moderate and the policies and procedures are development, and sharing and adoption of reusable assets are mandated. The organizational policies are established for documentation, packaging, and certification. The fourth approach is designed the reuse level is high, the cost is high and the policies and

Pinto 4 procedures of reuse is mandated; Policies are put in place so that reuse effectiveness can be measured; Code must be designed for reuse during initial development, regardless of the application it is originally designed for; There may be a corporate office for reuse.