There are over 4.4 million software developers in the US, and the industry is worth billions. Software is everywhere, from your iPhone to your kitchen appliances, and it’s only going to get more prevalent as time goes by. If you want to manage your company’s software successfully, you need to know how to pick a software vendor.
Read on to learn how to assess your options for software vendors.
Research
When you’re researching a software vendor, the first thing to do is look at its reputation. Read reviews and testimonials on the vendor’s website. Look at news articles about them as well.
Also, check their financial standing. You don’t want to fall in love with the software and then have it discontinued because its maker is no longer around.
Read Reviews
Before you start reading online reviews, recognize that there’s no way to obliterate bias from reviews. Some reviewers are going to be more critical than others.
Look for a mix of both positive and negative feedback. If all the reviews are glowing, then it might be time for fact-checking before making any commitments.
Be wary of one-star ratings that lack context surrounding the experience they describe. These kinds of complaints may indicate that this particular reviewer was having trouble with their own computer setup rather than anything wrong with the vendor itself.
Compare Software Costs
When you’re comparing software costs, be sure to look at the total cost of ownership. This includes the initial purchase and all future updates, licenses, and support fees. If a company offers a free trial or money-back guarantee, take advantage of it before making any commitments.
Quality
The vendor you choose should promise regular software updates, with new features and security patches included in each release. This makes it easier to ensure that your business data is always safe from hackers and other cybercriminals.
If you have specific needs for the software, make sure that any vendor you’re considering can meet them before signing on the dotted line. Let’s say you need an SQL server to manage your applications. The vendor should have a dedicated solution for this task; not just an SQL server for transaction processing.
Secure Payment Methods
Poorly secured payment systems are a major source of fraud for software companies. This can lead to your card being compromised or the company itself being hacked. To avoid this, look for vendors that use a secure third-party payment service (such as PayPal).
Pick a Software Vendor With a Solid Reputation
The best way to pick a software vendor that’s right for you is through research. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions and do some digging into their background.
The best way to do this is by searching for the company’s name and reading reviews from third-party websites. A reputable company will have a solid track record of providing customers with high-quality products, as well as prompt and helpful customer service.
Read our software section and learn how you can use new technology from your vendor to help grow your business.
