Categories.
SYSTEM SOFTWARE
The operating system, drivers and utilities managing the machine.
APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Programs performing work for users.
DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE
Tools for producing software.
FIRMWARE
Software embedded in hardware, controlling it at a low level.
WHAT UTILITIES DO
Maintenance tasks: disk management, backup, compression, diagnostics.
WHAT MIDDLEWARE DOES
Connects applications and services, providing common functions.
WHY THE CATEGORIES MATTER IN SUPPORT
They indicate where a problem may be, and who is responsible.
WHAT LICENSING MODELS EXIST
Purchased outright, with a version Subscription, with ongoing payment Open source, with varying terms Free to use, with conditions
WHY LICENSING MATTERS OPERATIONALLY
Using software outside its licence terms creates legal and financial exposure.
WHAT TO TRACK
What is installed, under what licence, and how many.
WHY
Licence compliance is checked, and shortfalls are expensive.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE INSTALLING ANYTHING IN AN ORGANISATION
Whether a licence exists.
