Type of software projects

Software projects can be categorized into the product (a generic software) and Services (a custom software for specific uses and specific requirements).

Type of software:

1. Packaged software-  prewritten software available for purchase:
   • Horizontal market software – meets the needs of many companies.
   • Vertical market software – designed for a particular industry.
2. Custom software – software developed at the user’s request-sometimes the developer tailors generic software into custom software.

Another software classification

1. Information systems: Store data, process data, present data, and statistics. Example: MIS, Stock control software, Patient Management software, etc., Web-based software versus stand-alone software.
2. Embedded software: Control hardware. Example: automobile control software, nuclear plant control software, robots, toys, etc.

Half in products and half services, but the services segment is growing fast. Software services: The software service is an umbrella term, includes:

1. Software customization
2. Software maintenance
3. Software testing
4. Also, contract programmers who carry out coding or any other assigned activities.

Factors responsible for accelerated gravitation towards services:

1. Lots of code is available in a company:
   • New software can be developed by modifying the closest.
2. Business velocity has increased tremendously:
   • Requires shortening of project duration
3. Program sizes have become large

The scenario of Indian Software Companies: Indian companies have largely focused on the services segment. Why?

To build a project, companies require revenue, and there is uncertainty associated with it. However, with service kinds of projects, the company will receive an assured fixed amount after completing the assigned project.

References:

• NPTEL Software Project Management by Rajib Mall, IIT Kharagpur.

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