Finding the Software Diamond in the Rough

When we do software selection work for our clients, we typically start with a Long List of software solutions and then use the requirements document to eliminate vendors to get to a qualified Short List of approximately 3 vendors. This process of elimination sometimes yields interesting results.

While the name brand software vendors are typically well represented, we also see smaller software vendors make it through the qualifying process as a fit for a particular client. Some of these smaller vendors offer functionality that is superior to the name brand solutions at a lower cost. These smaller vendors are not always selected, but we have seen enough of them win that they should be included on your Long List of software solutions. You never know when you will find that “diamond in the rough” for your organization!