SECTION B SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES
Claudia Sienna, the accountant of a small business is interested in adopting a cloud based accounting package such as Xero. She has been looking at Table 6.1 Hardware, software and vendor evaluation criteria (Romney & Steinbart, p.178). Claudia says she is happy with the software and vendor criteria but is unsure whether the hardware criteria are relevant.
Required:
(i) Discuss the extent to which the term 'hardware' is relevant when considering implementing a cloud based accounting package such as Xero.
(ii) Identify three crtieria given unde 'hardware evaluation' which you consider are relevant and explain why.
(iii) Devise three criteria which you think should be included when evaluating a cloud based accounting package. Justify the criteria you choose
Could someone explain these three questions? The criteria provided below
TABLE 6.1 Hardware, software, and vendor evaluation criteria Hardware evaluation are hardware costs reasonablebased on capabilities and features? Are processing speed and capabilities adequate for the intended use? A secondary storage capabilities adequate? Are the input and output speeds and capabilities adequate? is the system expandable as the hardware based on old technology that will soon to be out-of-date be the hardware available new fact, when? is the hardware compatible with existing hardware, software and peripherals? How do performance evaluations compare with competitors? What are the availability and cost of support and maintenance What warranties come with the system? is financing available if applicable) Software evaluation Does the software meet all mandatory specifications? How well does the software meet desirable specifications? will program modifications be required to meet company needs? Is the software open or proprietary to the suppliers Does the software have adequate control capabilities? Is the performance (Speed, accuracy, reliability) adequate? How many companies use the software Are they satisfied? is documentation adequate Is the software compatible with existing software ? Was the software demonstrationrest drive adequate Does the software have an adequate warranty? Is the software flexible, easily maintained and user-friendly Is online enguiry of files and records possible? Will the vendor keep the package up to date? Vendor evaluation How long has the vendor been in business? Is the vendor financially stable and secure? How experienced is the vendor with the hardware and software? Is the vendor the only supplier or manufacturer of the hardware or is it a a third-party vendor or amalgamator (combines other vendors hardware to provide the solution) Does the vendor stand behind its products? How good is its warranty Does the vendor regularly update its products? Does the vendor provide financing? Will the vendor pet premises Will the vendor supply a list of customer references? Does the vendor have a reputation for reliability and dependability? Does the vendor provide timely support and maintenance? Does the vendor provide implementation and installation support Does the vendors have highquality responsiveand experienced personnel Does the vendor provide training
