The Blog of UX

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Criteria for Acquiring Software Packages

There are six key software evaluation criteria that should be considered in an organization’s software decision. By gathering the right information from the software vendors as you go through your software selection process, you can make an informed decision and have the greatest chance for implementation success.

#1 = Functionality – Functionality is the most important criteria to evaluate as you are considering your software options. As you evaluate the software vendors make sure that you focus on your key differentiators first. In other words, make the most important things the most important. Your initial criteria list should be 2-5 pages. You should also make sure that they have the right functionality to fit your industry specific requirements. Just because the software is well known, does not mean the vendor has the specific functionality you need to run your business.

#2 = Technology – The technology that the software vendor runs their software must be a match for the platform and database that you are running and the expertise of the IT staff that you have in-house. It is important to remember that you should have a forward looking technology that has momentum for the future. It is also important to make sure that it matches the other systems you have in-house in order to mitigate integration issues.

#3 = Software Vendor – The software vendor is a critical part of the software selection process. You are not just buying a static software solution; you are actually buying a relationship with that software vendor. You will be paying annual maintenance so that they will continue to develop, enhance, and improve the product. Will they be making new enhancements that you are interested in?

#4 = Implementation Vendor/VAR – Getting the right implementation vendor/Value Added Reseller is just as critical as finding the right software solution. You will work closely with them as you go through the difficult task of implementation. They need to have experience with the software product that you are implementing and the industry that you are in. You have many VAR/Implementation Partner options available to you. Make sure you get one that has a focus in your industry.

#5 = Maintenance & Support – You can expect to pay between 18-25% of the license cost for maintenance. This entitles you to upgrades and some level of support. You should make sure that this investment will be making on an annual basis will be appropriate.

#6 = Total Cost of Ownership – You need to consider the total cost of ownership of the software solution and not just the big discount that the vendor may be offering for the up-front license cost. There are 3 main components of out-of-pocket cost that should be considered. These components include the software license, software maintenance, and implementation services. You should look at the cost for the next 5-7 years in order to get a good idea of the long term cost to your organization.

Source:

http://www.articlesbase.com/software-articles/6-key-software-evaluation-criteria-681797.html

Am I an I.T. Professional?

Am I an I.T. Professional? Before I could actually answer the question, I have to ask myself yet on what it really takes to become one. Hence, I had done a bit of research on the qualification of being an I.T Professional, let us have a quick read on this , and by then let me make a self-assessment.

Who is the IT professional?

For the purpose of this discourse, the key areas are those that relate to the Attitude, Skill and Knowledge of the IT professional. Interestingly these are the same areas of change that training focuses on. Training seeks to close or fill any gaps that an individual has in these areas. However, it must be noted that simply going for training programs does not make one a true and complete professional.

Are you meeting Expectations?

To be a competent IT professional, you must know what the expectations of your colleagues, your industry, your clients and the general public are. Meeting these expectations is what qualifies you to call yourself a professional, and what gives you recognition as a professional.
In today's world the role of the IT professional is crucial. IT has become an essential resource for most organizations. The evolving scenario is one of a growing complexity of computer systems and businesses dependence on them. Qualified and competent IT professionals are needed to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of computers.

The Diverse Nature of IT

Professionals work in areas such as Programming, Engineering, Database Administration, Networking, Web development and E-Commerce.
IT professionals create, operate, maintain and program computers. An IT professional must have the skills and knowledge required to carry out specialized tasks in a recognized field of IT. This is the minimum requirement. But IT skills demand far outstrips supply. Current IT skills shortage worldwide is enormous.

Source: http://www.jidaw.com/article2.html

With this article, it says that to become an I.T Pro, a person must possess the needed competence in three areas - KSAs (Knowledge,Skills and Attitude) that would satisfy the expectations of his/her colleagues, industry, clients and the general public as well. He/she must have a specialized proficiency in at least an area in I.T

With this, after making a self-assessment, I could humbly tell, that I could qualify perhaps to the himalayan requirement of being an I.T Pro. I could say that at least I have possessed the minimum required knowledge, skills and attitude making my current officemates or colleagues as well as my administrators happy or contented on the work I have done, at least for now, though. On the other hand, as far as my clients are concerned, though we should accept the reality that in this world you cannot please everybody, but I could tell that a certain majority felt satisfaction to the service I have rendered. And humbly speaking, yes, I do have a minimum proficiency on an IT specialization...let's keep it undiscovered though...I'd like to keep it that way...