Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Off-the-shelf products may require extensive customization before use;
many product implementations have failed because there is a core com-
plexity that comes from the nature of the domain that is often underes-
timated, especially by small and mid-market companies. Successful
implementations involve, invariably, three parties in the ecosystem: (1)
the vendor, (2) the customer, and (3) the systems integrator.
With off-the-shelf packages, there is the fear of lock-in. It is the reason
why products must be selected carefully, after looking at factors beyond
functionality and price, trying to work with what is called the total cost
of ownership (TCO).
Most off-the-shelf products, especially at the enterprise level, require
some degree of customization. Failure to properly customize them leads
to unsuccessful implementations and unhappy customers.
