7 – Types of Software Component 2

Assessment Outcomes 7a - Explain the use of a range of types of software, including open source software, bespoke and off-the-shelf

Two Types of Types.. There are two categories when we talk about types of software: The Type of License The Use of the Software

Different types of software License: Proprietary Many of the programs you use today are known as 'proprietary software'. With proprietary software, the owner has only given you permission to use it, usually (but not always) by selling you a copy for a fee. Windows, Serif applications and Microsoft Office are good examples. If you want to use any of these software titles, you must buy a copy. Once bought, you don't actually own the software (although you do have a copy of it) but you have bought the right to use it. You can't make copies of it and distribute them to friends because that breaks the licence agreement you made when you bought the software. You can't go and modify the code either. You have only bought the right to use it. This type of software is known as 'proprietary software'.

Different types of software License: Shareware Software that comes with a shareware licence can be used and shared but comes with restrictions: This can include a time-limited right to use the software, limiting its use for personal not commercial use only and no rights to use the software for commercial gain e.g. by modifying or repackaging it and then selling it on to customers. This type of software is initially free although a fee is usually payable if you want to use it after a period of time, if you want to unlock certain features or remove advertising, for example. Shareware is essentially the same as a 'free trial' and is used by companies as a way of getting their software out to customers to try. It is often distributed with magazines or available as a download from a website. 

Different types of software License: Freeware Freeware is software that is distributed without demanding a fee for its usage. These programs are available either as fully functional software for an unlimited period. Ownership of any freeware is retained by its developer. The developer can change future releases from freeware to a paid product (freeware) if he wishes so. Also, a freeware is typically distributed without its source code. This is done to prevent any sort of modification by its users. Plus, the license with which a free program is distributed may permit the software to be freely copied but not sold. In some cases, one may not be allowed to even distribute the software. - http://www.thewindowsclub.com/difference- freeware-free-software-open-source For example: Skype Adobe Acrobat Reader Google Chrome Gojimo - http://www.gojimo.com/a-level- computing/

Different types of software: Open Source Open source software is a type of software that you can download it and use it, distribute it to others and you can also see the code. This means that you can edit the code – repackage it, and distribute it to others. Examples include the operating system Linux and the online learning environment moodle. Do not confuse Open Source with free – You may have to pay for open source software! Open Source means you can see and edit the source code.

Types of software The Operating System is responsible for dealing with the Hardware and providing a platform for Utility and Application software to run. It also provides the Interface for the user to use. Utility Software is used to support the running of the computer. Application Software is the general day-to- day applications that users interact with. For example Word, PowerPoint, Chrome, etc.

Application Software A software application carries out tasks that the user is interested in doing such as writing a letter, creating graphs, sending an email or downloading a webpage. Software applications work through the operating system to gain access to the hardware. Application software can be classified under two main categories: General purpose software Tailor made or bespoke software Specialist Software

Off-The-Shelf Software A general purpose application, sometimes known as ‘off-the-shelf’ is the sort of software that you use at home and school.  Examples include word processors, spreadsheets, databases, desktop publishing packages, graphics packages etc. This type of software tries to be a ‘jack-of-all- trades’.  It provides many features that the majority of users will want e.g. formatting text, creating charts, organizing tables.  But it does try to be’ all things to all people’ and so there will be a vast number of features that you may never use e.g. statistical functions, mail merge.  This makes the storage size of these applications fairly large. Examples: Word processing application - writing reports, memos, letters to customers Spreadsheet application - keeping simple company accounts, calculating employee commission payments, simple stock control system, modelling Database application - keeping customer records, sales records, appointments system Desktop publishing application - creating leaflets, posters, business cards Presentation software - creating presentations to show to customers or staff Graphics application - manipulating images that can be used at home, school or a business Web design application - creating personal or business websites

Tailor Made (Bespoke) Software Although most organisations use general purpose software, some organisations will find that it just doesn’t do exactly what they want or it doesn’t work with their current systems. In this case, they might decide to have the software system they need designed and developed specifically for them.  This is called ‘tailor-made’ or ‘bespoke’ software.

Off-The-Shelf vs Bespoke Software The majority of users work with off-the-shelf or package software. This is designed to be useful for the large numbers of customers with varying demands. Bespoke software, instead, is developed individually to meet the exact needs of a single organization. It is custom-built to work as necessary to meet your business’ requirements. However, both bespoke software and off-the-shelf solutions offer pros and cons.

Off-The-Shelf Software: Advantages and Disadvantages Cheaper. The development costs are spread across a large number of users, so you pay much less than it would cost to build the same software from scratch. Available immediately. The development work has already been done, so all you need to do is set up the software and start using it. Lower training costs. If it is a commonly used package, users and I.T. staff may already be familiar with it, saving on learning time and training costs. Or, there may be pre-existing training materials and courses that you can leverage. Community support. If the software is popular, there may be books, articles, forums and online communities offering support and advice to help you learn or resolve any issues. More functionality. Off-the-shelf software often has more functionality, because the developers try to meet the requirements of as many users as possible. (There may even be functionality you didn’t realise you need!) Upgrades. The vendor will continue to develop the software, so you will likely get upgrades for free or at a reduced cost, whereas in bespoke software you don’t get anything new unless you pay for it to be built. May have annual cost. Office has moved towards having annual subscription services and this is a growing trend. Large memory footprint. The software may require a lot of storage space or a lot of primary memory to run. Compromise. You may have to compromise on your requirements – it is unlikely you will find ready-made software that does everything you need it to, exactly how you want it to. May be overly complicated. The software may include functionality that you don’t need, as it is trying to meet the different requirements of a number of users. This can make it more difficult to learn and use. You are not in control. The vendor’s plans for the future may not always fit with your own. As a single customer amongst many, you may not be able to get the features you want implemented.

Tailor Made (Bespoke) Software: Advantages and Disadvantages Tailored to you. The software is developed and built to meet your specific requirements, ensuring that you get software that works exactly how you need it to and delivers the results you want. More flexible. A bespoke system can evolve over time to match your changing requirements. No per-user fees. If you own the software, you won’t have to extra per-user fees as your business grows. Not tied in. You may own the intellectual property, so you are not tied to a specific vendor that could potentially disappear at any time. Competitive advantage. As your competitors won’t have the same software, it could give you a competitive edge. An effective software package can make a company work more efficiently, improve their performance and have a positive impact on customer satisfaction levels. Higher initial costs. It will cost more at the beginning, as you have to pay the development costs. Takes longer to develop. Depending on the size and complexity of the software, it may take months or even years to develop. Additional Employees. The company may need to employ a team of people such as business analysts, programmers, testers etc. Lack of support. There will be little in the way of user support and online help