(6) Adaptability
In a vendor, this means being able to adjust to the changing environment in which the project operates. "What you don’t want is someone doing what they’re told to do, just because it’s in the specs," Kondrach said. "What you do want are vendors who think beyond their assignment."
For instance, once a project is underway, if the vendor discovers a new technology that would be well suited to the project, that vendor should be able to change course. A vendor you should keep would be the one who will bring that technology to your attention and know how to implement it into the existing plan and your overall strategy. The vendor to pass by would be the one who will pass the new technology by because it isn’t in the specs, Kondrach said.
(7) A good match
"People tend to gravitate to vendors who appeal to their internal value system," Kondrach explained. Finding that right vendor can be tough, especially for customers who are used to selecting vendors based on the lunch they bought them or the T-shirts they provide.
However, the last project’s good match may not be a good match this time. Make sure to match the vendor, not just to the company, but also to the project.
(8) Check support agreements
One way to narrow down the vendors is to deal only with those who have acceptable support policies, something that will be very important should something break down. "So ask about support," Jarman said. "Is their support going to be next day or can they deliver 7x24? That’s going to be critical, whether you’re talking about hardware or software."
(9) Know your upgrade options
Jarman said his franchise has 210,000 customers worldwide who have iSeries and AS400 systems deployed. "These customers are very interested in upgrading their machines," Jarman said. And well they should be. The network installed today will be out of date in a few years.
"This is why you need to have a three-to-five-year outlook," Jarman said. "Of course, everyone will say you can upgrade your hardware and software, but the simplicity of that statement and how accurate it is will vary widely, depending on the service or vendor you’re talking about." The forward-thinking IT manager will have an understanding and relationship only with vendors who also are looking ahead and will be ready to upgrade systems as soon as the department is ready.
(10) Keep it simple
Look for vendors who offer scalable solutions and "the best of breed" in every technology, Jarman recommended. Doing the opposite can create confusion on the network and drive up the number of vendors. "If you do that, you probably are going to end up with multiple technologies, and you’ll have to deal with multiple vendors," Jarman said.
"And that’s OK if you understand all of those different technologies. But that’s not the simplest way to get to the simplest solution."
