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.

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