5. Implementation and installation (1)

There are a number of implementation and installation issues raised when considering new software. And these issues may determine whether you use off-the-shelf software or your own bespoke software application.

Custom installation program

Installing off-the-shelf software tends to be straightforward. This is because generic programs tend to be stored in one or more standard folders and any registry entries are well defined.

Whereas custom built software may be part of a more complex IT system which will require many changes to enable it to slot into the current system. This adds cost to the project and makes it more risky in terms or roll-out.

Creating the installation software

Creating installation software is a very complex technical issue because it has to work with the operating system at quite a low level, for example installing hardware drivers into system directories.

With off-the-shelf software the developers will have invested a lot of time and money to create a very robust installation package as customers should be able to install it without a fuss. Also, they can use this same software across a number of their products, thus saving investment costs.

With custom built software most software engineers do not want to waste time learning this aspect and so will often purchase a professional software installation application to help them put together the required installation package. Yet more costs and time.

Integration

Generic software tends to be fairly stand-alone and so will probably be straight forward to implement on company networks.

With custom software, it may need to be integrated with existing IT systems and so will need careful planning.