Software Evaluation
Points to Consider
During the feasibility study and the requirements analysis, a decision has to be made about the software to buy. The main options are to buy generic or bespoke software or to develop the software in-house. The advantages and disadvantages of each option must be examined.
The different packages on the market could be examined by reading software reviews in computer magazines.
The cheapest package on offer is not necessarily the best. The capabilities of the software need to be examined. Equally, the most expensive is not necessarily the best because it might contain a lot of features that the organisation doesn't need.
It might be worth looking at what competitors are using. Is there a package, which is considered to be the "industry standard"?
Can the software be tailored to the particular needs of the organisation.
Some software developers might be prepared to modify an off-the-shelf package. This option often produces very unsatisfactory results (see quote from Tony Collins, page 297).
Is the software upgradeable? This is important for a business that is planning to grow.
Is the software compatible with existing software and hardware?
Is it easy to use?
Cost is an important factor (consider both the cost of the software and cost of technical support and upgrades)
Speed (can be measured using benchmark tests, which are often published in computer magazines).
Consider the reputation of the manufacturer (Do they have lots of satisfied customers?)
Should you buy generic, specific or bespoke software?
Each of these factors is given a weighting according to the importance it has to the organisation.
The Evaluation Report
Once the evaluation is carried out, a report will normally be written. It will explain what conclusions were reached and how these conclusions were arrived at. It might include the results of benchmark tests, upgrade paths, analysis of costs, etc.
Case Study
There is a good "side-to-side" comparison between Access'97 and Lotus Approach '97 in Mott and Leeming p.239
Software Emulation
Most people use IBM compatible PCs with Windows operating systems. However, there are a large number of people who use Linux, Unix or the Apple Mac. This can cause problems when data needs to be transferred or when the same software needs to be used on both types of machine.
Emulation software can allow PC software to be run on an Apple Mac. It allows Windows software to run on Linux.
Emulation software can cause problems such as:
The software itself uses system resources, which slows down the applications that are run.
Emulation software will not allow 100% of Windows software to run on Linux.
Manufacturers are unlikely to be willing to provide technical support for a Windows application that is not being run on Windows.