Software Integration

After the software has been tested extensively, it is ready for integration with business setting.  Although you will not see them in a consumer setting, integration is always a phase in business’ software development. Since new software will foster change in business setting, they have to make sure the changes will be gradual and will be effective.

There are four types of software integration for business setting. Each of them has their own advantages and disadvantages that software developers have to consider to ensure that they are implementing their software rightfully.

1. Direct Installation – A very straightforward approach for a software in relation to business launching. It will replace the old system on a specified day or will be implemented on the appointment day as additional software.

Advantages: Perfect for new software or new businesses. It also has better chances that the installation will be successful since everything will be done in a moment.

Disadvantages: Any errors will have higher than normal impact on developers. If the software is really big, it could take time before the software could be properly installed.  If the software will be replacing the whole system fast and the new software will not work as planned, reverting to old software will be very difficult.

2. Parallel Installation – Installing the new software while the old program is preserved. Thus users will have to use two software at the same time.

Advantage: There is a point of comparison between the software. Developers should be able to compare which is better and effective. Errors will be checked at the same time the operation is not interrupted.

Disadvantage: Duplication of effort resulting to more work for the users. Sometimes because of the difference of interface and functions, there is a chance that users will be confused on what to do.

3. Single Location Installation – Instead of rolling out the software altogether, it will be will be rolled out slowly in a single department or location.

Advantage: Limit the problem to a single department. Developers can focus on a single group before it can be rolled out to other places.

Disadvantage: There is always a different requirement between two departments and location. Hence developers will have a hard time measuring its effect to other departments. Incompatibility between the present and the new software is also a possible issue.

4. Phased Installation – Instead of changing the software in the company with just one roll-out, developers could also release the software in phases. For example, some of the functions will be handled by the new software while the old software will handle other functions.

Advantage: Like single location installation, errors are minimized since only one phase is being rolled out. System design could work with integration since phases is implemented phase by phase.

Disadvantages: Compatibility will always be an issue. Developers may have to create a simple bridge to covert the information from the new to the old. Since phases will have to be implemented slowly, there will always be a challenge of change that could confuse not only the workers but also of the business.

First Page: Testing and Integration