What challenges might this option pose? Do you think it is even doable to purchase 3 separate COTS options and have them work effectively in the organization? Please explain your answers.

1. There are a few potential challenges that could be posed if an organization were to try and purchase three separate COTS options. One challenge could be that the different software programs may not be able to effectively communicate or work together. 
2. It is doable to have 3 separate COTS options and have them work effectively in the organization. However, there are few challenges with this approach. 

Step-by-step explanation

Question 1

• The challenges would be integration of different applications on more than one platform, customization of each application as per user needs and involving a significant level of effort and cost for integration, training support staff for 3 different applications and visualization of information that may not be consistent across all modules. Even though there are few challenges in using COTS, it is advisable to go for COTS because business software has become commoditized today. 
• There are hundreds of vendors who can offer the same solution at a very competitive price which makes it possible to customize the application as per your need. As businesses evolve, it is sometimes easier to replace an entire product from the market rather than building a solution from scratch.
• Additionally, if each of the software programs are not created with the same level of functionality, the organization could find themselves having to purchase additional software to make up for the deficiencies in each program. Finally, if the organization is not very technologically savvy, they may find it difficult to set up and manage all three different software programs.

Question 2

• Yes, this option would be doable with the right project manager or team. It wouldn't be as efficient to purchase three separate COTS options and have them work effectively in the organization. 
• There would need to be proper training for the users and plenty of support for issues since different companies provide their own training and support.