Technology selection process

Leading consulting firms seems to have well-defined processes for technology or platform selection. Though they might have different names and number of steps, all of them are based on following key principles

1. Scenario based evaluation instead of laundry list of requirements
2. Custom demos instead of  canned-demos

1. Forrester's STEP Model

Scenario Based Technology Evaluation Process. Fortunately, the report is available at no cost for registered members (You can register without any cost)

http://www.forrester.com/ScenarioBased+eCommerce+Technology+Evaluation+Process/fulltext/-/E-RES56754

Also, Forrester recommends the following Checklist discussed at the blog. Paid report/checklist is available at http://www.forrester.com/eCommerce+Technology+Selection+Checklist/fulltext/-/E-RES59202

2. Real Story Group's RSVP

Have a strong and disciplined six phase process - Real Story Vendor Procurement

a. Needs Analysis
b. Scenario Development
c. Market Analysis
d. RFP/Tender
e. Demos & POC
f. Selection & Launch

Presentation for Webinar below gives a high level overview of RSVP. Besides, it also deals with an important question - Should Technology Vendor be selected first or Service Integrator? A must watch Webinar.

Webinar: Best Practices for Selecting the Right Integrator for Your Digital Workplace and Marketing Technology Projects

The following Webinar could also be worth watching.

Webinar: Avoid Making These Five Mistakes with Your Next Technology Procurement

3. Digital Clarity Group

 Not sure if they have a formally defined process but I could find the following from one of the Webinars their founder Scott was presenting

http://www.cms-connected.com/Previous-Shows/How-To-Select-A-Web-CMS

1. Should Technology Vendor be selected first or Service Integrator?

 

DCG and RSG seems to have a different opinion here.While RSG recommends it as a two step process with selecting Technology Vendor first followed by Implementation partner, DCG recommends that it be done at the same time before sending out the RFP.

2. Is there any report available on selecting Service Integrators?

Yes, I could find one from DCG http://www.digitalclaritygroup.com/blog/announcing-wcm-and-cem-service-providers-rpt/

Also, http://www.digitalclaritygroup.com/blog/video-dcg-guide-to-agencies-and-systems-integrators-for-wcm-cem/

3. Do DCG and RSG have reports on CMS/CXM similar to Forrester?

http://www.realstorygroup.com/research/cms/ - Free sample can be downloaded on registration