Software Acquisition Based on Business Models

In this paper, we present an approach based on hierarchically structured business models as artifacts of business process modeling that are used in a stepwise acquisition process for large software systems to reduce complexity and to increase efficiency and effectiveness. These models are abstract enough so that the scope for ideas of the suppliers is not unnecessarily narrowed. But, they can be detailed and deeply technical if this is necessary. An adequate degree of abstraction allows the public authority to benefit from the ideas of the supplier in a collective learning process. The business models are furthermore a lingua franca for all parties concerned in the acquisition process and a valuable source of information for the time after.