Implementing software of any kind can feel pretty intimidating. Indeed there are as many arguments that favor commercial-off-the-shelf software (COTS) as there are those that favor custom software solutions. What to do?
As an experienced IT consulting firm with both commercial-off-the-shelf and custom software consulting services, we are often asked to provide recommendations for the best-fit solution. Our broad experience with software evaluation, selection, project management and implementation, gives us valuable insights in the COTS software arena. Our in-house software engineering experience and enterprise-level custom solutions add the perspective – and the objectivity – necessary to give a credible recommendation.
Whether COTS or CUSTOM, there are lots of questions that must be asked, and many of these questions are relative to either solution. Here’s the short list:
With this many questions and so much riding on the outcome, professional IT guidance is a must – it is simply too big of a decision to go it alone.
“It is not logical to make a decision based upon so few facts, sir,” ~ Spock
Compass Consulting welcomes you to our 5-part series, “COTS vs. Custom”, where we will discuss the decision points and share our experience in answering these questions, and more!
Part 1 of 5: Two Examples
Consider these two actual examples …
“Humans have a knack for choosing precisely the things that are worst for them.” ~ J. K. Rowling
The big question for these two companies – COTS or CUSTOM?
Before we answer the questions at hand, we will first have to further define COTS and CUSTOM.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of 5: “Defining the Definition”. By the end of this 5-part series, you will have a clear idea of how to choose COTS or CUSTOM, and where to turn for guidance.