US executive order could reduce billions of fed tech spending
In today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape, especially within the public sector, organizations are under growing pressure to deliver more with fewer resources. They must modernize quickly, stay secure, and be ready to adapt in real time. That’s why the recent White House directive urging federal agencies to prioritize commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies is more than a policy change, it’s a turning point.
What is COTS?
COTS stands for Commercial Off-The-Shelf. These are ready-made software or hardware products that are available for sale to the general public. Unlike custom solutions, which are built from scratch for a specific client or purpose, COTS products are designed to serve a wide variety of users and industries.
Key characteristics of COTS solutions include:
- Wide availability: Anyone can purchase and deploy them without lengthy development cycles.
- Standard features: Designed to meet the needs of many, not just one.
- Minimal customization: Typically used “as is,” with only minor adjustments if needed.
- Vendor support: Regular updates, maintenance, and customer service are provided by the vendor.
- Cost-effectiveness: Lower upfront and long-term costs due to economies of scale.
Why is COTS gaining momentum?
The US federal government’s order for COTS adoption is rooted in the need to slash spending and accelerate digital transformation. By leveraging proven, widely used technologies, agencies can avoid the high costs, delays, and risks associated with bespoke development. COTS solutions, like those provided by Siren, offer:
- Immediate deployment – No waiting for lengthy development cycles.
- Proven reliability – Extensively tested in real-world environments by a broad user base.
- Rapid innovation – Access to the latest features and security enhancements as soon as they’re available.
- Easier integration – Designed for compatibility with existing systems, reducing friction and risk during implementation.
- Lower total cost of ownership – Reduce or eliminate the need for costly custom development.
COTS also enables greater agility, allowing agencies and organizations to respond to evolving missions and security landscapes without being tied to legacy systems.
Siren proudly COTS
At Siren, we believe that powerful technology doesn’t have to be complex or custom-built. Our platform is a true COTS solution:
- Advanced capabilities out of the box
- Fast, flexible deployments
- Continuous updates and security enhancements
- No hidden costs or extended build timelines
This means our customers, whether in government, law enforcement, or critical infrastructure, can focus on what matters most: mission success.
As the public sector embraces COTS, Siren stands ready to help agencies and organizations meet their missions—faster, smarter, and more efficiently than ever before.
Siren was built from the ground up to help investigative teams find answers quickly, connect the dots, and stay ahead of the curve. We’re already supporting major law enforcement and intelligence agencies globally and we’re ready to help you too.
Ready to see Siren in action?
Experience the power and simplicity of a true COTS solution. Request a demo of Siren today and discover how we can help your organization achieve its goals, quickly, securely, and cost-effectively.
