Will the vendor be in business next year? Please choose a vendor with a history of successful business operations. New vendors should be avoided at first, no matter how innovative the product, due to how volatile and short term the industry tends to be.
What warranty will be provided? Software must have a warranty. Vendors that do not provide some sort of warranty for their product are to be avoided.
Will the software integrate with other software in use by Unit 5? This is crucial. Although some needs may dictate new systems within Unit 5, this is to be avoided as much as possible as it incurs additional costs and time on the Unit 5 support infrastructure.
Is it SIF compliant? Software in use should be SIF compliant. This ensures interoperability between various software programs and systems in use by our District. Please check with the vendor to ensure their product under consideration is indeed SIF compliant.
Will the software adapt to Unit 5's Instructional systems standard? Will the software integrate with the current systems and meet the guidelines for acceptable software in use at Unit 5? If you are unsure of these questions, seek the assistance of the IT department to help you determine the answer.
What flexibility will it provide? The software should be "expandable" or easily re-configured/updated to meet your future needs. It should also be able to meet projected needs/capabilities that you may have in the near future.
Is Unit 5's current hardware compatible? Our equipment should be able to run a very broad range of software. However, check with the vendor to ensure basic compatibility with the deployed hardware in Unit 5.
Will documentation provided be user friendly? The software should come with solid, easy to read and understand manuals and help pages. Printed form is preferable over electronic format. Additionally, online web support is a plus.
What training is offered? Does the vendor provide on-site, train the trainer, or some other training? It is recommended by the IT department that any software vendor being considered should be able to provide some form of training, or that training resources be readily available.
What other expenses will be incurred? Consider the costs of additional hardware, hardware upgrades, training, licensing, ongoing maintenance and support contracts, and re-licensing on a schedule prior to committing to a software product. These costs can sometimes be hidden, thus adding unknowingly to the final cost for the product.
Can the vendor provide modifications? This is important if the software is "close" to meeting your needs and the vendor is acceptable under Unit 5 standards. The option, usually at some cost, of modifying a software program should be considered and the vendor questioned to ensure this is a possibility.
Is there an upgrade planned in the near future? If a vendor plans on a major software revision or upgrade in the near future, waiting for the next version may be something to considered. If the need is immediate, disclosure by the vendor should be made of what impact the upgrade or revision will have on training, usage, hardware requirements, and overall cost (long term).
Is there a vendor helpdesk? Typically a helpdesk support option is the first, and easiest step, in acquiring support should a problem arise with a product. Make sure your vendor has adequate initial support available to their customers prior to any purchase.
What is the vendor's reputation? Any vendor considered by Unit 5 should have a good business and product reputation. Ask other users of the product and look for third party reviews to help establish this reputation prior to any purchase.
How complex is the installation? The IT department wishes to support all of it's users in a timely fashion. Please ensure that the installation of the software is relatively standard. If not, please let the IT department know in advance what special actions or activities will be needed to install a particular software product. This will help the IT department prepare adequately and schedule accordingly.
Will the vendor supply names of current users? When reviewing the reputation and history of a vendor to determine their suitability for providing a product to Unit 5, ask for a list of current users of the product you are interested in. The vendor should provide this freely and without hassle. If the vendor does not provide this list, weigh their lack of cooperation accordingly.
Is there a user's support group(s)? Determine if groups of user's exist and how to contact them. These may range from simple online groups to complicated associations of users across the country. These are sometimes key points for acquiring support on difficult usage issues or problems, as well as good places to cull ideas for further integrating the vendor product into your day to day operations.