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Evaluating Alternatives in Systems Analysis Phase

Learn how to determine, analyze, organize, and document the requirements of a new information system. Explore software and hardware options that support the system's needs. Evaluate alternatives, make purchase decisions, and customize software packages. Understand the steps involved in evaluating and purchasing software and consider hardware alternatives.

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Evaluating Alternatives in Systems Analysis Phase

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  1. SYS364 Evaluating Alternatives

  2. Objectives of the Systems Analysis Phase • determine, analyze, organize and document the requirements of a new information system • a system requires software, hardware, people, procedures and data • So far, we have analyzed existing systems and developed logical models of proposed systems – now identify software and hardware that will support the requirements of the new system • begin with an evaluation of software because it affects all other components of an IS

  3. Where are we in this course? • Systems Development Life Cycle • See handout • Systems Planning • Preliminary Investigation • Systems Analysis • Determining Requirements, Analyzing Requirements, Evaluating Alternatives • Systems Design • Systems Implementation • Systems Operation and Support

  4. Evaluating Alternatives • Software • Steps in evaluating/purchasing software • Hardware • Completion of Systems Analysis • System Requirements Document • Presentation to Management • Prototyping

  5. Primary Software Decisions • Make vs Buy • Horizontal vs Vertical Applications

  6. Why would a company develop software in-house? • Satisfy unique requirements • Minimize changes in business procedures and policies • Meet constraints of existing systems • Meet constraints of existing technology • Develop internal resources and capabilities

  7. Buying a Software Package • Lower costs • Requires less time to implement • Proven reliability and performance benchmarks • Implemented by other companies • Requires less technical development staff • Future upgrades provided by the vendor

  8. Customizing Software Packages • Purchase basic package, then customize • Negotiate with vendor to make enhancements • Purchase and modify yourself

  9. Other Software Alternatives • Outsourcing (e.g. EDS or IBM) • End-user Systems (departmental app.) • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) • E.g. Peoplesoft, SAP, J.D.Edwards • Application Service Provider (ASP) • Package software running on another system • Needs secure Internet connect and trust

  10. Analyst’s Involvement (high  low) • In-house developed custom software • In-house customized package • Custom software by consultants • End-user applications • Outsource customized package • Vendor customized package • Vendor package with enhancements • Install vanilla software package

  11. Steps in Evaluating and Purchasing Software Packages • Step 1 - Evaluate the Information System Requirements • Identify the key features of the system • Estimate volume and future growth • Specify any hardware constraints • Prepare a Request for Proposal or Quotation (RFP or RFQ)

  12. continued • Step 2 - Identify potential software vendors • Step 3 – Evaluate software package alternatives • Step 4 – Make the purchase • Step 5 – Install the software package

  13. Hardware Alternatives • Considered during all phases • Turnkey purchases, systems integrators • Site preparation/considerations • air con, fire, security, UPS, cabling, backup • Consider Total Cost of Ownership: • Green Screen: $500/seat/year • PC: 10 X Green Screen cost

  14. Completion of Systems Analysis • Systems Requirement Document • Requirements of the new system • Describes the alternatives that were considered • Makes a specific recommendation to management • Identifies what developers must deliver in a new system – read by users • May include index and glossary of terms

  15. Completion of Systems Analysis • Presentation to Management • May be preceded by a presentation to a sponsor and/or users • Looking to obtain approval for the development of the new system and to gain full support (including financial support)

  16. Management’s Response • Develop an in-house system • Modify the current system • Purchase or customize a software package • Perform additional systems analysis work • Stop all further work

  17. Your Presentation to Management • Where do you start?

  18. Your presentation to management • Brief overview of purpose and objectives • Summarize primary, viable alternatives • Explain why recommended alternatives were selected • Allow time for Q and A • Obtain agreement on a timetable for the next step in the process • What makes your team & proposal unique?What is your competitive advantage?

  19. Summary • Software • Hardware • Completion of Systems Analysis

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