The Opportunities and Complexities of Applying Commercial-Off-the-Shelf Components
Crosst Alk, Lisa Brownsword, David Carney, Tricia Oberndorf · 1998
Lisa Brownsword, David Carney, Tricia OberndorfGovernment acquisition policies for software-intensive systems now emphasize the use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products. On the surface, “the COTS solution” appears straightforward. In actuality, many projects find its use less than straightforward. This article provides acquisition managers and policy makers with a basic understanding of how developing systems with COTS products is different and why and what new capabilities are being identified.Government acquisition policies for software-intensive systems now emphasize the use of existing commercial products. Requests for Proposals often require the use of specific COTS products and sometimes specify the amounts to be used. As systems are reengineered, many include the use of COTS products. And as government budgets shrink and the desire for increasingly complex systems continues, there is rising interest in leveraging the use of commercially available products whenever possible. Although on the surface “the COTS solution” appears straightforward and compelling, projects that apply COTS find its use less than straightforward. Rather, they encounter significant new trade-offs and issues. Applying COTS products is not merely a technical matter for system integrators. It has a profound impact on business, acquisition, and management practices, and organizational structures. Compounding the problem is the limited experience and guidance currently available on how to effectively approach system development with commercial components. The Software Engineering Institute (SEI), along with other key organizations associated with the government and civil agencies, is creating and assembling best practice guidance for acquisition and program managers, integrators, and testers through case studies, hands-on support, and analysis. This article is one of several venues the SEI is leveraging to provide acquisition managers and policy makers with an understanding of what is different in the development of systems with