Volume 9, Issue 4
Fall 1996
PC-Based Software Survey
This survey addresses some issues to consider when purchasing a software package. The survey does not include enough information to make a final selection; each package has its own strengths which cannot be assessed in a survey of this type. When selecting a software package, the most useful information comes from understanding your needs and discussing them with a company representative.
The survey looks at these questions:
Price Range/Maintenance: This is always the first question on everyone’s list, but comparing prices isn’t necessarily a meaningful way to compare software. Prices vary drastically.
Format: Most packages operate as a database, a word processor, or both. The relational database format is preferred for large or complex plans, because database maintenance is easier and more accurate. Establishing a plan may be easier on a word processing based package, and some information is best entered in a word processing format.
Compatibility: Compatibility may be critical when it comes to importing an established plan or importing information from other files. You may be spared data re-entry if you can import existing files.
Minimum base hardware configuration: This is the computer setup required to effectively run the program. Most of these package are PC-based, but some are also available for the Macintosh, and some are specifically for larger systems.
Operating Systems: Like the hardware configuration, you must be able to match your existing system with the operating system required for the software.
Risk/Impact Analysis: A good business impact analysis is an important step in developing an effective contingency plan. A program that includes an impact analysis can help you conduct one and keep it up to date. Some manufacturers offer impact analysis software as a separate package.
Menu drive: Menu driven programs tend to be more user-friendly than those without menus, and so are often easier to use.
Other service: Nearly all companies producing software also offer specialized consulting. Using a consultant can help and may be necessary - to produce a good DR plan using the software package. The software is intended to facilitate developing a good plan, not to teach you how to do it.
Some vendors offer both software and alternative site contracts. These software packages may work best or only be available with their alternative site plans.
Virtually all these packages can be used on a LAN, although different licensing arrangements may apply.
Due to the large size of the survey, it has been broken up into 5 pages. Click on one of the page numbers listed below.
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Last Updated--Thursday, Nov. 14, 1996.