Tips For Choosing A Technology Vendor

As networks expand and information technology managers are pinching pennies the need to find a skilled, reliable network is growing. Remember that you’re buying into a stable, long term relationship when you decide to partner with a vendor. Look beyond the product you’re investing in to see the present and future servicing required for your business.

Before you choose a technology vendor perform strict research to find partners which fit your specific needs. Focus on the long term aspect of your relationship to weed out poor matches.

Determine Scale

Your network will grow appreciably as your business expands. Keep scale in mind when choosing a vendor for your company. Potential vendors need to be able to keep pace with your business when you expand. Large scale orders should be filled within 30 to 60 days of placement. This includes orders which are not within forecasted numbers. If your potential partner has the manufacturing capabilities to fulfill your needs consider moving forward with your due diligence campaign.

The Price Must Be Right

Make sure the vendor prices within the range of industry competition before you further your relationship. Competitively priced products can help your organization but be aware that the total cost of ownership is factored in to see your bottom line.  Check for costs like ongoing licensing fees and operational costs before you commit to a vendor. Getting the initial price is merely the beginning of determining the costs to your business. Factor in the cost of power draw, cooling requirements and the technical resources you’ll require to manage the new technology.

Search for Focus

Choose a vendor which focuses the whole of its creative energies on the product you’re purchasing to receive optimal service. If you are trying to choose virtualization software, for instance, it is important not only to work with a provider who primarily focuses on cloud technology, but also has extensive experience serving your type of industry, as needs and workloads vary between types of businesses. You want one that understands yours inside and out.

If you buy a product make sure the vendor is committed to that division. Making the buy and finding out 2 weeks after purchase that that company is selling the division can be a difficult pill to swallow for your tech department. Do your homework. Ensure that the product commands the full expertise and resources of your vendor to best benefit your organization.

Demand Strong Support

Vendors need to understand your business, geography and other factors to best serve your company. When you most need support you need a dependable partner. In times of crises the helpful, supportive vendors earn their keep. Note that vendors who lower their margins to get business may not be the ideal service providers. If you can manage the product with your internal resources and the service is easy to configure you’ll need less support during the transition.

Check for Financial Stability

Make sure the technology vendor has a record of financial stability before you choose the company as a partner. If you’re sourcing software for important projects you need to be assured that you’re not entering into a risky relationship. Establishing long term, strong relationships with stable vendors benefits your company both in the present and future.