ArcGIS software is a family of software products which forms a complete geographic information system (GIS).

ArcReader, ArcView, ArcEditor and ArcInfo are a scalable suite of desktop software products for geographic data creation, integration, and analysis.

ArcIMS provides data and application services based on the Internet.

ArcSDE is an application server that facilitates managing spatial data.

ArcPad is a mobile technology that extends GIS.

Some of the key advantages that makes ArcGIS preferable are:

-Ease of using
-Exceptional functionality
-Web enabled
-Scalable