1.14 The need for different types of software systems and their attributes

Question 1

What is open source software?

Answer 1

Software that is distributed with its source code available for modifications

Question 2

What is bespoke software?

Answer 2

Software that is specially developed for an organisation or identified end user (usually for niche applications)

Question 3

What is off the shelf software?

Answer 3

Software made by a software development company which usually has major restrictions on its use and users must purchase licences to be able to use them. E.g. Adobe or word

Question 4

What are the advantages of open source software?

Answer 4

• Users and communities have access to the source code and improvements can be made and shared
• Community development can mean that new features can be developed more quickly than proprietary software
• Code can be more reliable and robust due to the number of developers working to maintain it

Question 5

What are the advantages and disadvantages of bespoke software?

Answer 5

+ They can be made for very specific functions that no other software could do
+ Can help put companies above other competitors
+ Can be developed quickly as it only needs to work on a specific system

• Only a one-off software meaning if a system changed, the software would also have to be changed
• They can be very expensive due to the low number of sales and development costs
• Limited support for it compared to proprietary software

Question 6

What are the advantages and disadvantages of off the shelf software?

Answer 6

+ Usually much cheaper than bespoke as the end user doesn’t have to fund development cost
+ End user can research the software by looking at reviews and advice
+ Updates and patches are usually frequent which ensures cyber security and availability if features

• More expensive over time due to charges for subscription or upgrades
• Developers could remove support for the software given time
• Inflexible as changes cannot be made to the source code