The identification and management of latent software assets

摘要

Organizations employing computer-based information systems recognize the value of such systems to their operations and long-term survival. However, little recognition is made of the latent assets associated with such systems: specifications, designs, technical know-how, even the knowledge held by system users. As the demands upon information technology grow, increasing emphasis is being placed upon the concept of reuse. But traditionally this has only been applied to the development of new systems. The advent of reverse engineering technology now provides a key to unlock the true value of existing software and enable its full exploitation. This paper examines the notion of latent assets and introduces a technological framework for the identification and utilization of such assets. A general method for the management of latent assets is presented and issues related to the acceptance of such technology in an organization is considered.