Monograph Series: Commercial Software in Government Systems

Government policies on the acquisition of software-intensive systems are undergoing a shift in emphasis from custom development toward the use of commercial components. In systems where using commercial components is both possible and feasible, it is no longer acceptable for the government to specify, build, and maintain a large base of comparable proprietary components.

Like any solution to any problem, there are drawbacks as well as benefits: there are significant tradeoffs when using COTS-based solutions. Thus, policies that favor COTS use should be implemented with an understanding of the complex impacts of using commercial products.

In response to this need, the SEI CBS Initiative is preparing a set of monographs that address such issues as

• finding and selecting appropriate commercial products
• identifying decision criteria for migrating to new or emerging COTS technologies
• understanding the ramifications of the CBS approach on system architecture
• developing testing strategies for systems incorporating COTS components

The first monograph in the series (Assembling Large Systems from COTS Components) provides an overview of the issues that arise when using COTS. This monograph is intended as a first-level reference for a program manager, who, when faced with a barrage of directives, memos, and policy statements, asks the question, How do I do COTS? The complete set of topics to be covered in the monograph series is still under consideration. Organizations wishing to sponsor additional monographs can contact us at cbs@sei.cmu.edu.

The table below lists the monographs that are currently available in portable document format (PDF).

Additional monographs planned include:

• decision factors for choosing COTS products
• selection of a commercial package for upgrade of a personnel system
• security requirements and COTS products

return to CBS main page

© 2008 Carnegie Mellon University