Software COTS/GOTS

HumanTouch recognizes the advantages and challenges associated with the use of Commercial, Off-the-Shelf (COTS) and Government-Off-the-Shelf (GOTS) computer hardware and software. COTS/GOTS acquisition has often been considered the "silver bullet" solution for federal agencies and private sector firms, yet customers implementing these solutions may find results are not as seamless or effective as desired. HumanTouch guides our clients through the COTS/GOTS process to ensure the cost savings are balanced with usability and functionality.

Initially, the cost benefit seems obvious. Benefits realized from COTS/GOTS solutions can include:

  • Providing a less costly alternative to expensive and unique in-house development.
  • Reducing overall system development time, as components can be bought or licensed instead of being developed from scratch.
  • Reducing initial procurement and maintenance costs.

However, there are costs some of which can be difficult to quantify or identify during the initial phase of acquisition.
Tradeoffs resulting from COTS may include:

  • Increased software component integration work.
  • Greater dependencies on third-party vendors.

HumanTouch has the professional experience to understand both the advantages and tradeoffs of acquiring and implementing COTS/GOTS computer software. HumanTouch has over a decade of relevant COTS/GOTS implementation experience for major federal agencies and private sector clients. We offer a first-hand understanding of best practices based on our Software Engineering Institute (SEI) Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Level 3 assessed processes to provide organizations with the essential elements of effective processes that ultimately improve their performance. Based on this experience, HumanTouch has developed a full line of services to support clients in the COTS/GOTS software acquisition and implementation process.

The HumanTouch value proposition includes achieving a timely Return on Investment (ROI) by ensuring that the right IT solution is selected, based on each client's individual business needs. We identify the most effective architectural design, create the appropriate development, testing and integration, and ensure timely implementation, all tailored to meet the each client's specific scenario.

HumanTouch establishes this value proposition to all our clients by providing:

  • Intimate knowledge of architecture, design, development customization, integration, testing, and documentation.
  • In-depth testing in laboratory environments.
  • First-hand experience building open-source and stand-alone applications in various environments.
  • In-depth experience using a complete spectrum of analytical, iterative software development processes and methodologies including Agile, Waterfall, Rapid Application Development (RAD), and Rational Unified Process (RUP).
  • Broad experience using modeling languages include Unified Modeling Language (UML), Flowcharts, and Jackson Structured Programming (JSP).