Evaluating off-the-shelf software components : a repository selection case study

Abstract

In this paper we derive and apply a product evaluation process that can be used by software consumers or developers to evaluate and select products or off-the-shelf components without the need for a predefined requirements list. The process consists of eight phases and offers a number of advantages: it needs no requirements list, much of the information generated can be reused, it provides a mechanism to reassess the evaluation and it facilitates the inclusion of additional products or components at any stage during the evaluation process. Repository components are taken as a selection case study to demonstrate the process.