Capabilities of Software

When software is chosen to solve a particular problem various points must be kept in mind. These include the cost of the software, the hardware platform required to run it and whether the proposed new software can be integrated into an existing system. Additional consideration will be given to the size of the existing user base which is a measure of the software's reliability and functionality and to the degree of technical support offered by the producer. Another main point to be considered is the capabilities of package.

Many of the desirable features of a package will depend on the nature of the package itself. There are however certain features that are desirable regardless of the nature of the package. They include the ability to

• import data from other packages (either of the same generic type or other types)
• export data to other packages
• import and export data to earlier versions of this package - important if you are upgrading to a newer version of the same package
• edit facilities - cut, paste, copy and move data.
• handle large files
• access data quickly
• create and run macros
• link to other applications - embedding an object in one application inside a second application. Note that this is not the same as exporting/importing data
• provide on line/context sensitive help
• support setting up of standard layouts using 'wizards' and templates
• provide proofing tools as appropriate to the application - e.g. spell checkers.
• allow initial design decisions to be modified - changing templates, adding fields etc.
• search for matching text.
• sort data.

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