Top 54 System Software (May 2023)

2023's Best 55 System Systems

Shlomi LaviShlomi Lavi / May 09, 2023

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1. Wondershare Dr-Fone

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $9.95 per user/month
  • Mar 09, 2022
Compare Wondershare Dr-Fone Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Wondershare Dr.Fone is a data recovery software for iOS that can help users to recover their lost text messages, notes, pictures from iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. The software also offers a separate version for Android users. It can help you to protect and recover data from all the latest iOS device...


2. EVault SaaS

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business, Private use
  • Price:
  • Mar 12, 2022
Compare EVault SaaS Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

EVault SaaS is a fast growing cloud-based Backup software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. EVault SaaS received a rating of 4.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.1/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


3. Carbonite Online Backup

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business, Private use
  • Price: starts at $6 per month
  • Mar 13, 2022
Compare Carbonite Online Backup Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Carbonite Online Backup is a data storage and backup service for your business. The software was designed by Carbonite Inc., headquartered in Boston, United States. Two separate editions of the software are available for home and office users for the backup of documents, music and image files etc. 


4. Norton Online Backup

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $19.99 per year
  • Mar 14, 2022
Compare Norton Online Backup Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Norton Online Backup is an online backup solution that can help users to backup all their precious videos, music, digital photos and important documents. It can backup all your important files automatically and keep them in Norton’s secure online data center. You can restore all your data quickly wh...


5. Attix5 Pro Online Backup

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Mar 19, 2022
Compare Attix5 Pro Online Backup Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Attix5 Pro Online Backup is a growing cloud-based Backup software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Attix5 Pro Online Backup 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...


6. Nasuni Cloud Backup

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $50,000 per year
  • Mar 19, 2022
Compare Nasuni Cloud Backup Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Nasuni Cloud Backup is a fast growing cloud-based Backup software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Nasuni Cloud Backup received a rating of 4.2 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


7. NovaBackup Software

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $2,500 per year
  • Mar 22, 2022
Compare NovaBackup Software Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

NovaBackup Software is a network, server, and on-cloud backup solution for all business types and sizes. Its key features include local and online storage all in one, windows server backup, disaster recovery and full disk imaging, and fast bit technology.


8. Partition Master

  • Best for: Small business, Medium business, Large business, Private use
  • Price: starts at $19.95 per month
  • Mar 22, 2022
Compare Partition Master Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Partition Master is a fast growing cloud-based Backup software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Partition Master received a rating of 3.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.1/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


9. Mozy enterprise

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $6 per month
  • Dec 12, 2022
Compare Mozy enterprise Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Carbonite Safe is a web-based backup service that targets all companies that require a secure backup plan. However, its features are specifically designed to address the backup needs of large companies online. The software offers users a stable and reliable online backup option. There is no single b...


10. JustCloud Backup

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Private use
  • Price: starts at $7.61 per month
  • Mar 22, 2022
Compare JustCloud Backup Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

JustCloud Backup is a cloud-based online backup service that allows users to store their files online and access them remotely. All the data is stored on the JustCloud Backup server and can be accessed from other computers. The data is secured and can only be accessed by authorized parties who have ...


11. Fastback DR

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Mar 23, 2022
Compare Fastback DR Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Fastback DR software is a cloud-hosted online backup solution built for companies using Windows servers. The platform offers data protection and recovery tools for small businesses, medium-level, and large businesses.


12. Avamar

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $63 per user/month
  • Mar 04, 2022
Compare Avamar Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Avamar is a backup and recovery software that offers full backups for enterprise applications, virtual environments, remote offices and more. The software offers efficient and fast backup and recovery by decreasing the size of data before it’s stored or transferred across the network. EMC, the c...


13. Pcsync 6

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $19.95 per license
  • Mar 04, 2022
Compare Pcsync 6 Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Laplink Sync is a sync software that can help users with more than one PC, Android smartphone or tablet to sync files and folders between the devices. Syncing files and folders among various devices can be a complicated task and that’s where Laplink Sync can help you. The software can simplify the s...


14. Unitrends Backup & Archiving

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $349 per license
  • Mar 04, 2022
Compare Unitrends Backup & Archiving Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Unitrends Backup & Archiving is a backup, long-term data archiving, and disaster recovery software designed for both virtual and physical environments.


15. Zipcloud

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $10.69 per month
  • Mar 04, 2022
Compare Zipcloud Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

ZipCloud is a cloud storage service offering business people a way to store and share important documents with colleagues and partners. It only requires a one time installation and from that point on one can sync files on his PC with the cloud without having to think about.   The cloud servic...


16. Restore SQL Server Database Backup

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $0.10 per month
  • Mar 24, 2022
Compare Restore SQL Server Database Backup Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Restore SQL Server Database Backup is a leading cloud-based Backup software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Restore SQL Server Database Backup received a rating of 3.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.3/5) when compared to alternativ...


17. Cloud With Me

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $40 per feature/month
  • Mar 26, 2022
Compare Cloud With Me Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Cloudwith.me is a cloud management application that is designed to help user with various functionalities such as decentralizing cloud services and setting up of Amazon Web Services/AWS servers through its intuitive tools and dashboard.


18. Retrospect Server

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $49 per license
  • Mar 24, 2022
Compare Retrospect Server Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Retrospect Server is a leading cloud-based Backup software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Retrospect Server received a rating of 3.6 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.3/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


19. ShadowProtect ImageManager Enterprise

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $299 per license
  • Mar 26, 2022
Compare ShadowProtect ImageManager Enterprise Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

ShadowProtect ImageManager Enterprise is a growing cloud-based Backup software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. ShadowProtect ImageManager Enterprise received a rating of 4.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2/5) when compared to altern...


20. SOS Online Backup

  • Best for: Start up, Private use
  • Price: starts at $4.99 per month
  • Mar 29, 2022
Compare SOS Online Backup Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

SOS Online Backup is an online backup solution that can help users to protect their personal information. The software can help users to back up data from unlimited number of Windows, Mac and smartphones. All your files leave your smartphone or computer in private mode and get encrypted twice bef...


21. Remo Software Outlook Backup and Migrate

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $49.97 per license
  • Mar 29, 2022
Compare Remo Software Outlook Backup and Migrate Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Remo Recover Outlook Backup and Migrate is an Outlook backup software that can help users to backup their complete Outlook profile. It can also help users to migrate their older version of Outlook profile to a new version of Outlook. You can restore items like folders, emails, journal entries, conta...


22. SyncToy

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: Has a free version
  • Mar 29, 2022
Compare SyncToy Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

SyncToy is a trending cloud-based Backup software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. SyncToy received a rating of 3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.8/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


23. FoxPro

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $2.50 per month
  • Mar 31, 2022
Compare FoxPro Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

FoxPro is a rapid application development solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers assistance in Windows application development in addition to web services and tools. The software was designed and launched by FoxSoft Ltd headquartered in United Kingdom.


24. MariaDB

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $500 per license
  • Apr 01, 2022
Compare MariaDB Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

MariaDB is a growing cloud-based System software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. MariaDB received a rating of 3.4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.6/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


25. Remo Recover for Android

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $30 per license
  • Apr 01, 2022
Compare Remo Recover for Android Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Remo Recover for Android is a data recovery tool for Android that can help Android device users to recover lost data easily. The software includes latest cutting-edge technology to help you easily recover music files, videos, photos and documents and also supports recovering .apk files from Android ...


26. ShadowProtect Desktop Edition

  • Best for: Small business, Medium business, Large business, Private use
  • Price: starts at $99.95 per license
  • Apr 10, 2022
Compare ShadowProtect Desktop Edition Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

ShadowProtect Desktop Edition is a growing cloud-based Backup software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. ShadowProtect Desktop Edition received a rating of 3.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.1/5) when compared to alternative solution...


27. SmartAnalyzer for HSM

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Apr 12, 2022
Compare SmartAnalyzer for HSM Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

SmartAnalyzer for HSM is a growing cloud-based Backup software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. SmartAnalyzer for HSM received a rating of 5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.3/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


28. MyPC Backup

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Private use
  • Price: starts at $10.69 per month
  • Apr 09, 2022
Compare MyPC Backup Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

MyPC Backup is a small yet powerful software that you can install on your computer to backup all your important files. You don’t have to worry about losing your important files no matter what as they are saved on various servers, ensuring that you can restore them in case something happens to you...


29. WebSphere DataPower

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $309 per license
  • Apr 12, 2022
Compare WebSphere DataPower Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

WebSphere DataPower is a growing cloud-based System software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. WebSphere DataPower received a rating of 3.8 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.5/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


30. Windows Home Server Computer B

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $5 per license
  • Apr 12, 2022
Compare Windows Home Server Computer B Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Windows Home Server 2011 is a home server operating system for small offices/home offices and homes with multiple PCs designed to help users keep their files backed up, easily accessible and organized. The software is available as pre-installed solution and can be used to restore PC and recover lost...


31. NetBackup Appliance

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $23,000 per license
  • Apr 10, 2022
Compare NetBackup Appliance Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

The NetBackup Appliance is a backup and recovery solution for enterprises that need to store and access critical information on physical environments. The product was originally offered as a backup server where clients could store their files but in 2010 the option to buy the service in the form on ...


32. Backupify for Salesforce

  • Best for: Medium business, Large business, Private use
  • Price: starts at $3 per month
  • Apr 12, 2022
Compare Backupify for Salesforce Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Backupify for Salesforce is a growing cloud-based Backup software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. Backupify for Salesforce received a rating of 3.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


33. Mozy pro

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business
  • Price: starts at $4.17 per month
  • Apr 15, 2022
Compare Mozy pro Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

MozyPro is a cloud-based data backup solution designed for small business owners to keep their files protected. The cloud-based solution is available from anywhere and offers multiple access option for users. People with mobile workforce can also use this cloud-based solution to give their employee...


34. Outlook PST Recovery Tool

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business, Private use
  • Price: starts at $49 per license
  • Apr 17, 2022
Compare Outlook PST Recovery Tool Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Outlook PST Recovery Tool is a growing cloud-based Business Continuity software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Outlook PST Recovery Tool received a rating of 4.9 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.1/5) when compared to alternative sol...


35. Aerospike

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $172.57 per month
  • Apr 20, 2022
Compare Aerospike Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Aerospike is a trending cloud-based System software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. Aerospike received a rating of 3.2 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.1/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


36. SQLyog

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $299 per license
  • Apr 22, 2022
Compare SQLyog Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

SQLyog is a trending cloud-based System software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. SQLyog received a rating of 3.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


37. BackupPC

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $49.95 per license
  • Apr 20, 2022
Compare BackupPC Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

BackupPC is a trending cloud-based Backup software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. BackupPC received a rating of 3.8 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.8/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


38. Shield

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $500 per month
  • May 15, 2022
Compare Shield Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Shield is a business continuity planning/BCP software designed to help users in planning and creating disaster recovery and contingency plans for a range of potential threats.


39. PeerSync

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • May 18, 2022
Compare PeerSync Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

PeerSync software is an on-premise business continuity software solution that offers real-time and scheduled file synchronization for WAN and LAN environments. The solution was built to be the basis for enterprise file sync needs, as well as support numerous solutions like data migration, backup, an...


40. Backup Exec

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $39 per month
  • May 17, 2022
Compare Backup Exec Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Backup Exec 2012 is a Windows-based server backup software that can help users to protect their organization’s critical data against disasters and data loss. Users can backup their organization’s entire data to make sure their business is always growing without facing any data loss. The latest techn...


41. Informix database software

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $1,250 per license
  • May 16, 2022
Compare Informix database software Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

IBM Informix is a relational database management system for businesses of all sizes. It offers extensive database management and operational capabilities. The software was designed and launched by IBM headquartered in New York, United States.


42. Backupify for Google Apps

  • Best for: Medium business, Large business, Private use
  • Price: starts at $3 per user/month
  • May 17, 2022
Compare Backupify for Google Apps Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Backupify for Google Apps is a data backup and restore solution for personal and commercial use. The software offers security, automation, backup, and restore solutions for Google Apps. It was designed and launched by Backupify, Inc., headquartered in Massachusetts, United States.


43. IDrive Basic

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $3.71 per year
  • May 25, 2022
Compare IDrive Basic Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

iDrive Basic is a cloud-based server backup solution which is designed to provide backup for different devices such as servers and mobile devices via a single account. Its core features include multiple device backup, online file sync, snapshots and versioning and more.


44. Greenplum Database

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $500 per year
  • May 24, 2022
Compare Greenplum Database Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Greenplum Database is an award-winning cloud-based System software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. Greenplum Database received a rating of 4.2 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


45. Exstream Dialogue

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Jun 23, 2022
Compare Exstream Dialogue Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Exstream Dialogue is a growing cloud-based System software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Exstream Dialogue received a rating of 3.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


46. IBM Tivoli Storage Manager Fas

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jun 23, 2022
Compare IBM Tivoli Storage Manager Fas Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

IBM Tivoli Storage Manager FAS is Software as a Service (SaaS) or cloud-based storage solution designed by IBM to offer enterprises one point of control and administration for recovery and backup.


47. ShadowProtect IT Edition

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $3,520 per user/year
  • Jun 23, 2022
Compare ShadowProtect IT Edition Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

ShadowProtect IT Edition is an award-winning cloud-based Backup software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. ShadowProtect IT Edition received a rating of 4.4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.8/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


48. Abacus Cloud

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $9 per user/month
  • Dec 17, 2022
Compare Abacus Cloud Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Abacus Cloud is a web based call center management solution for businesses of all sizes. It manages inbound and out-bound calling and offers analytics and reporting capabilities. The software was designed and launched by Abacus Group headquartered in Massachusetts, United States.


49. ReGraph

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • May 09, 2023
Compare ReGraph Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

ReGraph is an open-source Python library for graph rewriting and manipulation. It provides a flexible and powerful framework for defining graph rewriting rules and applying them to manipulate graphs.


50. SAP HANA

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $38802.30 per license
  • Jul 04, 2022
Compare SAP HANA Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

SAP HANA is a leading cloud-based System software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. SAP HANA received a rating of 2.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered a bit pricey (4.8/5) vs their competitors.


51. Confluent

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $1.50 per hour
  • Jul 09, 2022
Compare Confluent Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Confluent is a growing cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Confluent received a rating of 4.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


52. Sybase Replication Server

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Jul 05, 2022
Compare Sybase Replication Server Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Sybase Replication Server is now SAP Replication Server. It is a cloud-based database replication solution that offers real-time data integration & movement. The software enables users to get real-time updates of data from anywhere in their enterprise.


53. UltraBac Workstation Edition

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $130 per license
  • Jul 25, 2022
Compare UltraBac Workstation Edition Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

UltraBac Workstation Edition is a growing cloud-based Backup software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. UltraBac Workstation Edition received a rating of 3.4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.8/5) when compared to other solutions in their ...


54. Cloudfinder for Google Apps

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $30 per user/year
  • Aug 01, 2022
Compare Cloudfinder for Google Apps Vs. Wondershare Dr-Fone

Cloudfinder for Google Apps is a fast growing cloud-based Backup software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Cloudfinder for Google Apps received a rating of 4.4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.7/5) when compared to alternative solutio...



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. 

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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.