Software procurement requires some understanding on the type of software to be purchased. Broadly we can classify softwares to be of 4 types. Stand alone applications, Client server applications, Web applications and the latest SaAS. Knowing how each type functions is very critical for procurement decision. More important is to know if the software has the capability to be upgraded from one type to another.

Lets say you have a requirement for a stand alone software now, you go ahead buying it. It works on one system and all is well. Six months down the line you realize you have to have the software working on more than one system. What then? If you are lucky and if the software has the capability to be client-server application, you can enhance it and it works fine on all your systems. But if the software cannot work on multiple systems, does not have a client server version, what then? You have two choices - dump the software get a new one or just live with it.

So remember to know if the software meets your current requirement and if it can expand if your business expands.

Know a little more.

Stand alone

Stand alone: Application belonging to the category stand alone can be operated from only one computer i.e. the computer it is installed on. This application will not work or cannot be accessible across the network.

Client - Server Application

Client - server application: As the name suggests these application are client-server based. There is one version of the application is installed on the server and the client version of the application can be installed on number of system across the network. All the clients machines work and communicate with the server.

Web based application

Web based application: This type of application is similar to the client server, but with a difference. The server application resides on the server. But there is no client installation done on client from machines. The client system can access the server by using a simple URL.

SAAS

SAAS:The most recent and the most cost effective application type. This type of application is an enhancement to the web application module. In this the application resides on a remote server, generally the vendor’s server. This type of application does not require any installation from your end. The vendor or any other service provides handles all the installation to other issues with references to the application.

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