Adopting Noncommercial Application Software

Abstract

The perfect solution to an MIS department' s next business application need could be adopting software from a noncommercial source. Software adoption can provide a more functional, cost-beneficial solution than custom development or purchase of a commercial package. The adoption of an application is similar to selecting a commercial package but presents additional advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of adopting an application include better integration with existing systems and consistency throughout the organization; the disadvantages include poorly documented, technically weak software. This article explores the process of adopting noncommercial applications software.

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Notes on contributors

Richard J. Orli

Richard J. Orli is a senior consultant specializing in relational data base system design at Deloitte Haskins & Sells in Washington DC. His research interests include all aspects of IS project economics.