1. Software: Acquiring, Off the
Shelf, and Custom
Michael Zysman
Frank Hyun

2. Acquiring Software
-Refers to the several methods by which
software can be purchased or accessed
Ex: Off-the-shelf, custom-designed, or Web-
based

3. Different methods of storage
• CD/DVD
• Once was floppy disk
• USB
• Web server

4. System Requirements
• Always check to make sure the software
matches up with your computer
• Not all software works on all computer
systems

5. Off-the-shelf
• Refers to software that is mass-produced for
use by the general public and is made
available through online outlets or retail
stores

6. Off-the-shelf
• Provide convenient and fast access to high
quality software
• Usually purchased for personal computer use

7. Off-the-shelf
• Gets its name from being available for
purchase right off a stores shelf
• Also available online

8. Off-the-shelf
• Common computing activities benefit from
this
• Ex: word processors, media players, and
spreadsheet software

9. Shareware
• Marketing method allowing users to access
software for free for a trial-period
• Way for customers to see if the software
works for them
• Hopefully you get some happy customers

10. Subscription Model
• Pay an annual fee for the length of time you
wish to use the software
• Do not have to pay a one time fee when you
first receive the software

11. Subscription Model
• Ex: Virus Protection, Web-site
articles(ESPNinsider)
• Trend of the future

12. Custom-Designed
• Software created to meet a unique need
• Typically used in business, allowing the
business to have a competitive edge

13. Custom-Designed
• Used when business needs a specific software
• Off-the-shelf software is not specific enough
• Meets unique needs
• Essential in a business’s competitive strategy

14. Custom-Designed
Value-Added Software Vendor
-third party software firm
-develops or modifies a software program to
meet the needs of a business

15. Contract Software
• A specific software program developed for a
particular company or organization
• These programs are created by the value-
added software vendors

16. Custom-Designed
Service oriented architecture
-uses a method of software development that
focuses on business processes
-software services that communicate with each
other, sharing data and activities to
accomplish business tasks

17. Custom-Designed
• Some companies develop software in order to
provide their primary service to the public
• Ex: Google, Facebook, Hulu, Twitter
• All designed their own software to meet their
specific needs

18. Custom-Designed
• For the companies like facebook and google,
the software designed IS their service and
product
• Software is not purchased or installed
• Software is available strictly over the web

19. Conclusion
• Despite the large amount of off-the-shelf
software, there are many more custom-
designed software available
• More companies in need of specialty software

20. Conclusion
• World economy depends on innovation in the
software being built today
• Technology continues to evolve, as does
software being used