Enterprise Software Selection: How to Pinpoint the Perfect Software Solution Using Multiple Information Sources - Softcover

Snapp, Shaun

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1939731151 ISBN 13: 9781939731159

Publisher: Scm Focus, 2013

Synopsis

Mastering Software Selection

Software selection is a form of forecasting, just as any other purchase decision is a forecast of how successfully the purchased item will meet expectations. Forecasting is necessary because it is not feasible to implement each application under consideration before it is purchased to see how it works in the business. 

Software selection is the most important part of any software implementation because it is the best opportunity to match the software with the business requirements, which is the most important factor in determining the success of the project. This book explains how to get the right information from the right sources in order to perform software selection correctly.

About this title

From the Back Cover

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From the Inside Flap

What You Can Expect from the Book

Essential reading for success in your next software selection and implementation. Software selection is the most important task in a software implementation project, as it is your best (if not only) opportunity to make sure that the right software-the software that matches the business requirements-is being implemented. Choosing the software that is the best fit clears the way for a successful implementation, yet software selection is often fraught with issues and many companies do not end up with the best software for their needs. However, the process can be greatly simplified by addressing the information sources that influence software selection. This book is a how-to guide for improving the software selection process, and is formulated around the idea that-much like purchasing decisions for consumer products-the end user and those with the domain expertise must be included. In addition to providing hints for refining the software selection process, this book delves into the often-overlooked topic of how consulting and IT analyst firms influence the purchasing decision, and gives the reader an insider's understanding of the enterprise software market. By reading this book you will:

• Learn how to apply a scientific approach to the software selection process.
• Interpret vendor-supplied information to your best advantage.
• Understand what motivates a software vendor.
• Learn how the institutional structure and biases of consulting firms affect the advice they give you, and understand how to properly interpret information from consulting companies.
• Make vendor demos work to your benefit.
• Know the right questions to ask on topics such as integration with existing software, cloud versus on-premise vendors, and client references.
• Differentiate what is important to know about software for improved "implement-ability" versus what the vendor thinks is important for improved "sell-ability."
• Better manage your software selection projects to ensure smoother implementations.

A Book Based in Reality

The book provides many examples from real life project experiences, the emphasis being on the reality of software selection projects.

Interconnected to Web Information

In order the keep the book at a manageable and easily readable length, the book also provides numerous links out to the SCM Focus site, where supporting articles allow readers to get into more detail on topics that interest them.

Edition details

• Publisher: Scm Focus
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1939731151
• ISBN 13: 9781939731159
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 122