The determination of what products or product components will be
acquired is frequently referred to as a “make-or-buy analysis.” It is
based on an analysis of the needs of the project. This make-or-buy
analysis begins early in the project during the first iteration of design;
continues during the design process; and is completed with the decision
to develop, acquire, or reuse the product.
Refer to the Requirements Development process area for more
information about determining the product and product component
requirements.
Refer to the Requirements Management process area for more
information about managing requirements.
Factors affecting the make-or-buy decision include the following:
• Functions the products will provide and how these functions will fit
into the project
• Available project resources and skills
• Costs of acquiring versus developing internally
• Critical delivery and integration dates
• Strategic business alliances, including high-level business
requirements
• Market research of available products, including COTS products
• Functionality and quality of available products