Final answer:
Off-the-shelf software is less risky and leads to quicker deployment, but maintenance and support costs may be expensive. So, the correct option is c. off-the-shelf.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct option for the given statement is off-the-shelf software. Off-the-shelf software refers to pre-existing software applications that are readily available for purchase and use without customizing or modifying the code. It is less risky and leads to quicker deployment since it is already developed and tested. However, maintenance and support costs may become expensive as they are not tailored to specific organizational needs, and updates or bug fixes may require additional expenses.
This type of software is pre-made and available for purchase to the general public, which makes it less risky in terms of initial investment and can lead to quicker deployment since it is already developed and ready to use. However, one of the drawbacks of off-the-shelf software can be the potentially high costs of maintenance and support that may accumulate over time, especially if customization or additional features are required to meet the specific needs of an organization.