Sinister software: New trends in business software13 July 2006
For many of us, the world of computer software is mystifying at the best of times but some recent developments within the industry are set to make the whole process of software selection and implementation more confusing.
And according to industry analyst Forrester, the emergence of four areas of software commoditisation - what it terms the 'four horsemen' - will have a negative impact on the software industry as a whole, but could see prices drop for businesses. They are service-oriented architecture (SOA), open source, software-as-a-service (SaaS) as well as offshore development.
Its Future of Enterprise Software report outlines predictions for a decline in the number of large software suppliers as a consumer demand for greater flexibility takes hold. Driving this, it claims, are the four horsemen.
Softened software jargon
So, taking out offshoring, what exactly are these apocalyptic and complicated-sounding software practices and what are they likely to mean for small businesses?
- Service-oriented architecture - known as SOA, this is the practice by which services and applications are made interoperable and accessible separately from the platform on which they operate. In this way, interaction between a service provider and consumer is facilitated regardless of underlying platforms or domains. While this certainly sounds like good news in the long-term, Forrester warned that the cost of integration was likely to make widespread use gradual.
- Open source - this refers to software that has been licensed to allow users to amend the way it has been written through the open availability of its source code. This contrasts with proprietary software, where the developers withhold the details of how it was built from those using to maintain its structure and functionality. Open source has gained in popularity in recent years, offering as it does increased flexibility and the means to tailor software to suit individual needs. However, its use is limited as it requires some knowledge of software development.
- Software as a service - known as SaaS, this practice differs from open source but offers businesses the same kind of licensing flexibility. Firms 'hire' software licenses from a third party, which also supplies technical support and maintenance for the product in use within the business.
The report outlined the need for IT professionals to adopt these emerging ideas in order to create a constructive new software environment for businesses, but in the meantime, smaller companies looking to invest in their IT infrastructure would do well to consider an existing and inclusive package. BT's Business IT Manager offers an all-round IT management service, to provide advice and assistance in every aspect of the construction and maintenance of an IT infrastructure.
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