A definitive software library (DSL) is an archive of essential software programs for network operation, containing purchased or proprietary software. It is not the same as backup repositories, as it does not contain regular updates. Companies maintain a DSL to ensure quality standards and uniformity between systems.
Also known simply as DSL, a definitive software library is an archive of software programs considered essential to the operation of a network. The library is sometimes located somewhere on the network file server, with a secondary copy of the software program collection hosted on a backup server or even remote storage devices. Whether saved as physical media on a CD or other storage device, or archived on a network server, the library will include copies of purchased software or company-designed proprietary software, which can be recalled as and when needed.
It is important to note that a definitive software library is not the same thing as backup repositories which are copies of active programs that are updated from time to time. Repositories of this type are also essential to the continued operation of a business, providing access to complete copies of data up to the last save date. They can also be hosted somewhere on a backup server or remote storage device and are very useful when something happens to the data stored on the main server. In contrast, DSL does not contain regular updates on active software, but is simply the core software itself as it was originally purchased or created, with no stored data included.
Companies that produce software for consumer sale will maintain a definitive software library that includes master copies of all products made available to customers. These master copies serve as a means of maintaining functionality and quality standards for all copies produced and ultimately sold. Using master copies in DSL makes it much easier to ensure that the quality of every copy sold is the same, which would be more difficult to manage if copies were regularly made from other copies.
Even a company that doesn’t actually produce software can maintain a definitive software library. With this application, DSL owns the purchased software, as well as any software developed for proprietary use in-house. In the event that the business opens a new office, the master copies contained in the final software library can be used to configure the local network for that office before connecting to the main corporate network. This approach helps to maintain uniformity between the systems used in each location and thus increase the overall efficiency of system usage.
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