The Problem We Saw
In 1993 a group of consultants at KPMG were helping their clients select software. They found that many companies were looking for software, but there were few resources to help them in a truly objective and unbiased manner. In fact, most companies were either doing software selection on their own with limited vendor knowledge, or relying on advisors that were either trying to sell them a particular software solution or one they had heard about or used previously. Because software is a huge investment and can have a big impact on a company, most companies were essentially selecting a package with no knowledge. They were blindly selecting software!
How We Solved It
To help their clients make an informed decision and to provide a much needed service to the market, the consultants decided to form a group specifically dedicated to unbiased software selection. The team determined they would not sell, develop or implement software to provide clients with objective and unbiased software selection advice.
In 1995 after reorganization at KPMG, the group amicably split off and formed SoftResources. Today, after more than 2 decades of software evaluation consulting, SoftResources remains committed to helping each client make an unbiased and informed software decision.
Our Core Values
Our core values give us a framework for leadership and daily decisions, and help us enjoy our time at work. Sounds so simple, but too often companies get caught up in politics, ivory-tower attitudes, and market mania instead of focusing on the things that probably made them successful in the first place.
The following core values and beliefs define what's important to us at SoftResources:
Our People
Our people define who SoftResources is and how we help our clients make good software decisions. All are very experienced to help our clients navigate the software selection process. We are like a family and many have been with us for more than 10 years!
Our Clients
We consider our clients to be our good friends. We work together with each client to create a unified project team with a single goal of finding the right solution for that client. We do whatever it takes to do the job right. We go the extra mile to help our clients succeed.
Software Vendors
Although we don’t take compensation from software vendors to maintain our objectivity, we strive to maintain a good relationship with each vendor we work with. We want vendors to be successful because their success means that our clients are successful.
Impartiality
We stake our reputation on being completely impartial and unbiased for our clients. Many vendors have offered commissions for our recommendations and we have always refused their offer. You can be assured that you will get a fair evaluation of your options, and the software vendors will get a fair assessment of their solution.
Fun
We like to have fun with our staff and our clients. Whether it is going to the latest movie, or taking a retreat to a lake resort – fun is a key part of who we are.
Honesty
Leadership
Elaine Watson, CPA, is responsible for managing both our software selection and implementation practices, and developing long range strategy. She helped develop and pioneer SoftResources’ unique software evaluation methodology (in particular the Key Requirements and Focused RFP methodology). Elaine has managed hundreds of projects for commercial, government and nonprofit clients and is recognized for her thought leadership and practical approach to software evaluation, selection and implementation.
Elaine holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration, is a Certified Public Accountant, and member of Washington Society of CPAs. She began her career at Generra Sportswear and joined the Strategic Services Consulting Group at KPMG with more than 35 years business experience.
Spencer Arnesen, CPA, is responsible for managing the company’s sales and marketing, formulating and executing long-term strategies, leading software selection engagements, and interacting with clients, employees and alliances. He has worked with hundreds of clients conducting software assessments, software selection, and implementation partner selection projects. Spencer has authored a number of articles and been a featured speaker providing thought leadership on best practices in software selection.
Spencer began his career at KPMG and holds a Master’s Degree of Accounting with an emphasis in Information Systems. He is a Certified Public Accountant and member of Washington Society of CPAs with more than 25 years business experience.