Book excerpt: Computers/Software Engineering Clear-cut strategies for superior system choices… Most organizations planning the acquisition of a large-scale software system carefully monitor the software development process. But management of the software acquisition process is equally important to guarantee a system that fully meets an organization’s needs. Software Acquisition Management details the entire software acquisition lifecycle and shows you how to tailor management methodologies to fit your specific acquisition project. This single-source guide provides project managers, systems analysts, and others with step-by-step methods for evaluating, selecting, purchasing, and customizing quality software. Covers important legal strategies for proposing, negotiating, and finalizing procurement contracts Includes examples for developing reasonable cost estimates, cost management, and cost accounting Differentiates and clarifies the responsibilities of buyer and seller; provides techniques for dividing and delegating acquisition tasks From writing a sound proposal to dealing with data rights, Software Acquisition Management is an essential reference that you’ll turn to again and again throughout the software acquisition process.