Managing IT Projects

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Survey the IT Market

There are several sources of information to help you find suppliers of applications and other technology solutions. These include:
Direct approaches to computer manufacturers Some computer server equipment manufacturers maintain catalogues of applications that operate on their equipment. In many cases, the manufacturers' sales departments will refer to you their local agents.

 

Printed directories There are several printed catalogues that contain lists of specialist and vertical market applications and their developers' contact details. In the UK, a good source is the Computer Software and Services Directory. Many of these directories are available in public libraries.

 

Trade press advertisements and articles In many niche markets, there are specialist magazines devoted to reporting news, products, people and technology. These magazines can be a fruitful source of information.

 

Software developers' web sites Most search engines will find developers' web sites.

 

Similar businesses in the same market place Few companies will welcome an approach directly from a competitor. However, consultants can make these contacts without revealing their client.

 

Once you have identified possible solutions, you should request some basic information and "ball park" costings from suppliers. We recommend that a simple background document (no more than 3 pages) should be sent to prospective suppliers inviting Expressions of Interest. 

The document should cover:

background to the company including size and industry segment,
overview of the systems or hardware required
description of the existing IT facilities
reasons for making a new investment in IT
number of concurrent user licences required
information requested from suppliers including breakdown of costs between software, hardware and services
 

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