Product Software vs. Project Software: Understanding the Differences & STLC

Learn the differences between product and project software, and explore the roles of service-based and product-based companies in software development.

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Ever wondered about the difference between product software and project software? In this article, we'll break down what each type entails and explore the roles of service-based and product-based companies in the software world. We'll also dive into real-world examples to illustrate these concepts.

What is Product Software?

Product software is created for a broad audience based on market requirements. It is designed to solve common problems or provide general functionality that many users need. Examples include:

• Microsoft Windows: An operating system used by millions worldwide.
• Google Chrome: A web browser available to anyone with internet access.

Some product software is open-source, meaning anyone can use, modify, and distribute it for free. Others are license-based, requiring users to purchase the software or pay a subscription fee.

What is Project Software?

Project software is developed for a specific customer to meet their unique requirements. This type of software is tailored to the particular needs of one client. An example of project software could be:

• Banking Website: A custom online banking platform designed for a particular bank.

Service-Based Companies vs. Product-Based Companies

Service-Based Companies

Service-based companies focus on developing project software for individual clients. They work on a contract basis, creating custom solutions tailored to the client's needs. It's like getting a tailor-made suit. Examples include:

• TCS (Tata Consultancy Services)
• Wipro
• Accenture

Roles:

• Work closely with clients to understand their needs
• Deliver customized solutions
• Handle projects like building a new banking website

These companies handle everything from planning and development to testing and deployment, ensuring the software meets the client's specific requirements.

Product-Based Companies

Product-based companies develop product software for a broad audience. Their goal is to create software that solves common problems for many users. Examples include:

• Microsoft
• IBM Roles:
  • Research market needs
  • Develop and maintain software products
  • Offer products like Windows or Microsoft Office

These companies often develop software that is widely used and can be either open-source or license-based. Examples of their products include operating systems like Windows or applications like Microsoft Office.

Developing Project Software: An Example

Let's imagine a bank wants to develop new software for online banking. Here's how a service-based company would approach this project.

Requirements from the Bank to the IT Company

As a business analyst, you’d need to consider several factors:

1. Scope of the Project:

   • Define the features needed, like online transactions, account management, loan applications, etc.
   • Specify security requirements to protect customer data.

2. Budget:

   • Estimate the cost based on the project's complexity, the technology used, and the time required for development.

3. Timeline:

   • Develop a project timeline with milestones for each phase, from initial development to final deployment.

4. Compliance:

   • Ensure the software complies with banking regulations and standards, like PCI-DSS for payment processing.

5. User Requirements:

   • Conduct surveys or interviews with potential users to understand their needs and expectations.

6. Technology Stack:

   • Decide on the technology stack (e.g., programming languages, frameworks, databases) that best suits the project.

As a Software Manual Testing Engineer

Your role in this project would involve:

1. Creating Test Plans:

   • Develop detailed test plans that outline the testing strategy, objectives, resources, schedule, and scope.

2. Writing Test Cases:

   • Write specific test cases for each feature and functionality to ensure comprehensive testing coverage.

3. Executing Tests:

   • Perform manual testing to identify bugs or issues. This includes functional testing, usability testing, performance testing, and security testing.

4. Reporting Bugs:

   • Log any defects found in a bug tracking system and work with developers to ensure they are resolved.

5. Regression Testing:

   • After bugs are fixed, perform regression testing to ensure new changes haven’t negatively affected existing functionalities.

6. User Acceptance Testing (UAT):

   • Facilitate UAT sessions where real users test the software to ensure it meets their needs and works as expected in real-world scenarios.

Developing Product Software: An Example

Product-based companies like Microsoft develop software for a wide range of users. Here’s how they might approach developing a new operating system.

1. Market Research:

   • Understand the needs and pain points of potential users.
   • Analyze competitors and current market trends.

2. Planning:

   • Define the features and functionalities that will address user needs.
   • Create a roadmap for development and release.

3. Design:

   • Develop user-friendly designs that enhance user experience.
   • Create prototypes and gather feedback.

4. Development:

   • Write the code for the software.
   • Integrate various components and ensure they work together seamlessly.

5. Testing:

   • Conduct rigorous testing to identify and fix bugs.
   • Perform performance, security, and usability testing.

6. Launch:

   • Release the software to the market.
   • Provide support and updates based on user feedback.

Key Differences

• Audience:

  • Product Software: Many users
  • Project Software: Specific customer

• Development Focus:

  • Product Software: Market needs
  • Project Software: Customer requirements

• Examples:

  • Product Software: Windows, Google Chrome
  • Project Software: Custom banking website

What is STLC?

The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) is the process that testing teams follow to ensure the software is thoroughly tested and ready for use. It includes several phases:

1. Requirement Analysis:

   • Understand what needs to be tested.

2. Test Planning:

   • Plan how the testing will be done.

3. Test Case Development:

   • Write detailed test cases and prepare test data.

4. Test Environment Setup:

   • Prepare the environment where the testing will happen.

5. Test Execution:

   • Run the tests and report any bugs.

6. Test Cycle Closure:

   • Make sure all tests are done and all issues are resolved.

Using STLC in the Banking Website Example

In our banking website project, the STLC process would look like this:

1. Requirement Analysis:

   • Understand all the features of the banking website that need to be tested.

2. Test Planning:

   • Plan the testing strategy, resources needed, and timeline.

3. Test Case Development:

   • Write detailed test cases for each feature, such as login, account management, transactions, etc.

4. Test Environment Setup:

   • Set up the necessary hardware and software to create a test environment similar to the real one.

5. Test Execution:

   • Execute the test cases and log any defects found.

6. Test Cycle Closure:

   • Ensure all test cases are executed, all bugs are fixed, and the software is ready for release.

Summary

In simple terms, product software is made for many people, like Microsoft Windows, while project software is made for one customer, like a bank's website. Service-based companies create custom software for individual clients, and product-based companies develop software for a broad audience. Understanding these differences helps us see how various software meets different needs in the tech world. The STLC ensures that software is tested thoroughly, helping to deliver high-quality products.