An SW partitioning tool is not what it sounds like. First of all, the "SW" stands for "software." This means that the "tool" partitions software. If you are feeling a little confused, you are not alone. This is relatively new technology, and its uses are rather unusual. To better grasp what it is, and why you may want to do this sometime in the future, here is all the info you need.

A Little Here, a Little Over There 

A software partitioning tool helps you break up files and software components. It is like taking a frequently used program on five office computers and virtually splitting that program so that it can be used on several more computers. The "tool" pulls a little bit of the mechanics from each sub-program in a single software program and "repackages" it into a sort of temporary "trial package," only the "trial package" is a stand-alone package that allows the users to continue using it free of charge. The partitioning tool can also separate files so that more ground is covered when you are trying to find a particular file or a document within a particular file, and the computer's system search feature is not helping. 

When, Where, and Why You Might Use This Software Tool

Given the nature of a partitioning tool, you might wonder why anyone would have any use for such a tool. Actually, it has lots more applications than you might think. 

It can be used for all of the following:

• Single- or double-blind research studies where you only want researchers to know certain aspects of the studies, but you want everyone to use the same software without merging data
• A large business project that is going to require a collaborative effort of ten or more people, without everyone adding or detracting from the tasks assigned to each individual
• Separating proprietary information from the programs used most often in the company (compartmentalizing the "need-to-know" stuff from software everyone uses)
• Government agency work, where each department only knows their own set tasks, but every agency utilizes the same software
• Cloning computers and information for new hires and special task forces

As you can see, these are indeed unique situations. It would be incredibly difficult to rewrite software programs to prohibit access to other employees, researchers, and participants. Ergo, it is just simpler to create splits in the existing software, similar to the cubicle walls/partitioning walls used in office spaces (but in this case, in the virtual sense).