Payback analysis determines how long it takes an information system to pay for itself through reduced costs and increased benefits. physical design The physical design of an information system is a plan for the actual implementation of the system. prototype A prototype is an early, rapidly constructed working version of the proposed information system. prototyping The method by which a prototype is developed. It involves a repetitive sequence of analysis, design, modeling, and testing. It is a common technique that can be used to design anything from a new home to a computer network. read-only properties Elements of an application that can configured so users can view, but not change the data. report generator A report generator, also called a report writer, is a tool for designing formatted reports rapidly. request for proposal (RFP) A request for proposal (RFP) is a written list of features and specifications given to prospective vendors before a specific product or package has been selected. request for quotation (RFQ) A request for quotation (RFQ) is used to obtain a price quotation or bid on a specific product or package. return on investment (ROI) A percentage rate that measures profitability by comparing the total net benefits (the return) received from a project to the total costs (the investment) of the project. ROI = (total benefits - total costs) / total costs. screen generators A screen generator is a component of some user applications that allows users to design their own data entry forms and reports. service-oriented architecture (SOA)Service-oriented architecture (SOA) is an architectural style whose goal is to achieve loose coupling among interacting software objects that can provide services. service provider A firm that offers outsourcing solutions. Two popular outsourcing options involve application service providers and firms that offer Internet business services. Software as a Service (SaaS) Software as a Service (SaaS) is redefining the way that companies develop and deploy their information systems. SaaS is a model of software delivery that cuts across all market segments, including homes and business of all sizes. Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA) An industry group that focuses on the digital economy. The SIIA believes that the concept of software as a service is redefining the way that companies develop and deploy their information systems. software license A software license gives users the right to use the software under certain terms and conditions. software package Software that is purchased or leased from another firm. software requirements specification A software requirements specification, or system requirements document, contains the requirements for the new system, describes the alternatives that were considered, and makes a specific recommendation to management. It is the end product of the systems analysis phase. software vendors Companies that develop software for sale. subscription model A service model that charges a variable fee for an application based on the number of users or workstations that have access to the application. system prototyping System prototyping produces a full-featured, working model of the information system being developed. system requirements document A system requirements document, or software requirements specification, contains the requirements for the new system, describes the alternatives that were considered, and makes a specific recommendation to management. It is the end product of the systems analysis phase. systems design The goal of systems design is to build a system that is effective, reliable, and maintainable. throwaway prototyping Prototyping of user requirements, after which the prototype is discarded and implementation continues. Also called design prototyping. transaction model A service model that charges a variable fee for an application based on the volume of transactions or operations performed by the application. Also called a usage model. usage model A service model that charges a variable fee for an application based on the volume of transactions or operations performed by the application. Also called a transaction model. user application User applications utilize standard business software, such as Microsoft Office 2003, that has been configured in a specific manner to enhance user productivity. A user interface includes screens, commands, controls, and features that enable users to interact more effectively with an application. value-added reseller (VAR) A firm that enhances a commercial package by adding custom features and configuring it for a particular industry. vertical application A software package that has been developed to handle information requirements for a specific type of business. WebSphere IBM's Web-based development environment. Web services are Web-based modular applications that can perform functions that can be q