By Mashum Mollah
In today’s business scenario, the use of IT (information technology) based solutions is getting more and more common. The involvement of end business users in IT related decision making is definitely important; however, it is more important that the users should have enough knowledge in this regard. Otherwise, they will not be able to make the right choices. So, let us take a look at the top 10 questions that the end business users need to address at the time of selecting IT vendors.
1. Is the software compatible with other software?
No doubt, incorporating a new application or technology might sound like a perfect idea for enhancing the productivity of a business. But, before you spend your money on a new application/software, you must take into account the applications you business is already using. You must make sure the new software is flexible enough and can be easily integrated with the existing ones. In this way, your business operations will not get affected.
2. Does the IT vendor offer high level of data security?
Not all IT vendors are good with their data security system; and, it is very important for a business owner to safeguard the vital information of his/her business. So, before you hire an IT vendor, you must take a close look at the data safekeeping practices followed by the company. You must ensure the practices followed are powerful enough to meet the industry requirements. In this regard, it is better to hire an IT vendor that offers data safekeeping warranty.
3. Does the IT/software vendor have a dedicated data centre?
When it comes to availing cloud-based services, you should hire a company that has its own data centre. The reason behind is that such companies have much better control over the day-to-day operations. They are able to control the flow of data more effectively, with better protection.
4. How often the software upgrade is released?
In order to remain in the competition, the best providers of software always provide regular update. It shows that the vendor really thinks about the experience and requirements of its clients. Such companies give their best in order to meet the long term requirements of your company’s IT requirements. Hence, don’t forget to ask the software supplier about the frequency of updates provided by them. In this regard, the supplier should also offer an easy and quick system for problem escalation processing.
5. What sort of serve level agreements are mentioned in the documents?
Before signing a contract, you must ask the software provider about the SLAs (service level agreements) it is mentioned in the document. For example, in case the software purchased by you start having some problem then how many hours or working days the vendor will take for resolving the issue?
6. What kind of hardware the software needs?
Apart from software compatibility, it is also important to focus on the hardware aspect. For example, some applications do not run on the shared servers; they are meant only for a stand-alone server. So, these things you should get cleared before spending your money on the software.
7. Does the software vendor offer any kind of customization or enhancement?
Different businesses have different needs; hence, customization is absolutely important these days. If you are looking for a better experience then go for an IT vendor that offers customized applications. In this way, the business operations of your company will run more smoothly. Do not forget to ask about the extra charge and time the vendor would take to customize the product.
8. Is the disaster recovery capability of the IT vendor is strong enough?
Software may crash sometimes, and in such cases, if you do not have disaster recovery plan, you might end up losing vital data. So, before you purchase an application, make sure the IT vendor has already released a quick and reliable plan for disaster recovery; so that the software can be restored as soon as possible.
9. Is the de-conversion process is simple and quick enough?
In case someday you want to terminate your contract with the IT vendor, you would definitely want the de-conversions to happen as soon as possible. The process of de-conversion can be quite tiring for sure. Hence, choose a vendor that offers an easy way.
10. Do you have the right to retain the reports generated by the vendor’s software?
In some cases, the software vendors do not allow their clients to save the reports. So, if you do not want to get into such hassles, it is better to spend your time and money on hiring a vendor that offers cloud-based solutions.
So, those were the 10 vital questions you should ask before hiring an IT vendor. You can make these things less complicated by pursuing Microsoft azure certification, as it will transform you into a better a professional for various IT needs.
