Computer software, or just software, is a collection of computer programs and related data that provide the instructions for telling acomputer what to do and how to do it. In other words, software is a conceptual entity which is a set of computer programs, procedures, and associated documentation concerned with the operation of a data processing system. We can also say software refers to one or more computer programs and data held in the storage of the computer for some purposes. In other words software is a set of programs, procedures, algorithms and its documentation. Program software performs the function of the program it implements, either by directly providing instructions to the computer hardware or by serving as input to another piece of software. The term was coined to contrast to the old term hardware (meaning physical devices). In contrast to hardware, software is intangible, meaning it "cannot be touched".^[1] Software is also sometimes used in a more narrow sense, meaning application software only. Sometimes the term includes data that has not traditionally been associated with computers, such as film, tapes, and records.^[2]

Examples of computer software include:

• Application software includes end-user applications of computers such as word processors or video games, and ERP software for groups of users.
• Middleware controls and co-ordinates distributed systems.
• Programming languages define the syntax and semantics of computer programs. For example, many mature banking applications were written in the COBOL language, originally invented in 1959. Newer applications are often written in more modern programming languages.
• System software includes operating systems, which govern computing resources. Today^[when?] large^[quantify] applications running on remote machines such as Websites are considered^{[by whom?]} to be system software, because^{[citation needed]} the end-user interface is generally through a graphical user interface, such as a web browser.
• Testware is software for testing hardware or a software package.
• Firmware is low-level software often stored on electrically programmable memory devices. Firmware is given its name because it is treated like hardware and run ("executed") by other software programs.
• Shrinkware is the older name given to consumer-purchased software, because it was often sold in retail stores in a shrink-wrapped box.
• Device drivers control parts of computers such as disk drives, printers, CD drives, or computer monitors.
• Programming tools help conduct computing tasks in any category listed above. For programmers, these could be tools for debugging orreverse engineering older legacy systems in order to check source code compatibility.

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Prime challenges before IDSA and Indian MLM industry today

* To familiarize and educate people about the concepts of Direct Selling & Network Marketing/ MLM.

* To build a perceptual appreciation about MLM in the minds of people.

* To positively portray MLM & Direct Selling as a means of marketing/ selling & distribution rather than a "get rich overnight" scheme/ opportunity.

* To explore the employment potential of MLM by involving more & more people into Direct Selling as Independent Direct Sellers.

* Ensuring least failure of direct sellers by imparting proper training & development programs/ inputs.

* To lobby with industry associations like FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers for Commerce & Industry) & CII (Confederation of Indian Industries) for better networking and industry support & recognition.

* To maintain a common code of ethics.

* To identify and stop fraudulent, fly-by-night firms endorsing MLM business as a "get rich opportunity" in India.

* To coordinate with the Government of India to come up with a comprehensive set of policies & rules for the Direct Selling industry in form of a Direct Selling Act.

* To encourage reputed & established business players in India to venture into MLM/ Direct Selling, portraying the same as a very viable & profitable futuristic business opportunity cum means of sales & distribution.

Indian Direct Selling Association (IDSA)

Being the apex body of direct selling firms in India, the IDSA has a tedious list of to-dos that will go a long way in ensuring proper and healthy growth of the industry in India. IDSA's affiliation to the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFEDSA) and its networking with direct selling associations around the world will definitely help it improve upon its practices and methods, but then the IDSA has to chalk out a customized plan for the structured and proper growth of MLM in India, keeping in mind the country's special conditions and circumstances.

Network Marketing in the present Indian context

Talking of the present times, the Indian MLM industry is witnessing, especially for the past 4-7 years, a tide of MLM & direct selling firms operating in the market. A large portion of this tide is mainly characterized by mushroom growth of unorganized small players who are not serious with the MLM business, rather they are portraying it as a "get rich overnight" opportunity. With this, the image of the industry in India has been tarnished to much an extent. Many people now see MLM as a scheme run by fraudulent fly-by-night companies. This perception is also true keeping in note the fact that innumerable unorganized & small MLM companies have flown away and vanished from the market after collecting subscription/ joining fee from thousands of customers, the amounts being running in millions of rupees.

The other side of this story should also be given a proper reference. It is now a well understood and an appreciated fact that often quality has to be searched from within quantity. Referring to the above scenario of the MLM industry in India, it can well be said, from other side of the coin, that the industry is witnessing positive notes from business sector, as more and more companies are going the MLM way. Thus, involvement of hundreds of companies into MLM and the abovementioned MLM tide are then to be recognized as true representatives of the potential recognition of the direct selling & MLM industry. It is from these numerous companies & firms that the potentially good firms would carve a niche for them, thus resulting into reputed players in the industry. A good corresponding example of this perspective of MLM industry in India is the Indian Pharmaceutical industry. Alike the direct selling industry, the pharma industry is also characterized by mushroom growth of small companies. But today, the pharma sector in India is a high-booming sector and an important one when it comes to sectoral performance and growth. The entry of numerous firms in the pharma industry shows its potential recognition and it is from among these companies that many emerge out finally as good performing & profitable entities. Small cap firms in the pharma sector have already shown their importance both in terms of results and on the Indian stock exchanges. The same can hopefully be expected of the Indian direct selling industry.

India & Network Marketing

It won't be out of turn to say that today the Indian economy stands to be indeed one of the most crucial destinations of economic development and the whole world is keenly watching it grow- more & more. With this, it goes obvious to say that the Indian economy would perhaps be one of the most important and attractive destinations for investments and business opportunities sought after by the international business community around the globe.

Talking of Network Marketing in India, the country has experienced slow but rather reasonably steady growth in this context. Early players like Amway India, Modicare and Oriflame India are some of the ones who really introduced the concept of direct selling & MLM to the people of this country. At least, today, not many people would be unaware of the strong presence of a brand like Amway or Oriflame, for that matter, and it, by virtue of being so, truly represents that the direct selling industry has therefore gained at least a reasonable minimum level of footage in the country.