Centre for Technology Management
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Insights into embedded software sourcing
decisions: practical concerns and business perspectives
Noordin Shehabuddeen, Francis Hunt and David Probert
Centre for Technology Management, Institute for Manufacturing
University of Cambridge, Department of Engineering
Abstract
Embedded software provides product functionality, and can be found
increasingly in a variety of domestic and industrial products such as mobile
phones, washing machines, television sets, industrial robots, and
instrumentation. Whilst embedded software shares many similarities with
PC-based application software, a number of factors such as its application
environment, dynamic complexity, and interaction with other devices makes it
distinctive. Embedded software development teams are often faced with the
dilemma of which development path to adopt, and how to balance a complex array
of both qualitative and quantitative decision factors. These factors range from
technical issues such as architecture modularity and choice of operating
systems, to more generic business issues such as supplier relationships and
project management. Studies on embedded software sourcing and development
practices have only just begun compared to PC-based software and IT systems.
This paper presents a contextual background of the characteristics of embedded
software and discusses why embedded software is different from PC-based
software. Building on this understanding, a rationale for developing a better
understanding of embedded software sourcing decisions is highlighted. Drawing
on sources of literature dealing with PC-based software and hardware sourcing
decisions, and learning obtained from a number of industrial consultations, a
list of relevant factors for such decisions is developed.
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