Lovely Toys Limited (LT) is a large men's wear store with locations in Canada and the U.S. LT has been in business for over 50 years and has resisted the development of an online store, as it feels that its customers prefer to try on and buy their clothing, rather than purchase over the internet. LT has a basic website that provides information about store locations and the different clothing lines offered.

The number of telephone calls to the store about prices has increased, as customers seem to be comparison shopping much more before deciding to buy. LT believes that a web site online store presence could increase its sales because it could advertise its products online, even if it was only for the purpose of comparison shopping. Accordingly, it has decided that it will have its website upgraded to provide for secure shopping.

LT is considering several approaches to developing its online store and would like a further explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches before proceeding. In particular, it considers outsourcing, using an application service provider, and prototyping. Describe the advantages and disadvantages to LT of outsourcing the development of its online store. Make sure to address at least one advantage and one disadvantage in your answer. (4 marks)