BayState Realty Case Study
1. Use a table to identify the software products sited above that fall within the following categories of software:
System Software
General Purpose Software
Application Specific Software
An operating system built to control and operate the hardware system
Protect the firm’s hardware platforms from intrusion, malware, and computer viruses
Dell laptops and desktop computers running Microsoft’s Windows operating system
Allows users to accomplish simple computer related tasks
Standardizes and minimizes implementation costs
Facilitates staff training
Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Outlook, and Microsoft SharePoint
For an end user
Document and management system
The CRM system, an Accounting System, a Human Resource Management System, a Real Estate Sales Documentation and Management System, and a Rental Property Management System
2. Use a second table to identify and explain the various elements in the total cost of software ownership and then list the steps taken by the CIO to limit the firm’s software TCO expenditures.
Elements in the Total Cost of Software Ownership
Steps Taken by the CIO to Limit the Firm's Software TCO Expenditures
Software and hardware upgrades
Time to renew hardware and software
Training for new and current employees
Hiring MIS or IT personnel
Sale Price
Licensing
1. Focus on the procurement and deployment of a limited set of well-established, off-the-shelf products
2. Negotiate favorable licensing terms with Microsoft for the initial acquisition of products, to standardize and minimize implementation costs, and to limit firm investments in ongoing staff training and product documentation and support
3. Work closely with their line-of-business colleagues to select best-in-breed application specific software
4. Adapt their business processes to make the best use of the software and by doing so, better control the TCO for that software
5. Implement Linux (an open source software product)
System Software
General Purpose Software
Application Specific Software
An operating system built to control and operate the hardware system
Protect the firm’s hardware platforms from intrusion, malware, and computer viruses
Dell laptops and desktop computers running Microsoft’s Windows operating system
Allows users to accomplish simple computer related tasks
Standardizes and minimizes implementation costs
Facilitates staff training
Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Outlook, and Microsoft SharePoint
For an end user
Document and management system
The CRM system, an Accounting System, a Human Resource Management System, a Real Estate Sales Documentation and Management System, and a Rental Property Management System
2. Use a second table to identify and explain the various elements in the total cost of software ownership and then list the steps taken by the CIO to limit the firm’s software TCO expenditures.
Elements in the Total Cost of Software Ownership
Steps Taken by the CIO to Limit the Firm's Software TCO Expenditures
Software and hardware upgrades
Time to renew hardware and software
Training for new and current employees
Hiring MIS or IT personnel
Sale Price
Licensing
1. Focus on the procurement and deployment of a limited set of well-established, off-the-shelf products
2. Negotiate favorable licensing terms with Microsoft for the initial acquisition of products, to standardize and minimize implementation costs, and to limit firm investments in ongoing staff training and product documentation and support
3. Work closely with their line-of-business colleagues to select best-in-breed application specific software
4. Adapt their business processes to make the best use of the software and by doing so, better control the TCO for that software
5. Implement Linux (an open source software product)