There will need to be two sets of criteria - one used for final packaged software selection and a coarser grained set used to select vendors and products to qualify for the "short list."
Identify the criteria to be used in evaluating and selecting a packaged software solution.
¤ Determine criteria for evaluating products.
* Functional criteria
Determine the functional capabilities of the packaged software solution including which logical University business processes it is intended to perform. The operator usability of the software solution should also be included in the criteria.
* Data compatibility criteria
Identify the content of batch input, screens and reports and identify the content and structure of databases that the product should accept, produce or maintain.
* Technology environment criteria
Determine the technology environment in which the packaged software solution must operate. Consider operating systems, hardware, network, middleware and database management systems. Consider University standards for screens, forms and reports. The existence of a technology architecture or technology strategy will reduce dramatically the effort required for this task.
* Product references
How many product references should be verified? From what industries or technology environments should the references be drawn? What questions should be asked of the references?
¤ Determine criteria for evaluating vendors.
* Financial viability
Define criteria for judging the vendor's projected growth and/or survivability. Determine the length of time that the vendor would need to remain viable to provide maintenance, customer support and product enhancements.
* Customer service
Define the nature and level of customer support expected of the chosen vendor for this system. Will this system require on-site help? What are their fees for on-site assistance? Or will telephone support be sufficient? What is their track record of providing support with other products?
Additionally, the degree and quality of vendor support required to both install and to operate the software solution should be included in the criteria.
The criteria should also address the experience they've had providing similar software solutions in the past.
* Maintenance
For how long will the University require software maintenance? What is the vendor's track record of maintenance for this product? For other products?
* Vendor references
How many vendor references should be verified? From what industries or technology environments should the references be drawn? What questions should be asked of the references?
¤ Cost
The criteria should include the direct fees to be paid for the software solution. It should also include the on-going cost for system operation, product maintenance and vendor support.
Identify method for selecting vendors to the "short list."
Vendors whose offerings make the "short list" will be afforded a thorough evaluation. Define the minimal criteria required for a vendor and their product to make the "short list." Consider whether the "short list" should be limited in size to ensure the University has adequate resources available for the thorough evaluation required.
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Activity Overview : A3.8
Stage Overview : Analysis Stage
Overview : Table of Contents