shelfware

shelfware
 /shelf'weir/, n.

   Software purchased on a whim (by an individual user) or in accordance
   with policy (by a corporation or government agency), but not actually
   required for any particular use. Therefore, it often ends up on some
   shelf.
    

shelfware

   <jargon> /shelfweir/ {Software} which is never used and so
   ends up on the shelf.  Shelfware may be purchased on a whim by
   an individual, or in accordance with corporate policy, but not
   actually required for any particular use.  Alternatively, it
   may be software that has been developed (unlike {vaporware}),
   but is never released as a product -- a common occurrence at
   {DEC}.

   [{Jargon File}]

   (1997-07-20)