I am presenting to you the information about the trends on technology regarding software acquisition. Herein are three trends that our company should be conversant with: Software-as-a-Service, mobile apps, and open-source software.
Cloud computing and Software-as-a-Service
The popularity of cloud computing has increased the use of software-as-a-service (SaaS) for most software users. Technology observers have noted that many organizations who are to use SaaS. Many software users will want to pay for the service that they have used instead of paying for the whole package and yet they do not use all the package. It is the dynamics that are driving software use and acquisition. With the introduction of smart phones, even individual users will want to pay for mobile software that they are in demand of. Many users want to pay for what they have used.
Open-source software
Another concern is the growth of open-source software and applications. There are many concerns with the rise of open-source applications. It is driven by the growth of open-source operating systems which have been on the rise in the market. Research shows with the strictness of proprietary software companies like Microsoft; there has been a move by many developers to have software that is free. Also, the collaboration between the many developers working on one project has also seen the rise of open source software. What is coming out is the aspect that many people are concerned with the updates that they get in the software that they have acquired. The flow of updates is an issue of concern that has been provided by the growth and development of open-source products. At least users can get updates on their software without having to pay additional services. It is commonly seen with the updates that users get with their office suite applications and operating systems. Linux is one of the leading open-source developing company that has seen the development and progress of open-source companies and development. The popularity of such operating systems like Linux still is seen to be growing.
Mobile apps
It is one of the trends that is seen to have attracted most players. One of the factors that are making this type of software acquisition to progress is the popularity of smart mobile devices. Many people have adopted and embraced the use of smart phones. With more features and capabilities being integrated with smart phones, there are mobile applications (apps) that are being developed. It is a market that is getting more players by the day. Many companies are entering the mobile app arena because of the marketing aspect. Many apps are free and yet at the same time promote different products. Also, interesting because there are now tools that have been developed and left to the users so that users can develop their mobile apps. The users can customize the apps to their liking so that they can achieve the capabilities that they want in the mobile apps.
One interesting aspect that is being seen is companies like Microsoft, which is also extending the trend of mobile apps to desktop software too. Microsoft is seen to be re-branding their office applications to apps-like structure so that people will be able to download from their cloud. It is an interesting field that will change the software acquisition process.
I hope this research has been useful in your analysis of the software acquisition industry. If there is further inquiry or research that needs to be done, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
References
Bibi, S., Katsaros, D., & Bozanis, P. (2012). Business application acquisition: on-premise or SaaS-based solutions?. Software, IEEE, 29(3), 86-93.
Brunner, P., Bianchi, L., Guger, C., Cincotti, F., & Schalk, G. (2011). Current trends in hardware and software for brain–computer interfaces (BCIs). Journal of neural engineering, 8(2), 025001.
Stefanou, C. (2011). A Framework for SMEs’ Adoption of Cloud and Open Source Accounting Information Systems.
Stefanou, C. J. (2014). Adoption of Free/Open Source ERP Software by SMEs. In Information Systems for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (pp. 157-166). Springer Berlin Heidelberg.
