Question

Vendors seem to have the perfect solution to all of your problems. They have the best products, the best support, and you can always count on them being the most cost-effective. Yet what is real and what is marketing? What are some things that you can do to ensure that a vendor's technology really does solve your problem? In many projects, close to the end of the project, confusion arises among the various parties involved in the project as to when the project is really complete. Why do you think that this is the case? Discuss the steps that you will take to ensure that it will not occur in your project.

Answer 1

The actions for ensuring that the vendor's technologies and other solutions are relevant and appropriate to the success of the project.

(a) Use of subject matter experts to analyse the appropriateness of the vendor's solutions to the success of the project.

(b) Consulting with the previous customers who have availed the services of this vendor in simila or related projects, and their level of satisfaction with the vendor.

(c) analysis of vendor's competence in meeting the level needed for the project, addressing changes in the project requirements and putting up with the risks and uncertainty associated with the project. This competence can be technical capabilitiess, relevant experience, resourcefulness, financial strength and adaptability among the others.

(d) Rating of the vendor in the industry circles and its reputatation among the customers in its ability to provide high class services and practice of professionalism among others.