Phase 4 -  Development

In the systems development phase, new hardware and software are developed, acquired, and tested.  This phase has three steps:

1. Developing Software can be obtained by

   1. Purchasing off-the-shelf packaged software -  modifying it to suit operational needs.

   2. Designing custom software -  using in-house or contracted programmers.
        

2. Acquiring Hardware can be a very critical area if new computer equipment is required.

   1. Will the microcomputers easily communicate with one another?

   2. Are the networks expandable?

   3. Will people have to undergo costly training?

   4. Example:
      For the advertisement agency time-and-billing system, the current microcomputers connected to the LAN can be used and data can be stored on the current file server.  To maintain security, time from outside freelancers can be reported thru email.
        

3. Testing the New System after the new system is installed the following should be done.

   1. Software and equipment should be tested.

   2. Sample data should be fed into the system.

   3. Processed information should be evaluated to see whether results are correct.

   4. Example:
      For the advertising agency billing system, prior year time and expense charges can be used to verify the accuracy of the system. 

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