In addition, find out how the software compares
to what you’ve come to expect as standard amenities from software
programs -- such as importing, exporting, context-sensitive help,
pull-down menus and toolbars.
So, before you get all excited about some slick
marketing presentation you saw at a trade show, a glossy direct-mail
piece that landed on your desk, or a persuasive trade magazine ad
that caught your eye, be sure to perform some due diligence on the
software vendor and its product.
Once you’re satisfied that the proposed
industry-specific software program is technically sound, consider
the program’s business value. Turn the program over to a few
representative users in your company. Ask them to evaluate it from
the standpoint of solving specific business problems.
In managing these pilot tests for small
businesses, I’ve seen abysmal results when doing technical
evaluations of proposed purchases of industry-specific software. So,
rarely does software even get to the stage of end user
business value testing. However, it’s much better to find out if
the program is a dog with fleas before you’ve written the
nonrefundable check to the software vendor.
A few other words of caution to consider when
scrutinizing a major software purchase:
Avoid nontechnical salespeople. For
many years, I’ve seen dozens of industry-specific products
verbally misrepresented by borderline computer-literate sales
staff. If you have any doubts about the product’s technical
capabilities, insist on speaking to someone at the vendor
who is technical.
Be watchful for obsolete technology.
If you’re used to purchasing software from major software
vendors, such as Adobe, Symantec and Microsoft, you may be
shocked to find that small, industry-specific software vendors
are years behind the curve.
Don’t settle for a demo. You need
to kick the tires – ask for the real program.
Find out whether the software vendor is
committed to enhancements and upgrades. The program may be
great today but seem really passé years later if no upgraded
version becomes available.
Watch out for 32-bit Window-dressing
covering up a 16-bit program. Many times you’ll find that
a small industry-specific software vendor has tried to update an
aging 16-bit software program by upgrading select parts of it to
32-bit code.
Tip:
Need help sniffing out the stench of a 16-bit impostor? In
many versions of Microsoft Windows, the Processes tab of the
Windows Task Manager yields big clues. To reach the Windows
Task Manager, press Ctrl + Alt + Del and select Task Manager.
On the Processes tab, red flag any occurrences of WOWEXEC
or NTVDM.
Also be wary if the Setup program won’t install to a folder
with a long file name, greater than eight characters –
another telltale sign of 16-bit relics.
Software Purchase Scrutiny Action Items
Is the program entirely 32-bit? (If the
software vendor still relies on 16-bit or MS-DOS code, you probably
don't want to continue any further.)
Has the program been reviewed by any major
trade or general audience magazines or Web sites?
If the software vendor isn't forthcoming
with independent reviews, can you locate any bad press on the Web
through search engines or newsgroups?
What kinds of client references are
provided? How does each reference's size, geographic footprint,
business model and computing environment compare to yours?
Is hard copy, electronic and online
documentation available? How comprehensive is it? Can you get a copy
of some or all of this documentation before the purchase to help you
make a more informed decision?
How often is this documentation updated?
What kind of technical support is available
for free and for additional fees?
Is there an evaluation period or money back
guarantee? Or does the software vendor expect you to buy the product
on blind faith?
Does the installation program behave like a
32-bit program? For example, does the program add itself to the
Add/Remove Programs applet in your Control Panel? Does the program
add entries to your Microsoft Windows Registry?
Can you copy and paste data through the
Microsoft Windows Clipboard into other programs such as Microsoft
Word and Microsoft Excel?
Does the program use your existing printer
driver setup?
Does the program cause your computer's CPU
utilization levels to spike to 100%, monopolizing system resources,
in the Microsoft Windows Task Manager or a similar utility program?
Does the program offer an intuitive user
interface with pull-down menus and Toolbars?
Can the program's data files be pointed to
a file server, for multi-user access and centralized data backup?
How does the program integrate with popular
Microsoft Office applications and tasks? For example, can you run a
Microsoft Word mail merge using the program's database? Can you
export a table from the program to Microsoft Excel?
If the program is multi-user, how does it
fit in with your LAN, WAN and remote access environment?
Are you able to run the program on multiple
PCs, using different versions of Microsoft Windows, both within and
outside the office?
