Implications of laws of software evolution on continuing successful use of COTS software

Abstract

However completely specified, integration of COTS software into real world systems makes it of type E even though, were it to be fully and absolutely specified, it would satisfy the definition of an S-type system. Thus, the laws of software evolution that apply to E-type systems are also relevant in the COTS context. This paper examines the wider implications of this fact and, in particular, that such systems must undergo continuing evolution. Managerial implications of the laws of software evolution in the context of COTS are also briefly highlighted.