Acquiring Hardware and Software

Acquiring Hardware, Software, and Services

Acquiring hardware, software, and external IS services are a major implementation activity. These resources can be acquired from many sources in the computer industry.

Hardware and Software Suppliers

Computer manufacturers produce many types of computer systems, as well as peripheral equipment and software.

You can also buy software packages directly from large software developers such as Microsoft and Lotus Development, or through computer-retailers and mail order companies. Other buying methods include

Corporate Buying Plans

Corporate buying plans allow employees to purchase hardware and software at substantial discounts directly from hardware manufacturers and software companies.

OEM Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) - produce and sell computers by assembling components produced by other hardware suppliers.

PCMs Plug-Compatible Manufacturers (PCMs) - manufacture computer mainframes and peripheral devices that are specifically designed to be compatible (just “plug in”) with other computers.

VARs Value-Added Resellers (VARs) - specialize in providing industry-specific hardware and software from selected manufacturers.

Evaluating Hardware, Software, and Services

To evaluate and select hardware and software, computer-using organizations typically

Require suppliers to present bids and proposals based on system specifications developed during the information systems design stage.

Minimum acceptable physical and performance characteristics for all hardware and software requirements are established. Government agencies and most large businesses use a document called an RFP (request for proposal) or RFQ (request for quotation), which lists all the required specifications.

When several competing proposals for hardware or software acquisition need to be evaluated, a scoring system may be used, giving a numerical score for each of several evaluation factors. Each competing proposal is assigned points for each factor, depending on how well it meets the specifications.