Computer Application Software
Application software assists in managing the organization’s physical and conceptual resources.
There are two types of application software:
General purpose software
Dedicated software
General purpose software: it is designed for general applications such as payroll, inventory management, and accounting. Dedicated software is designed for specific application such as space shuttle.
Dedicated software: it includes specialized or customized applications designed for specific purposes. For example, logistic software helps firms handle the flow of goods and services from one location to another in order to cut costs, minimize inventory, and reduce the time it takes for goods, services, or information to reach their destination.
ROLE OF SOFTWARE IN PROBLEM SOLVING
Software can play either a direct or an indirect role in problem solving. System software always plays in indirect role.
On the other hand, application software can play either a direct or an indirect role.
Most general business and industry specific packages are designed to play an indirect role by creating and maintaining the database that provides the basis for the information oriented subsystems.
Some industry specific packages go beyond data processing, providing components that directly contribute to problem solving.
Some organizational and personal productivity software only indirectly affects problem solving by simplifying the creation and transmission of data.
Other productivity software such as electronic spreadsheet, project management, forecasting, and statistical analysis packages provides direct support.
CRITERIA FOR INVESTMENT IN HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
Investment in information systems and technologies include the acquisition of hardware, software, networks, and other computer related systems and technologies. Criteria for investment means the standards that an organization uses to make computer related investment decisions. Table lists some criteria that organization use to make information system and information technology investment decisions and the extent of use of each criterion.
