Review By: Garry Archer
04/04/2011I believe this book will have a continuous shelf life, for the strategies involved in software implementation do not change as quickly as the software itself. There is a considerable amount of information to absorb, and Grady gives case studies to back his claims throughout. Our team has used some of the strategies mentioned in this book in one of our most recent endeavors.

The book is a good read for both the novice and expert alike. Too often, we overlook the obvious when we purchase and use commercial, off-the-shelf (COTS) software. This book highlights those frequently ignored processes we should be addressing before running out and purchasing the latest and greatest COTS software. So, unless you are planning on using COTS software in lieu of custom-built software for your next program, it might not be a book you would add to your collection. However, I still would recommend it, for you never know when a shop might change direction from custom software to COTS software.

I especially was interested by chapter 11, “Accelerate Decisions by Generating More Knowledge and Less Information.” In today’s business world, it often seems that if a shop has encyclopedias of information prepared by business analyst consultants, the program must be “gold.” Time and time again I see this. A few decision makers could benefit from reading just this chapter, and it could go a long way in shortening COTS software deployment time and, for that matter, any in-house or custom software.

Overall, it was a good read. This was a new topic for me, and I found little I’d change. I think Grady did a good job in defining all the necessary areas of concern one will run into with COTS software.