Top 53 File Storage Software (Jan 2024)

2023's Best 54 File Storage Systems

Shlomi LaviShlomi Lavi / Jan 25, 2024

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1. Google drive

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $1.99 per month
  • Mar 07, 2022
Compare Google drive Vs. Google drive

Google Drive software is a cloud-hosted file sharing and storage software solution that offers cloud backup and storage for docs, files, photos and more. It enables the users to access their files from anywhere whether at home, office or on the go enabling them to share, edit, collaborate and more.


2. Dropbox

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $9.99 per month
  • Mar 07, 2022
Compare Dropbox Vs. Google drive

Dropbox is an online service that allows users to backup files online. The program will have a folder created on the device that it has been installed on and you will use the drag and drop option to save files. You will be able to sync data on all the devices that you intend to use the service. As l...


3. Box

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $15 per user/month
  • Mar 11, 2022
Compare Box Vs. Google drive

Box is a cloud-based file-sharing, collaboration, and storage solution designed for companies of all sizes and used across multiple industry verticals. The primary features of Box include digital asset management, document management, file sharing, and content management and more.


4. SiteLink Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $599 per license
  • May 24, 2022
Compare SiteLink Software Vs. Google drive

Sitelink is a property and self-storage management software designed for individuals and companies for payment processing, self-storage management, reservations capture, and receiving payments.


5. ONLYOFFICE Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $149 per license
  • Jun 24, 2022
Compare ONLYOFFICE Software Vs. Google drive

ONLYOFFICE software formerly TeamLab is collaborative Open source office suite that is built for business entities of all sizes. The software is available both as cloud-based and on on-premise platforms. ONLYOFFICE software is a product of Ascensio System SIA, a software company that is headquartere...


6. ExpertusONE

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Apr 28, 2022
Compare ExpertusONE Vs. Google drive

ExpertusONE is a learning management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such services as course development, designing, content management, communication, and others. The software was developed and launched by Expertus Inc, headquartered in California, United States.


7. Allocable Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $13 per month
  • May 16, 2022
Compare Allocable Software Vs. Google drive

Allocable Software is a growing cloud-based Project Management software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Allocable Software received a rating of 4.8 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.3/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


8. Hightail

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $12 per month
  • Jun 23, 2022
Compare Hightail Vs. Google drive

Hightail is a cloud-based file sharing service offered by a company of the same name that was originally named YouSendIt when established in 2004. The company's early focus was to help users send files that were just too big for conventional email. As the general public developed an interest in the...


9. aTouchAway

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jan 25, 2024
Compare aTouchAway Vs. Google drive

aTouchAway by Aetonix is a virtual care platform that provides remote patient monitoring, telehealth, and care coordination services. It is designed to simplify the complexity of home healthcare by connecting the entire circle of care to ensure effective, accountable, and coordinated care.


10. DocSavy

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $0.99 per user/month
  • Jul 18, 2022
Compare DocSavy Vs. Google drive

DocSavy is a cloud-hosted document management platform that enables organizations to store and organize documents relating to assets, business, assets, projects and more. Some distinctive features of DocSavy software include accountability, financial columns, life-cycles, company-wide permissions, r...


11. IntelligenceBank Knowledge Management

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $15 per feature/month
  • Oct 05, 2022
Compare IntelligenceBank Knowledge Management Vs. Google drive

IntelligenceBank Knowledge Management is a document management solution for businesses of all sizes. Its key capabilities include online document management, workflow management, database customization, and others. The software was designed and launched by IntelligenceBank Pty Ltd headqu...


12. Huddle

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $15 per user/month
  • Oct 01, 2022
Compare Huddle Vs. Google drive

Huddle is a project management solution for businesses of all sizes. Its capabilities include project management, collaboration, resource management, task management, and others. The software was designed and launched by Ninian Solutions Ltd headquartered in California, United States.


13. LegalEdge

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $750 per license
  • Oct 07, 2022
Compare LegalEdge Vs. Google drive

LegalEdge is a web based legal practice management solution for legal practices of all sizes. It offers such services as role-based dashboards, contact management, document management, and others. The software was designed and launched by LegalEdge Software headquartered in Pennsylvania, United Stat...


14. ProofHub

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $45 per month
  • Feb 05, 2022
Compare ProofHub Vs. Google drive

ProofHub is a web based project management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such services as resource allocation, time management, proofing and review, online reporting, email integration, and others.


15. GS RichCopy 360

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business, Private use
  • Price: starts at $50 per license
  • Feb 14, 2022
Compare GS RichCopy 360 Vs. Google drive

GS RichCopy 360 is a growing cloud-based Backup software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. GS RichCopy 360 received a rating of 4.8 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.4/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


16. MyPMS

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $50 per user/month
  • Feb 19, 2022
Compare MyPMS Vs. Google drive

MyPMS is a trending cloud-based Hotel Management software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size hotels. MyPMS received a rating of 3.8 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


17. LogMeIn PRO

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $30 per month
  • Feb 21, 2022
Compare LogMeIn PRO Vs. Google drive

LogMeIn Pro is an online service offered by the company LogMeIn, Inc. It was designed to provide business owners with remote access to their PC no matter where they are. The remote connectivity was developed to support collaboration, files transfer and remote printing. With LogMeIn Pro, you can acce...


18. Zorg CMMS

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $3,000 per license
  • Mar 04, 2022
Compare Zorg CMMS Vs. Google drive

Zorg CMMS is a fast growing cloud-based Maintenance software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Zorg CMMS received a rating of 2.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.7/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


19. Google Docs

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business, Private use
  • Price: starts at $6 per user/month
  • Mar 23, 2022
Compare Google Docs Vs. Google drive

Google Docs is an online word processing suite that can help users to edit, collaborate and create work documents within Google Drive service. The web-based document editing solution comes with smart styling and editing tools to help users format paragraphs and text easily. Google, the company b...


20. SearchExpress Document Management

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $2 per license
  • Mar 25, 2022
Compare SearchExpress Document Management Vs. Google drive

SearchExpress Document Management is cloud-based and on-premise document management software designed for small and medium-sized businesses with 10+ employees in industries such as accounting, construction, healthcare, legal and construction and more.


21. HROS

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Apr 06, 2022
Compare HROS Vs. Google drive

HROS is a cloud based software solution that is built to help organizations to manage the processes of applicant selection, onboarding, and store HR data among others. Apart from giving the employers the onboarding capabilities, the solution is also designed to support HR functionality after the emp...


22. File Archiver

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Nov 24, 2022
Compare File Archiver Vs. Google drive

File Archiver is a leading cloud-based Enterprise Integration software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. File Archiver received a rating of 3.2 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


23. Smeadsoft Records Management

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jul 21, 2022
Compare Smeadsoft Records Management Vs. Google drive

Smeadsoft Records Management is a growing cloud-based Human Resources software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Smeadsoft Records Management received a rating of 3.6 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.6/5) when compared to other solutions ...


24. Cloud Platform

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Oct 05, 2019
Compare Cloud Platform Vs. Google drive

Cloud Platform is a trending cloud-based Content Management software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. Cloud Platform received a rating of 3.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


25. Rovius

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Nov 08, 2019
Compare Rovius Vs. Google drive

Rovius is an award-winning cloud-based Content Management software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Rovius received a rating of 3.9 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.6/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


26. rCloud

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Sep 25, 2019
Compare rCloud Vs. Google drive

rCloud is a leading cloud-based Content Management software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. rCloud received a rating of 4.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.1/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


27. Sentient

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Aug 20, 2019
Compare Sentient Vs. Google drive

Sentient is a growing cloud-based Content Management software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Sentient received a rating of 3.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


28. Radia

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Sep 18, 2019
Compare Radia Vs. Google drive

Radia is a fast growing cloud-based Content Management software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. Radia received a rating of 4.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


29. MWM

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Oct 09, 2019
Compare MWM Vs. Google drive

MWM is a trending cloud-based Content Management software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. MWM received a rating of 4.2 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.4/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


30. ShareInsights

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Oct 11, 2019
Compare ShareInsights Vs. Google drive

ShareInsights is a leading cloud-based Enterprise Integration software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. ShareInsights received a rating of 4.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.6/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


31. SDM - Simple Document Management

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • May 23, 2022
Compare SDM - Simple Document Management Vs. Google drive

SDM - Simple Document Management is a growing cloud-based Document Management software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. SDM - Simple Document Management received a rating of 4.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.1/5) when compared to other solut...


32. GSCopyPro

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business, Private use
  • Price: starts at $29.99 per license
  • Jul 15, 2022
Compare GSCopyPro Vs. Google drive

GSCopyPro is a growing cloud-based Backup software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. GSCopyPro received a rating of 4.9 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.9/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


33. Tape Systems

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Jun 09, 2022
Compare Tape Systems Vs. Google drive

Tape Systems is a fast growing cloud-based Enterprise Integration software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Tape Systems received a rating of 3.4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.5/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


34. Datamatrix Barcode Software

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $327 per license
  • May 27, 2022
Compare Datamatrix Barcode Software Vs. Google drive

Datamatrix Barcode Software is a fast growing cloud-based File Sharing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Datamatrix Barcode Software received a rating of 4.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.5/5) when compared to alternative s...


35. Make Barcodes In Filemaker

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $297 per license
  • May 27, 2022
Compare Make Barcodes In Filemaker Vs. Google drive

Make Barcodes In Filemaker is a trending cloud-based File Sharing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Make Barcodes In Filemaker received a rating of 3.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.5/5) when compared to alternative solutio...


36. SASBeast

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $25,000 per license
  • Mar 16, 2020
Compare SASBeast Vs. Google drive

SASBeast is a growing cloud-based Distribution software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. SASBeast received a rating of 4.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


37. Aepona

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Oct 16, 2019
Compare Aepona Vs. Google drive

Aepona is a fast growing cloud-based Enterprise Integration software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. Aepona received a rating of 4.8 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.5/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


38. Twitter Archiving

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business, Private use
  • Price: starts at $3 per license
  • Mar 17, 2020
Compare Twitter Archiving Vs. Google drive

Twitter Archiving is an award-winning cloud-based Business Continuity software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Twitter Archiving received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.4/5) when compared to other solutions in their ca...


39. LepideAuditor For File Server

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $349 per license
  • Oct 16, 2019
Compare LepideAuditor For File Server Vs. Google drive

LepideAuditor For File Server is a growing cloud-based Security software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. LepideAuditor For File Server received a rating of 3.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.7/5) when compared to alternative soluti...


40. The IBM System Storage SAN40B-4

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Sep 21, 2019
Compare The IBM System Storage SAN40B-4 Vs. Google drive

The IBM System Storage SAN40B-4 is a growing cloud-based Business performance management software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. The IBM System Storage SAN40B-4 received a rating of 4.6 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.2/5) when com...


41. Tresorit - Encrypted file sharing

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $12.50 per user/month
  • Aug 31, 2019
Compare Tresorit - Encrypted file sharing Vs. Google drive

Tresorit - Encrypted file sharing is a fast growing cloud-based Backup software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Tresorit - Encrypted file sharing received a rating of 3.6 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.1/5) when compared to other solu...


42. InfiniteStorage NEXIS series

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $49 per month
  • Mar 17, 2020
Compare InfiniteStorage NEXIS series Vs. Google drive

InfiniteStorage NEXIS series is a leading cloud-based Analytics software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. InfiniteStorage NEXIS series received a rating of 4.9 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.4/5) when compared to other solutions in the...


43. Acronis Backup & Recovery

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $850 per license
  • Jan 30, 2020
Compare Acronis Backup & Recovery Vs. Google drive

Acronis Backup and Security 2011 is an all in backup and security software that lets you automatically back-up your drives, folders or files on your computer. It also comes with security tools that would protect your computer from malicious programs and hackers, as well as let you control the activi...


44. Nexsan DeDupe SG

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Oct 04, 2019
Compare Nexsan DeDupe SG Vs. Google drive

Nexsan DeDupe SG is a growing cloud-based Enterprise Integration software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Nexsan DeDupe SG received a rating of 3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


45. ScerIS DMS

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $49 per month
  • Mar 18, 2020
Compare ScerIS DMS Vs. Google drive

ScerIS DMS is a document management solution for businesses of all sizes. Other than storage and customized user access, it offers archiving, integration, and other capabilities. The software was designed and launched by ScerIS Inc headquartered in Massachusetts, United States.


46. Concert

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Sep 06, 2019
Compare Concert Vs. Google drive

Concert is a growing cloud-based Enterprise Integration software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. Concert received a rating of 4.2 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.5/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


47. Google Apps

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business
  • Price:
  • Aug 14, 2019
Compare Google Apps Vs. Google drive

Google Apps is a web based office and project management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers scheduling, collaborating, word processing, and other important capabilities. The software was designed and launched by Google Inc headquartered in California, United States.


48. Eternus DX400 S2 series

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Oct 14, 2019
Compare Eternus DX400 S2 series Vs. Google drive

Eternus DX400 S2 series is a growing cloud-based Enterprise Integration software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Eternus DX400 S2 series received a rating of 4.9 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.5/5) when compared to alternative solu...


49. vSphere Storage Appliance

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Oct 17, 2019
Compare vSphere Storage Appliance Vs. Google drive

vSphere Storage Appliance is a cloud based shared storage solution for personal and business use. It provides high availability and automation without the need of any additional hardware. The software was designed and launched by VMware, Inc., headquartered in California, United States.


50. McAfee Online Backup

  • Best for: Private use
  • Price: starts at $60 per user/year
  • Jan 29, 2021
Compare McAfee Online Backup Vs. Google drive

McAfee Online Backup is an online backup software that can help users to protect all their digital files safely and easily. The software offers unlimited storage capacity to create a backup copy of all your files. It can automatically backup all your files when your PC is free or at scheduled times....


51. ParetoLogic Backup

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Private use
  • Price: starts at $9 per month
  • Feb 02, 2020
Compare ParetoLogic Backup Vs. Google drive

ParetoLogic Backup is an online storage service that offers its users unlimited space to store files. It is the tool that allows you to keep a copy of all your important files in the cloud so that you can access them anywhere you go even if you are not on your PC.   ParetoLogic is a company founde...


52. Hitachi Tiered Storage Manager

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $232,000 per license
  • Mar 19, 2020
Compare Hitachi Tiered Storage Manager Vs. Google drive

Hitachi Tiered Storage Manager is a cloud-based data movement and storage software that offers online storage service-level control. The software enables the IT administrators to match the application-based price, availability and performance requirements to the characteristic of the storage system.


53. Cloudtract Contract Management

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business
  • Price: starts at $11 per month
  • Dec 16, 2022
Compare Cloudtract Contract Management Vs. Google drive

Cloudtrack Contract Management is a web based contract management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such services as contract creation, contract security, expiration data tracking, and others. The software was designed and launched by Cloudtract headquartered in Amsterdam, ...



A Buyer's Guide to Business Software Solutions

How to Evaluate and Buy Business Software
 
If you’re somehow puzzled if this article is only for a specific size of business, no, it’s not. This is for you SMEs, MNEs and start-ups software buyers. Also, we’re not talking about a specific software solution here. Whether the software solution that you’re planning to buy is for Accounting, Business Intelligence, ERP, CRM, Help Desk, Maintenance Management or other types of application, one thing is for sure; with the help of this article, you will be able to know the right process in evaluating and buying a business software solution.
 
We’ve been into the software business for years and we’re seeing a lot of nitty-gritty things that often bring confusions and hesitations to many companies looking for better software solutions. Some companies can’t afford to let go their legacy systems while a few is encountering technological snags once the new system is in place. While this is the underlying truth behind software acquisition and implementation, what’s exciting about buying a business software solution is that there is a clear and obvious proof that thousands of companies and corporations today are happy with the benefits this technology is bringing into their respective businesses.  There is a significant increase in their revenue and the growth is on-going. And it’s easy to say; many from the Fortune 500 companies are making a lot of money because of their smartly-acquired business software.
 
So, let’s get straight to the point. What should you do in order to acquire that business software that could make your organization achieve its goals? The answer to this is pretty straightforward: evaluate and buy that right business software. Yes, that’s what you need to do and here’s the best manual from ITQlick.com that could certainly help you in doing that strategically.
 
Consider the Needs of Your Organization
Let’s assume that at this point, the entire management team agreed that you are ready to invest on a certain software application. The budget has been compromised and the key persons who will be involved in the acquisition process were already identified. Therefore, it’s time to approach things the project management way.
 
Define the Project
Every business software solution is categorized base on application type, features, deployment model, market size and pricing model. Remember that our objective here is to evaluate and buy a business software product that will fit into the size and present needs of your business. So what the project management team should try to deal with first is to define the real requirements of your business exactly base on the categories set by the software industry. Moreover, by doing this activity, you are already narrowing down your search for the right solution. Now, consider bringing this list of FAQs to the project management and aim to come up with clear-cut answers.
 
  1. What type of software is needed? Is it Integrated-Suite, Best-of-Breed or Industry-Specific? Ask your CEO’s main agenda and find the perfect match from these available options.
  2. What are the core and secondary features? Are you looking for basic, advanced or hi-end features? List down the specific features per category and allow the department managers and supervisors to give their insights on this list.
  3. How are you going to deploy the system? Would it be on-premise, cloud-based, hosted, or mobile-based? Weigh these options with the help of your CIO.
  4. Are you going for Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3 vendors? Their offered solutions are base on the size of their target market - SMEs, MNEs or start-ups. Seek your CFO’s advice as it is important to match your financial capacity against the cost of the solution that the providers have for you.
  5. Are you willing to pay for the perpetuity software license or a subscription-based solution is way better? How many users are there and what would be their roles in using the system? Solicit feedbacks from future end users for they know better what challenges and risks might possibly come along their way when they’re using the system.
 
Finalize the BOM or List of Requirements
After providing definite answers on the above questions, we can say that the project has already been defined. Your procurement team is now ready to do their role in the acquisition process of this solution. However, in order for them to execute their job properly, they must have the complete list of requirements - features, specifications, hardware, and the software product. In other words, the Bill-of-Materials (BOM) that is final, complete and well-prepared must be handed over to the procurement director. Needless to say, it is very important that everybody is following the company purchasing and procurement protocols at all times.  
 
Request for Proposal (RFP)
The RFP process will bring everything into formality. Since you’re more likely in a line of business that doesn’t regularly buy software products, it is of critical importance that your RFP is well-structured before you send it to your prospect solution providers.
 
Draft the RFP
An RFP that contains all the relevant information as discussed during the project management meetings will enable the providers to return back to you their proposal that is complete and substantial. Therefore, your RFP should basically contain the following:
 
Brief Introduction
  • Company Name
  • Mission and Goals
  • Purpose of the RFP (or the need for software solution)
Business Background
  • Organizational Structure
  • Current Situation (IT infrastructure, system currently in-use, system issues and desired solutions, etc.)
  • Major Objectives of the Software Purchase
Request for Specific Requirements
  • Solution Functionality
  • System Specifications
  • Vendor Company Information
  • Price Model, Service Plans, Package Options
Other Important Inquiries (if necessary)
 
Send the RFP
Well-structured RFP will bring a lot of advantages especially when the proposals from various providers are received and then subjected for review and analysis. Send your RFP to at least three to five providers (or prospects which you have already shortlisted during the project definition phase). Depending on the complexity of the solution, most vendors will send their proposal in a matter of time, which could be around 4 to 6 weeks for Integrated-Suite solution.
 
Why still send RFP?
Is there really a need for RFP if your preferred solution (like cloud-based) and the service plans or packages are already displayed on the vendor’s website? Well, yes, you still need to undergo the RFP process. For most sales people, they certainly know that those figures appearing in the vendor’s website are usually the “list price” and not the “actual price”. More importantly, the vendor’s proposal (response to RFP) will serve as your main basis for the negotiation. Therefore, sending an RFP is a strict requirement.
 
Follow up questions relevant to RFP
More often than not, questions and concerns will be raised by the vendors to whom you send the RFP. You have to entertain them with utmost professionalism. Solution providers who are seeking further clarifications relevant to the RFP are consisting of professional software experts who wants to help your organization as much as they can. Entertain them but at the same time, always be cautious when providing additional information which you know is confidential or proprietary.
 
Evaluate the Proposals
Always refer to your finalized BOM when tabulating the contents of each proposal. Part of this process is to check the features that are available from this certain vendor and to cross out those that are not. While using spreadsheet aids the tabulation process, laying down the document proposals on the table and allowing your project management team to review them one by one should always be conducted. Evaluating the proposals in full force can help strengthen your decision-making process. Have another round of brain-storming session and come with the name of your preferred solution provider.
 
When selecting the final vendor, always promote the best interest of your organization. Consider answering these questions with full sincerity.
 
  1. Which vendor can provide the long-term benefits to your organization?
  2. Which vendor can provide the best and honest service from acquisition to full implementation?
  3. Which vendor is willing to devote most of its time in better serving its client?
 
Contact this solution provider and in your own strategic approach, try to get the answers to those three important questions above. In most cases, vendor who really wants to prove its craft will offer product demos on a higher level. Others will even invite you to check their already deployed and working systems. Feel free to connect with this type of vendor. Conduct simulation and testing, be it a cloud-based or on-premise solution. Examine all aspects and angles especially those that your project management team want to really know in-depth. For as long as it could help you arrive at a better decision, consider doing all the options available – for the interest of the organization.
 
Enter the Negotiation Process
Most solutions providers can be flexible in terms of pricing. Although the final say is oftentimes on the mouth of the sales person from the vendor’s side, a good negotiation process can always deliver a win-win situation to both parties involve. While negotiation sometimes cannot be settled in one sitting session, always be honest with your intentions whenever negotiating with your provider. If it’s about your budget, justify it with clarity. If it’s about their service plans, tell them what’s lacking or missing on their solution. At the end of the day, the most important event that should happen is that both of you are shaking hands because of a well done negotiation process.
 
Seal the Contract
So what are you going to do on a contract that involves a significant amount of investment? There are three project management approaches for this.
 
  1. Pass the ball to you legal team. They know what to do and more or less they will tell you if there is something wrong with the contract. Give them enough time to review before they affix their signature and then finally seal the contract.
  2. Hire a consultant base on the technical aspect that you want to clarify in the contract. If it’s the Scope of Work (SOW), a software implementation expert is the right person. If it is related to complex legal terms and conditions, a lawyer can help. If it has something to do with money, invite an accountant to conduct a thorough review and computation if necessary.
  3. Always consider consulting your project management team. Remember that the CIO, CFO and CEO are all team members. They will be the signatories and they know what’s best for the interest of the company when signing a contract agreement.
 
From evaluation to buying stage, it is important that the project manager must take full responsibility of monitoring all the works identified and distributed among team members. This is why delegating the right project manager is also an important consideration when buying a business software solution. And again, ITQlick.com wants to emphasize that whatever the size of your company is, using the project management approach will always lead you into a better outcome – that is getting what you paid for the right business software solution. 

Finding the right business software for your business
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After researching over 5,000 systems, we can identify the best solution for companies of all shapes and sizes. ITQlick.com is 100% free for software buyers.



Auditor - Shlomi Lavi

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Shlomi Lavi is an entrepreneur and founder of ITQlick.com. He holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Information Systems Engineering from Ben Gurion University in Israel. Shlomi brings 17 years of global IT and IS management experience as a consultant and implementation expert for small, medium and large-sized (global) companies. Shlomi’s goal is to share the best knowledge and news about information systems so you can make smarter buying decisions for your business.