Introduction
Software is assigned to a specific category based on some attributes. Two different software systems are assigned to the same category if they perform the same functions, have a similar use, and same applied field. NAPCS (North American Product Classification System) model is the standard method applied these days to classify different software (Software classification, p. 1). Application software and system software are two main categories of software. NAPCS defines different subcategories of these two main types and determines the appropriate category of the software under consideration based on its attributes.
Main body
Application software utilizes the power and abilities of the computer to help users perform his task easily and completely (Application software, para. 1). Enterprise software is a sub-category of application software. Enterprise software is developed by large organizations to support their entire business and the objective of such a heavy investment is generally to increase the output, effectiveness, and profits of the enterprise. But enterprise software systems are criticized for many reasons. One criticism is that some enterprise software systems are overly complex and intended for very large organizations so, it is a hopeless task to apply this software in smaller organizations. So in the future, it is likely that enterprise software will provide less complex functionalities so that they can be reused in smaller organizations. Another criticism that is directed towards enterprise software is that they are developed using a buyer-centered approach rather than a user-centered approach (Why enterprise software sucks, para. 3). Enterprise software is very costly to build so higher administration takes the responsibility of buying this software. But buyers are not the actual users of the system. Enterprise software is built according to the buyer choices and requirements and the opinions of actual users of the software are not taken into consideration. So users face many difficulties while using the software. So in the future, a more user-centered approach is expected and required.
The web is gaining popularity day by day. It has become imperative for organizations to conduct their business over the web in this fast-changing environment. Web-based products have now overtaken stand-alone software. Now everyone from an ordinary individual to a very large organization wants his presence felt by using the web. Stand-alone software suffers from the portability issue i.e. if you want to use any software you have to carry it with you. Web-based products solve this problem. Internet is accessible to most people nowadays and you can access your product at any time from any place over the Internet. Many businesses are conducted online and heavy transactions are made daily using web-based systems. Stand-alone software systems do have a part to play in their specific areas but it seems like the future is more favorable for web-based products.
ZDNet is a good website that provides reviews of the latest software. This website provides reviews of software in an organized way. A review contains sections about the good and bad features of the software, the system specifications needed to run the software, and a bottom line that describes the segment of users for which the software is best suited. Also, ZDNet organizes the software in different categories like price, software type, manufacturer, etc. This categorization is very useful and facilitates users to find their desired software in any way they want. Overall, ZDNet is a very helpful source that provides valuable information about the latest software and makes the task of software selection easy for users.
I am planning to use Matlab (Matlab – The language of technical computing) in the future for academic purposes. It is a very useful application software and provides much functionality like mathematics, algebra, statistics, etc. I hope it will be helpful for me in the future to perform my tasks easily and efficiently.
Reference
Software classification. Web.
Application software. Web.