Computer Software and Systems Development: Microsoft Office

Assignment Overview
The need of software programs in computers has led to several programming trends and initiatives. Among the most popular are in-house development, vendor development, and outsourcing. Vendor developed software dominates the market, and it sold through software licensing. Commercial developers spend time and money building state-of-the art applications, and they must protect their investment by copyright laws and software use. Software upgrades and versioning are also another way to sell valuable enhancements and software capabilities. Commercial vendors only sell the compiled code, keeping the source code away from the client. Shareware, open source, and freeware are also in style to decrease software cost and to tap on end-user development and user group development collaboration. All of these initiatives have provided plenty of opportunities for software selection. The most current offering is bundled cloud computing software, which not only provides solutions to hardware but also to application software.
The course materials in this module review a comprehensive list of software concepts as well as advances for developing effective global information systems.
Required Reading
Laudon, K., & Laudon, J. (2012). Essentials of MIS. (10th Ed.). Learning Track 4: The open source software initiative. Retrieved from http://wps(dot)prenhall(dot)com/wps/media/objects/14071/14409392/Learning_Tracks/Ess10_CH04_LT4_The_Open_Source_Software_Initiative.pdf
Laudon, K., & Laudon, J. (2012). Essentials of MIS. (10th Ed.). Learning Track 3: Cloud computing. Retrieved from http://wps(dot)prenhall(dot)com/wps/media/objects/14071/14409392/Learning_Tracks/Ess10_CH04_LT3_Cloud_Computing.pdf
Gallaugher, J. (2012). Information Systems: A Harnessing Guide to Information Technology. FlatWorld Knowledge. Gallaugher Chapter 9 - E-textbook
Gallaugher, J. (2012). Information Systems: A Harnessing Guide to Information Technology. Gallaugher - Chapter 9 PPT [PowerPoint slides].
IBM (2008, May 13). Google and IBM produce Cloud computing. [Youtube video]. Retrieved from http://videos(dot)webpronews(dot)com/2008/05/google-and-ibm-produce-cloud-computing/
IBM. (2008). IBM blue cloud is ready-to-use computing. [Youtube video]. Retrieved from http://www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=zfLVvk7CjY4
Forrester Research. (2008). Cloud computer is hyped and overblown. [Youtube video]. http://www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=f7wv1i8ubng
Case Assignment
Identify and discuss a software package that you are familiar with either at work or for personal use.
Explain what the software is and how it is used.
Briefly describe the advantages and disadvantages of the software.
Does it reside on a local computer, or is it Web-based?
Can the software easily be used via a mobile device? Is this even necessary?
Is the human-computer interface intuitive, or does it require extensive training?
Is there training support from your organization or the vendor?
Is there a means to report and correct problems?
How would this software help you in a present or future job situation?
Does the software directly match the business process it supports, or is there a gap between the process and the software? In other words, do people need to use other tools, or can the process be executed completely within the software? Why?
What recommendations would you provide to improve the software you have used?
Your paper should be short (3–4 pages, not including cover sheet and references) and to the point. It is to be structured as a point/counterpoint argument, in the following manner.
Assignment Expectations
You are expected to:
Begin this paper by stating your position on these questions clearly and concisely
Cite appropriate sources and answer questions directly. Be sure to make the most effective case you can. Then present the best evidence you can, again citing three appropriate outside sources.
You will be particularly assessed on:
Your ability to see what the module is all about and to structure your paper accordingly.
Your informed commentary and analysis—simply repeating what your sources say does not constitute an adequate paper.
Your ability to apply the professional language and terminology of systems design and analysis correctly and in context; you are expected to be familiar with this language and use it appropriately.
Your effective and appropriate use of in-text citations to the assigned readings and other source material to support your arguments. Refer to the TUI Course Guidelines and or the Purdue University APA formatting and style guide (see optional readings for Module 1) for the proper formats.