[kictanet] Expensive software systems?

[wesley kiriinya]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

How come most of the software systems Kenya gvnmt and related bodies purchase always cost 100s of millions if not a few billions?
Like this one for KPA:
http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8383&Itemid=5860

This is not meant to hit anyone hard. I'm trying to see whether there is a better solution.

So far this year I've heard of 3 systems:
1. KRA
2. Immigration
3. KPA.

This KPA system costs a total of 450M, but the software bit is 200M. From the software features described I feel they could have got better value for their money.

May be these systems really cost that much. May be there is someone in the list who can shed more light on these systems.

BTW: To make this even more interesting various developers in the list can suggest a software solution component for each problem these systems solve, estimated development time and estimated cost. That way it's not just talking the talk but walking the walk.

I'll take a shot:
Case 1:
>From the newspaper article, one of the port guys is quoted as saying:
“One unique thing about the system is its capacity to capture data in real time. The moment a vehicle rolls out of a vessel, its data is captured. This makes it easier for us to track such cargo and containers as well," said Osero.

My take:
Analysis: The machines which are costing 250M (It's 250M machines + 200M software = 450M entire system) have sensors that measure different qualities/properties of the item in the machine e.g. weight. These machines have an API to link them to a computer system. Using the API get the measured quantity and display/store in database etc. This isn't really the hardest thing to do as the manufactures of the 250M machines should provide documentation and support to the software developers.

Estimated work force and time: 3 developers, 3-4 months.

Cost: 200K * 3 developers * 4 months = 2.4M. + 20% (any other expenses) = 2.88M.

Case 2:
Another feature is keeping track/audit trails/ historical data.

My take:
Analysis: This is basically from:
1. Collection of good requirements from the port.
2. Designing the right architecture that fits the requirements.
3. Creating the right designs from the architecture.
4. Pass the designs to the programmers for implementation.

1-3 are Key and this is where the bulk of the money will go.

Estimated work force and time: 3 system requirements/analysis collectors, 4 months. The actual time depends on how well KPA know the problems they are facing, and how well they can describe them.
                                              3 system/software architects, 3 months.
                                              4 system/software designers, 5 months.

Cost: (Requirements) 100K * 3 * 4 = 1.2M+20% = 1.44M
    (Architecture) 350K * 3 * 3 = 3.15M+20% = 3.78M
    (Design) 250K * 4 * 5 = 5M+20% = 6M.

So far the total is 14.1 M. And these are some of the most important roles. Even with 15 programmers @ 100K for 12 months (+20%) = 21.6M for a current toral of 35.7M.

OK I'll stop there. I'm not writting a report. Feel free to correct me. I could be very wrong.


      
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