Software Selection

So, you are going to select some software. I don't mean an action game for your kids, but I'm talking about a real life, heavy-duty business application. Actually, the hard part is deciding which system to acquire anyway. It's so hard, we even have a name for all the steps together: the software selection process or acquisition process if you like difficult words.

And people are making it difficult, trying to make it look like a science. Let me make one thing clear, right from the start: the actual judgment on the selection is difficult, the only thing that really can help you there is experience, the process itself is easy and straightforward.

In this guide I will describe the first part of the software selection process, and my own experiences with it. It is actually the first round, of the total of two rounds that will bring you to your final choice: the request for information. The second part will be described in a future volume 2 of The Microwave Way to Software Selection.

This is not THE only way to do a software selection process. However, it's simple, straightforward and effective: the microwave way.

2 The Steps

The software selection process is a two step trip: first you create a large list of candidate vendors (the long list) who you will send a request for further information. You select the best suited for you (the short list) and go with them in detail on your needs (request for proposal).

The steps covered in this tutorial are the ones to get to the short list.

* Define your needs

* Define your selection criteria

* Create the long list

* Create the request for information

* Evaluate the responses

* Create your short list

You see, nothing you can't handle!

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August 25th, 2007 | Category: Sections,Software Selection | View Comments
  • Thanks for the article. We had once created a similar white paper (somewhat more elaborate :) ) you might want to look at - http://www.hyperoffice.com/selecting-software/
  • I think context is needed here. Indrek's comments really reflect the risk/reward equation. If you are selecting a software package that costs you $6 month with no commitment as it it Web hosted then a 'formal' process isn't required.

    But in fact 'just searching the web and trying different products' is in fact an unstructed mini process with all teh element that are required for selecting a multi-million $ package.

    Before you 'just search the web', you must know what you are searching for i.e. you have defined your scope and requirements, even if the only thing you have written down is the key words into google.

    When you search the web, you get a long list.

    Then you read it and eliminate teh ones that are no hope.

    Then from your shorter list, you have a better look.

    Then you eliminate more and get down to one or two or three, and download their trial software/create user account.

    Then you evaluate it, by 'trying'.

    Then you decide.

    The process is the same, even if you havn't formalised it into a 'selection project'.

    (I am an independent consultant, with a special interest in software selection http://alan-fuller.blogspot.com/ )
  • Another option is just searching the web and just trying different products.Most of the software packages are too complex and hard to implement or too expensive. Well here’s one which doesn’t have too many bells and whistles and can be used free of charge - www.yutiti.com
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