Thursday, October 29, 2009

Selecting New Software

I am in postion that many of you are or will be in....I've spent the week interviewing software companies for a B&L project. I thought I would share what I do in evaluating these software companies.

1. I interviewed the B&L management team to determine what we needed from the new software. Also, asked them to list what they wanted. From this I was able to develop a priority list. From this priority list we where able to determine what features and functions we needed on day one and what we wanted for phase two.

2. I googled some key terms and found some companies that specialized in what we need. I gleaned as information as I could from their websites and looked at some references they mentioned on their sites. I then did a further google search to see what kind of "dirt" I could find. Some companies where eliminated at this point.

3. I then called a friend from the Chamber of Commerce to see if she had worked with any of them. She had and gave me some reviews on those she worked with or knew about. Her reviews pulled alot of weight with me.

4. I took #2 and # and made a three candidate list. I did not want to interview any more then three, I was afraid things would get lost and confused. I contacted all three and setup appointments at B&L. This 1st meeting was not for a demo, but rather to:
  • Answer their questions about my priority list. How else would I get an accurate quote?
  • Learn about their company (Are they stable, have they been around for awhile, etc.)
  • Most importantly, can I work with them? Do our personalities mesh?

I am finishing up my last interview today. My next step is to meet with the people I would work with, check references and have a demo or two on their products. Then it is decision time.

Anyway, that is it for me. Have a good one!

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