It’s important to use systems analysis and design methodologies because many software projects have a 20% success rate. In order to reduce risk a structure should be applied to account for all of the company’s needs and concerns with a project. By using an engineering approach, you’re using proven methodologies which can be applied for future projects and each time your strategy can be tweaked and improved to perfection.
Prototyping is part of the feasibility analysis phase of SDLC. A simulated prototype of the target system is created which provides a glimpse of what the main system would be like. In addition, this helps in pre-analyzing the behavior of the target system, known as a POC (Proof of Concept).
In the section on choosing off-the-shelf software, eight criteria are proposed for evaluating alternative packages. Suppose the choice is between alternative custom software developers rather than prewritten packages. What criteria would be appropriate to select and compare among competing bidders for custom development of an application? Define each of these criteria.
The criteria for off-the-shelf software is Cost, Functionality, Vendor Support, Viability of Vendor, Flexibility, Documentation, Response Time and Ease of Installation. In terms of Custom software developers you want to make sure that the flexibility and support can be achieved if you should decide to cut ties with the developer. Another words, you would want an open API so another developer can support and or expand on the proprietary system.
It might recommend its strategy through cost savings due to facilitated reuse. This allows then to reuse certain parts of other designs.