Shelfware, also known as "vaporware," is software or technology that is purchased or acquired but never actually used. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as a lack of training or support, a change in business needs, or simply because the product is not as useful or effective as originally thought.
One common example of shelfware is when a company purchases a software license, but the employees never receive the necessary training or support to use it effectively. As a result, the software ends up collecting dust on a metaphorical "shelf," never being utilized to its full potential.
Shelfware can also occur when a company purchases a product with the intention of using it, but it turns out to be difficult to implement or integrate with existing systems. In these cases, the product may sit unused because the cost and effort of implementing it are not justified by the benefits it provides.
The problem with shelfware is that it represents a waste of resources, both financial and human. Companies may spend thousands of dollars on software licenses or technology products that never get used, and employees may waste time and effort trying to figure out how to use products that are ultimately discarded.
To avoid shelfware, it is important for companies to carefully evaluate their needs and do thorough research before making any technology purchases. It is also important to provide proper training and support to ensure that employees are able to use the products effectively. Finally, it is important to regularly review the technology being used within an organization to ensure that it is still meeting the needs of the business and is being utilized to its full potential.
