In which phase of the SDLC is software selected for purchase?

In the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), the phase where software is selected for purchase is typically associated with the requirements gathering and analysis stages. During this phase, the needs of the organization are identified, and different software options are evaluated against these requirements.

Phase 3A generally corresponds to the stage where the organization analyzes its requirements and begins to identify potential solutions, which may include purchasing third-party software. The focus here is on understanding the specific needs of the organization and aligning them with the capabilities of available software solutions. This involves market research, vendor assessments, and consideration of various factors such as cost, functionality, and support.

This phase is crucial as it ensures that the software chosen will not only meet the immediate needs but also fit into the long-term strategy of the IT infrastructure, thereby promoting effective and efficient operations within the organization.