Understand and Monitor the Vendor's Long-term Approach and Plans for Maintenance and Support
This step begins in the inception phase as market research is conducted and general trends within the relevant market
sector are understood. The information is amplified for each COTS package and its vendor as COTS packages are
identified to be included in candidate solutions. In the elaboration phase, the COTS Package Dossier and Vendor Dossier are updated to reflect those COTS packages that are included in the
selected solution. This information is updated routinely through the construction and transition phases to help
proactively plan COTS package updates throughout the life of the COTS package in the system.
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Develop a Strategy to Create and Manage Vendor Relationships
Starting in the inception phase, this strategy is developed and captured in the Vendor Management Plan as part of each candidate solution. The vendors selected for
inclusion are those whose COTS packages play a significant role in the solution. The nature of the relationship will
depend on the leverage the project has or needs to have over COTS package support and upgrades, and will evolve through
the later phases. The plan written in the inception phase is updated in the elaboration phase as COTS packages are
selected. During the construction phase the plan is updated when the vendor support of the COTS package changes and
upgrades to COTS packages occur.
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Engage in Meetings and Exchanges with the Vendor and Vendor-Related Groups
Begin interacting with vendors and vendor-related user groups in the inception phase. The relationship with each vendor
becomes more directed and involved when the COTS package is selected in the elaboration phase and then continues
through the construction and transition phases as long as the COTS package is part of the solution.
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Establish Liaisons with other Customers (or Potential Customers) of the Vendor
Begin establishing and nurturing relationship with other customers in the inception phase and continue through the
transition phase. It is just as important to stay connected with other customers who use the COTS package as it is to
interact directly with the vendor. Lessons in the use of the COTS package can and should be shared. In addition, it is
important to understand the forces that are driving the vendor to make COTS package changes. Unified customers seeking
a particular enhancement are a formidable incentive for the vendor.
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Encourage and Facilitate Working Relationships Among the Vendors
Begin these relationships in the elaboration phase as COTS packages are selected. Close relationships might be critical
to success in the construction phase as COTS packages are integrated into higher-level subsystem components or into the
broader organization's architecture. Where possible, these relationships should be continued in the transition phase to
help resolve COTS package mismatches that occur as part of new COTS package upgrades.
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