Final answer:
Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) software components are pre-made software products that can be integrated into other systems without the need for custom programming. Examples include NASA's collaborations with Go-o-gle on data management software and the use of NASA's NASTRAN for various industry applications. Additionally, NASA's EWT led to consumer products like the Connection oven, illustrating COTS' wide-ranging impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Software Components:
Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) software components are pre-built software elements that can be purchased and used within other applications or systems without the need for custom development. For example, NASA has collaborated with Go-o-gle Inc. to utilize their vast computing resources and capabilities, such as real-time weather visualization and forecasting, as well as other demanding technical problems requiring large-scale data management.
Another instance of COTS usage could be seen with NASA's NASTRAN software, a commercial product initially designed for aerospace applications but later adopted by various industries for tasks such as structural analysis and vibration assessment. This software is offered via NASA's COSMIC library, exemplifying how shelf software developed for one purpose can be repurposed and distributed for generalized use.
Additionally, NASA's work in creating Internet-connected technology, like the Embedded Web Technology (EWT), demonstrates how such components can evolve into consumer products. EWT allowed for real-time remote monitoring and control of devices over the Internet, leading to the development of innovative home appliances such as the Connection intelligent oven.