Knowledge-based approach to COTS software selection processes

Abstract

The process of COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) software selection is difficult due to the large number of existing COTS components. A complexity of COTS selection processes has great impact on the COTS method development, (information tools and frameworks in consequence). The main problem is how to use it on a given decision problem, and which suits the best to COTS component selection processes. In this paper an analysis of selected COTS frameworks and information tools supporting COTS component selection processes is proposed. It is a basis for ontologies construction using OWL (Ontology Web Language) standard. The two separated COTS ontologies are presented in this paper: ontology for frameworks and ontology for information tools supporting COTS software selection processes. The general aim of this is to provide the knowledge-based approach to COTS software selection processes.