CISP 330 - Software as a Business

3 Credits
This course will survey issues related to the commercialization of a software product. Topics will include innovation, entrepreneurialism, business organization options, funding, software development options, intellectual property, and other aspects related to getting from an idea to a successful business. Students will be responsible for designing, developing, and beginning the process of creating a technology start-up company.

Prerequisite(s): CISP 111 and MGMT 211
Course Learning Outcomes:
1. Identify key software industry trends and attractive software market opportunities.
2. Demonstrate how to create a successful software company by identifying, creating, and managing successful management and development teams, matching the funding options to a business opportunity, and matching the exit option.
3. Identify the challenges of the software industry: turning value into revenue, making the distinction between a technology, a product, and a market-maker, finding the right business model and mix of tools and services, and finding the right distribution channel for a software product.
4. Demonstrate how to minimize and manage software development and support costs.
5. Develop a competitive IP strategy and patent portfolio.