1、Lessons Learned Entry: 0977Lesson Info:a71 Lesson Number: 0977a71 Lesson Date: 2001-07-26a71 Submitting Organization: HQa71 Submitted by: Wilson HarkinsSubject: Use of Shareware/Freeware as Integral Elements of Computer Systems Description of Driving Event: In the 1995-1996 timeframe the Office of S
2、afety and Mission Assurance (OSMA) began development of a distance learning capability under the umbrella of the Professional Development Initiative (PDI). This distance learning capability eventually evolved from a Safety and Mission Assurance discipline system into the Site for Online Learning and
3、 Resources (SOLAR) (http:/solar.msfc.nasa.gov), currently one of NASAs primary distance learning resources. The intent of the initial development effort was to design and implement a prototype system for the Safety and Mission Assurance discipline. One of the considerations for that development effo
4、rt was to concentrate development activities on basic system functionality (such as the Learning Management System that managed testing, test results and user account information) and course materials. Many other functions such as website search capabilities were accomplished using “shareware“ or “f
5、reeware“ in order to reduce costs and/or development time. Most of these software packages performed well in the system; however, as other changes were made to the system or external events such as Year 2000 occurred, problems arose. These problems were mostly minor and related to the lack of suppor
6、t from the developers of these shareware/freeware applications. In each case a solution was found for the problem but not without impacting resources that were developing new capabilities or course materials.Lesson(s) Learned: Use of shareware/freeware applications within systems should be carefully
7、 considered since many of these applications do not provide long (or short) term user support. If shareware/freeware is used, identify its use as a risk to the system and prepare contingency plans for system use in the case where user support cannot be obtained.Recommendation(s): Provided by IHSNot
8、for ResaleNo reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS-,-,-Carefully consider the long-term support issues that are inherent with use of shareware/freeware within systems.Evidence of Recurrence Control Effectiveness: Shareware/freeware is being phased out of system use as time an
9、d resources permit.Documents Related to Lesson: N/AMission Directorate(s): N/AAdditional Key Phrase(s): a71 Information Technology/Systemsa71 Training EquipmentAdditional Info: Approval Info: a71 Approval Date: 2001-07-31a71 Approval Name: Eric Raynora71 Approval Organization: QSa71 Approval Phone Number: 202-358-4738Provided by IHSNot for ResaleNo reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS-,-,-
