We all know from experience that it pays tremendously if the right product is selected for a task. In contrast, we also know that valuable resources are wasted if the wrong product is selected. In the end, the money spent in a thorough software evaluation and selection is invested properly.

When a software product is to be acquired, a company usually uses a defined product evaluation and selection process. Very early in the process, a list of relevant selection criteria is compiled and distributed to software vendors that offer a product of the required type. Later on, the criteria list is used to compare the various product offerings and create a shortlist with products selected for further evaluation.

Early in the product evaluation and selection process you would identify products that are expected to meet the requirements. This is not as easy as it sounds, since the number of innovative products is overwhelming. Sometimes, it is difficult to cut through the thicket of vendor marketing messages and carve out the substance of what a product really does and when to use it.

We support software product evaluation and selection through:

• Software Selection Criteria Schemas: These are templates that you can use to speed up the compilation of your own software selection criteria schemas.
• Product Overviews: Brief overviews of some innovative products give you vendor neutral information, which are helpful in the first phase of the product evaluation and selection process. Product overviews are available for free.
• BPI Research Product Evaluation Series: Vendor neutral in-depth product reviews with ratings, which are helpful when the product shortlist for subsequent hands-on evaluation needs to be compiled. A Product Evaluation Profile proves very practical for verifying vendor claims.

Software Selection Criteria Schemas and BPI Research Product Evaluations are included in our BPI Research & Advisory Services subscription. Clients who have purchased a subscription to the BPI Research & Advisory Services can view their content online or download documents. To do this, just proceed to the Client Login page.

For more information about our subscription-based BPI Research & Advisory Services or on how to subscribe to the BPI Research & Advisory Services, contact Christine Jenz via e-mail at cjenz@jenzundpartner.de or  by phone on +49 (0)6183 910018.