Your memo on product line engineering has been used by the CTO in his presentation to the CEO of the Kiosk company. After much discussion, the decision has been made to adopt a product line approach. However, the CEO attended another conference (somehow we have to keep him from traveling, right?), and he's returned very excited about improving performance even more by adopting a component-based engineering approach. In particular, he is considering an order that would mandate the use of off-the-shelf components in conjunction with developing the product line.
So ... the CTO turns to you once again and asks for a one page memo outlining the consequences of combining a product line approach with the use of off-the-shelf components. As before, the CTO will use this memo in preparing his presentation to the CEO.
Your memo must cover the following points with respect to the kiosk system product line:
The potential risks and advantages of using off-the-shelf components in conjunction with a product line strategy for kiosks.
A brief discussion of the issues surrounding the incorporation of components from other organizations into the overall product line framework.
The technical problems that may inhibit the use of such components in the product line.
You may, of course, address other pertinent issues, but remember: the CTO is notorious for only reading the first page of memos he receives, so be succinct. Use this company memo template for your work.
Your memo will be graded holistically based on the logic of your proposal, the strength of your rationale, the technical bases for your recommendations, and the quality of your writing. In particular, poor English grammar, organization, logic, etc., will be reflected in a poor grade regardless of the technical content.