Vanilla software refers to applications and systems used in their unmodified, original state, as distributed by their vendors. This term is often applied in fields such as

enterprise resource planning Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is the integrated management of main business processes, often in real time and mediated by software and technology. ERP is usually referred to as a category of business management software—typically a suit ...

(ERP),

e-government E-government (known for electronic government) involves utilizing technology devices, such as computers and the Internet, for faster means of delivering public services to citizens and other persons in a country or region. E-government offer ...

systems,Clohessy, Trevor; Acton, Thomas, (2013) "Enterprise Resource Planning for e-Government in the Cloud." Presented at the 2nd International Conference of Informatics and Management Sciences,

University of Limerick University of Limerick (UL) () is a Public university, public research university institution in Limerick, Republic of Ireland, Ireland. Founded in 1972, as the National Institute for Higher Education, Limerick, it became a university in Septemb ...

, pp. 467 – 469. and software development, where simplicity and adherence to vendor standards are more important than expanded functionality. By opting for vanilla software, organizations benefit from lower costs and straightforward maintenance, though the trade-off may include reduced flexibility and customization options. The term "vanilla" has become ubiquitous in computing and technology to describe configurations or implementations that lack customization. In these contexts, it emphasizes simplicity, standardization, and ease of maintenance.

Origin

The term ''

vanilla Vanilla is a spice derived from orchids of the genus ''Vanilla (genus), Vanilla'', primarily obtained from pods of the flat-leaved vanilla (''Vanilla planifolia, V. planifolia''). ''Vanilla'' is not Autogamy, autogamous, so pollination ...

'' is derived from the plain, unadorned flavor of vanilla

ice cream Ice cream is a frozen dessert typically made from milk or cream that has been flavoured with a sweetener, either sugar or an alternative, and a spice, such as Chocolate, cocoa or vanilla, or with fruit, such as strawberries or peaches. Food ...

, a connotation that dates back to its popularity as a universal base in desserts. Within computing, the term emerged as early as the 1980s, popularized in systems and user interfaces to describe default or base states. For example, IBM's BookMaster system referred to its simplest configuration as "vanilla" and its more complex counterpart as "mocha" to signify additional features.

Eric S. Raymond Eric Steven Raymond (born December 4, 1957), often referred to as ESR, is an American software developer, open-source software advocate, and author of the 1997 essay and 1999 book ''The Cathedral and the Bazaar''. He wrote a guidebook for the R ...

's ''

Jargon File The Jargon File is a glossary and usage dictionary of slang used by computer programmers. The original Jargon File was a collection of terms from technical cultures such as the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, MIT AI Lab ...

'', an influential glossary of

hacker A hacker is a person skilled in information technology who achieves goals and solves problems by non-standard means. The term has become associated in popular culture with a security hackersomeone with knowledge of bug (computing), bugs or exp ...

slang, provides a notable definition of "vanilla," associating it with "ordinary" or "standard" states, as distinct from the default setting. The use of the term expanded in the 1990s, encompassing Unix systems, where a "vanilla kernel" signified an unmodified kernel directly from the original source. Video game culture also embraced the terminology, describing unmodified games without add-ons or user-created mods as "vanilla versions." This versatility reflects its adaptability across various domains, from

operating systems An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources, and provides common daemon (computing), services for computer programs. Time-sharing operating systems scheduler (computing), schedule tasks for ...

to web development and gaming.

Applications

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

Vanilla ERP systems are frequently deployed to standardize business processes across organizations, minimizing risks associated with customization. While vanilla implementations align closely with vendor-provided best practices, they may limit organizational flexibility, posing the "common system paradox."

E-Government Systems

Vanilla software is integral to e-government initiatives, supporting data interoperability across agencies. However, while such systems facilitate standardization, studies have highlighted challenges in tailoring these solutions to meet unique institutional needs.Lykke Nielsen, Marianne ; Newman, Mike. (2008).
E-government and vanilla software : The common system paradox?
Denmark:

Aalborg University Aalborg University (AAU) is an international public university with campuses in Aalborg, Esbjerg, and Copenhagen, Denmark. Founded in 1974, the university awards bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and PhD degrees in a wide variety of subje ...

Software Development Practices

In programming, "vanilla" describes frameworks and tools used without extensions or alterations, which can simplify coding processes and enhance maintainability.

Advantages and Challenges

Advantages

* Ease of Maintenance: Streamlined updates due to vendor adherence. * Cost-Effective: Lower development and testing costs. * Scalability: Provides a stable foundation for future expansion.

Challenges

* Limited Customization: May not meet specific business needs. * User Resistance: Transitioning to vanilla systems can disrupt workflows.

References

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