Repositories store and manage metadata, and a greater range of repository functionality is necessary to manage today’s ever increasing data management needs. A number of commercial products are available, and it is often assumed that purchasing one will probably meet the needs of any particular situation. However, this is not always the case, and it can sometimes be better to build one. This presentation focuses on how to make the decision of buying versus building. It deals with common misconceptions that can drive users to make the wrong decision, and offers a guide for choosing whether to buy or build a repository. It draws heavily on the presenter’s own experience in building, buying, and advising vendors on their products.
Main topics covered are:
- Why repositories are varied and not all the same
- Truths and misconceptions about building and buying
- How to understand repository requirements and develop use cases
- What to ask a vendor, and understanding true cost of purchase
- What to require from a development team, and managing risk in development