Modification

Lesson M1: Avoid modification of COTS products, even with the vendor's assistance.

Attempting to modify COTS products leads to a very slippery slope. It is best to work with the vendor's product as it comes from the box, like everyone else who gets it does. You want to avoid making your version a "one-of," thus making it increasingly difficult for you to keep up with advances in the product and the marketplace.