<html><body bgcolor="#FFFFFF"><div>Wes,</div><div><br class="webkit-block-placeholder"></div><div>I both hear n feel you. I think these are some of the issues that the newly established PPOA is supposed to handle. Along with that of ensuring that Kenyansget a higher percentage of these deals.</div><div><br class="webkit-block-placeholder"></div><div>Brian<br><br>Sent from my iPhone</div><div><br>On 25 Jun 2008, at 9:56 AM, wesley kiriinya <<a href="mailto:kiriinya2000@yahoo.com">kiriinya2000@yahoo.com</a>> wrote:<br><br></div><div></div><blockquote type="cite"><div><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" style="font: inherit;">Ladies and Gentlemen,<br><br>How come most of the software systems Kenya gvnmt and related bodies purchase always cost 100s of millions if not a few billions?<br>Like this one for KPA:<br><a href="http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8383&Itemid=5860">http://www.bdafrica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8383&Itemid=5860</a><br><br>This is not meant to hit anyone hard. I'm trying to see whether there is a better solution.<br><br>So far this year I've heard of 3 systems:<br>1. KRA<br>2. Immigration<br>3. KPA.<br><br>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.<br><br>May be these systems really cost that much. May be there is someone in the list who can shed more light on these systems.<br><br>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.<br><br>I'll take a shot:<br>Case 1:<br>From the newspaper article, one of the port guys is quoted as saying:<br>“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.<br><br>My take:<br>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.<br><br>Estimated work force and time: 3 developers, 3-4 months.<br><br>Cost: 200K * 3 developers * 4 months = 2.4M. + 20% (any other expenses) = 2.88M.<br><br>Case 2:<br>Another feature is keeping track/audit trails/ historical data.<br><br>My take:<br>Analysis: This is basically from:<br>1. Collection of good requirements from the port.<br>2. Designing the right architecture that fits the requirements.<br>3. Creating the right designs from the architecture.<br>4. Pass the designs to the programmers for implementation.<br><br>1-3 are Key and this is where the bulk of the money will go.<br><br>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.<br> 3 system/software architects, 3 months.<br> 4 system/software designers, 5 months.<br><br>Cost: (Requirements) 100K * 3 * 4 = 1.2M+20% = 1.44M<br> (Architecture) 350K * 3 * 3 = 3.15M+20% = 3.78M<br> (Design) 250K * 4 * 5 = 5M+20% = 6M.<br><br>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.<br><br>OK I'll stop there. I'm not writting a report. Feel free to correct me. I could be very wrong.</td></tr></tbody></table><br>
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