Taking an empirical approach, this book presents a sociological study of the development, use, and evolution of standardized computer systems and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software packages.

Introduction 1. The Dynamics of Software Packages 2. Critique of Existing Knowledge 3. The Biography of Artefacts Framework 4. Fitting Standard Software to Non-Standard Organisations 5. Generification Work in the Design of Global Solutions 6. Technology Choice and its Performance: Towards a Sociology of Software Package Procurement 7. Industry Analysts and the Labour of Comparison 8. Passing the User: Searching for Expertise in Globalised Technical Support 9. Discussion and Conclusions

Neil Pollock is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh where he teaches and researches on the sociology of information technologies.
Robin Williams is Professor of Social Research on Technology and Director at the Institute for the Study of Science, Technology and Innovation at the University of Edinburgh.