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Chapter 9

3.5 Choosing a supplier of bespoke software

Before tying the organisation into a particular supplier, the procurement manager
should consider the following (as a minimum) for each prospective supplier:

 the provision of training, user manuals and/or online help

 the interface design and user-friendliness

 cost and ease of implementation

 long term viability of the supplier

 supplier business history

 supplier ethical standards

 references from previous customers

 availability of demonstrations

 copyright ownership (for bespoke solutions)

 size of user base (for off-the-shelf solutions)

 availability of guarantees/warranties for non-compliance, late delivery or failure
to meet requirements.

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