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Introduction to Software Products
Software products are at the core of modern digital services, helping businesses, government organizations, and individuals perform essential tasks. These products have revolutionized industries such as healthcare, education, finance, and entertainment, allowing for improved efficiency, automation, and global connectivity.
Significance of Software Product
Increasing productivity
Automating repetitive tasks and improving efficiency
Significance of Software Products
Enhancing communication
Facilitating collaboration through online platforms
Significance of Software Products
Supporting decision-making
Providing data analytics and AI-driven insights.
Significance of Software Products
Enabling digital services
Powering e-commerce, online banking, and cloud computing
Key Takeaway: about software products
The evolution of software products has transformed industries by enabling digital transformation, increasing accessibility, and improving overall user experience.
Types of Software Products
Generic Software Products
Developed for mass markets and sold to a broad audience.
Designed based on common user needs.
Available as commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products.
Types of Software Products
Custom Software Products
Developed for specific organizations or customers based on their unique needs.
Built through contracts or internal development projects.
Requires continuous maintenance and adaptation.
Software Development Approaches
Software products can be developed using project-based or product-based software engineering.
Project-Based Software Engineering
The development process starts with software requirements provided by an external client.
The software is built according to specific business needs.
The client may request updates and modifications over time.
Product-Based Software Engineering
• Starts with a business opportunity, rather than external customer requirements.
• The company decides what features to include and when to update the product.
• The goal is to capture market demand and stay competitive.
Software Product Lines and Platforms
Some software products exist as product lines or platforms to offer flexibility and scalability.
Software Product Lines
• A set of related software products that share a common core but include variations for specific
customers.
• Helps software companies reduce development costs and increase reusability.
Software Platforms
• A base software system that allows developers to build applications on top of it.
• Provides APIs, tools, and infrastructure for third-party developers.v
Software Execution Models
Software products can be deployed in different ways, affecting how users access them
1. Stand-Alone Execution
• Runs entirely on the user’s local computer without requiring an internet connection.
Example: Adobe Photoshop runs offline on a desktop computer.
2. Hybrid Execution
• Some functionality is on the user’s device, while other features rely on cloud services.
Example: Google Drive desktop app stores files locally but syncs with the cloud.
3. Software as a Service (SaaS)
• Entirely cloud-based; users access software through a web browser.
Example: Google Docs allows real-time document editing without local installation.
Software Product Vision
A product vision defines the purpose, target market, and unique value of a software product.
Moore’s Vision Template
A structured way to define a product’s purpose:
• FOR (target customer)
• WHO (statement of need)
• THE (product name) is a (product category)
• THAT (key benefit)
• UNLIKE (competitor product)
• OUR PRODUCT (primary differentiation)
Software Product Management
Product management ensures that software products align with business goals, customer needs, and
technological constraints.
Software Product Management
Product Manager’s Responsibilities
• Product Vision Management – Ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Product Roadmap Development – Planning future updates and releases.
• User Story and Scenario Development – Defining how users interact with the software.
• Product Backlog Management – Prioritizing tasks and new features.
• Customer Testing & Feedback – Ensuring usability and customer satisfaction.
Product Prototyping
A prototype is an early version of a product used to validate concepts before full-scale development.
Product Prototyping
Two-Stage Prototyping
1. Feasibility Demonstration – Tests if the concept works.
2. Customer Demonstration – Expands the prototype with customer-focused features.
Conclusion
Software products come in different forms, from stand-alone applications to cloud-based services.
Understanding product vision, execution models, and product management is essential for successful
development.
