Acquisition of information technology $($IT$)$ refers to the buying, obtaining, or developing an information technology resource. The resource could include any hardware, software application, service, system, or database used in support of information systems, business processes and data activities.

The term further expands to include a broad range of products and services such as end$-$user products, storage, data centers, applications and software development, networks, transport, network management and help desk. Usually government programs allocate a program managerI and use an Integrated Program Team $($IPT$)$ in order to execute the acquisition and manage the operation of the IT system.

The IPT usually have many decisions to make with regard to which framework they are going to adopt whilst taking into consideration all cost implications involved. Assume you are part of the IPT and currently deciding on the acquisition of software for your department. Source: Module guide

QUESTION $1(25$ Marks$)$ The IPT needs to choose between proprietary software and open source software for its users within your department. Compare and contrast between these types of software and recommend the best fit for the department. Five points on each type should be explained and related to an example of your choice.$$References must be cited using appropriate in$-$text citations and in current HARVARD format with hyperlinks that take the reader to the actual source. Minimum of$3$references to support your views.$25$marks