Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) Software 

In an effort to provide information for project managers planning on implementing and supporting COTS applications, the PMO has provided some initial research.  The following links are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of any set process or application.  If through the course of your own research you find additional links to helpful information in this area, please feel free to contact the PMO with recommended material to include on the PMO reference web page.

COTS Architectural Analysis Method (MS Word)

A white paper presenting an overview of the COTS Architectural Analysis Method (CAAM), an approach to analyze and resolve architectural decisions for COTS-intensive systems.

COTS Integration Questions and Checklist (MS Word)

The inclusion of Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) components into a system development effort affords many opportunities for both reuse and economies of scale. Systems must no longer be built completely from the ground up...

COTS Process Framework (Excel)   

A spreadsheet that shows product framework, business assumptions, team roles, etc. within the context of COTS software development. 

COTS Readiness Framework (Excel) 

Another COTS spreadsheet to help an organization consider COTS software development.

COTS Usage Risk Evaluation (PDF)

COTS Usage Risk Evaluation Discussion (PDF)

COTS Usage Risk Evaluation Initial Questions (PDF)

Evolutionary Process for Integrating COTS-Based Systems (PDF)

Identifying COTS Product Risks: The COTS Usage Risk Evaluation (PDF)

Phase-Integrated COTS Approach (MS Word)

Quantitative Management of COTS-based System (PDF)

Taking the Pulse of a COTS Project (PDF)