Managing software acquisition

Managing Software Acquisition presents the fundamental principles and best practices for successful acquisition of open, COTS-based systems. It explores the many opportunities and challenges of this approach, defines key terms, anticipates potential problems, and discusses the effect of software acquisition on the manager's job. The information presented addresses critical concerns affecting the entire software industry; it also discusses important issues particular to government acquisition.

• Promises and pitfalls of open, COTS-based system acquisition
• Implications for industry and government—quality, loss of control, and risk
• Reference models, architectures, and standards for open systems and COTS products
• Implications for cost, schedule, performance, and staff
• Engineering practices, including defining requirements, integration, testing, deployment, and support
• Contracting strategiesand relationships with vendors
• Integrated acquisition using standards and COTS products

Each major section concludes with realistic, open-ended exercises that illustrate vital issues confronting software acquisition managers. In addition, the book includes an extensive reference section containing a glossary, list of acronyms, sample questions to help organizations evaluate their needs, and more.

• Illustrations
• Tables
• Preface
• Pt. 1 Getting Started 1
• Ch. 1 An Overview of Acquisition 3
• Ch. 2 Promises and Pitfalls 11
• Ch. 3 The Paradigm Shift of Open Systems and COTS Products 25
• Ch. 4 Elements of an Open, COTS-Based Approach 41
• Pt. 2 Understanding the New World 59
• Ch. 5 Reference Models and Architectures 61
• Ch. 6 Standards 89
• Ch. 7 Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Products 125
• Ch. 8 Acquisition Roadmaps 147
• Pt. 3 Managing the Transition 163
• Ch. 9 How Open Systems and COTS Products Can Change Your Business 165
• Ch. 10 Special Concerns for Managers 181
• Ch. 11 Engineering Practices 207
• Ch. 12 Procurement Practices 229
• Pt. 4 Considering Acquisition 249
• Ch. 13 An Acquisition Framework 251
• Ch. 14 Acquisition Models 261
• Ch. 15 Acqusition Models for Open, COTS-Based Systems 273
• Pt. 5 Closing Thoughts 305
• Ch. 16 Looking Ahead 307
• App. A: Glossary 321
• App. B: Acronym List 329
• App. C: Sample Questions 335
• App. D: References 349
• Index 355