Top 54 Graphics and Design Software (Mar 2023)

2023's Best 55 Graphics and Design Systems

Shlomi LaviShlomi Lavi / Mar 01, 2023

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1. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business, Private use
  • Price: starts at $399 per year
  • Mar 20, 2022
Compare CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6 Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X7 is a graphic design software that comes with a complete suite of graphic design software to help designers design just the way they want. The latest version comes with a clean and user-friendly interface and better customizing workspaces. The Windows-based software can he...


2. Bannersnack

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $24 per editor/month
  • Mar 01, 2023
Compare Bannersnack Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Bannersnack is a growing cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Bannersnack received a rating of 4.6 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.5/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


3. Jotform

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $24 per month
  • Apr 13, 2022
Compare Jotform Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Jotform is a JavaScript form builder solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers various editing, customization, and development capabilities along with custom form management. The software was designed and launched by Interlogy LLC headquartered in New York, United States.


4. PDFfiller

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $8 per month
  • Apr 18, 2022
Compare PDFfiller Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

PDFfiller is a leading cloud-based Document Management software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. PDFfiller received a rating of 4.6 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


5. Preview

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $6.67 per month
  • Jul 05, 2022
Compare Preview Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Preview is an image and PDF document management solution for personal and commercial use. It offers support for a variety of image formats as well as graphics support. The software was designed and launched by Apple Inc headquartered in California, United States.


6. Prezi

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $3 per month
  • Aug 02, 2022
Compare Prezi Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Prezi is a cloud-based presentation software that can help users to create zooming and engaging presentations. Users can create stunning presentations using the pre-made templates provided by this presentation software and ditch the old slide-based presentations. Prezi was founded back in 2008, ...


7. Adobe Creative Cloud

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $19.99 per user/month
  • Sep 13, 2022
Compare Adobe Creative Cloud Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Adobe Creative Cloud is a subscription-based version of Adobe Creative Suite that gives you access to all the applications of Adobe Creative Suite. The software will be stored in your local hard drive but can be used in a cloud-based community interface. Once the apps are installed in your local har...


8. Keylight

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $2,600 per month
  • Sep 17, 2022
Compare Keylight Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Keylight is a growing cloud-based Graphics software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Keylight received a rating of 4.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


9. Wondershare software

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $19.99 per month
  • Oct 04, 2022
Compare Wondershare software Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Wondershare Data Recovery is a data recovery software that can help users to restore all types of lost files including video, audio, image and documents from their Windows computer. Users can also restore lost files from external storages including digital cameras, external hard drives, MP3/MP4 play...


10. Acrobat XI Pro

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $12.99 per month
  • Jan 30, 2023
Compare Acrobat XI Pro Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Acrobat XI Pro is a PDF editor that can help users to quickly convert any image, document or other files into a PDF file easily. The PDF converter is feature-rich and is packed with smart tools to work as more than just a PDF converter. The mobile version can help users to convert PDFs on their smar...


11. Arlo Software

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $4.49 per month
  • Apr 19, 2022
Compare Arlo Software Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Arlo Software is a fast growing cloud-based Web Design-UI software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. Arlo Software received a rating of 4.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


12. QuarkXPress

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $220 per user/year
  • Feb 26, 2022
Compare QuarkXPress Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

QuarkXPress is a growing cloud-based Office Production-Tools software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. QuarkXPress received a rating of 4.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.8/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


13. PDF Fusion

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business, Private use
  • Price: starts at $55 per license
  • Mar 03, 2022
Compare PDF Fusion Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Boost your productivity with Corel® PDF Fusion™, an all-in-one PDF creator that lets you view files, plus assemble, edit and create PDFs. View more than 100 different file types just by dragging and dropping them into the Welcome Screen. Take pages from multiple files, including documents, spreadshe...


14. Axure RP

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $25 per user/month
  • Mar 04, 2022
Compare Axure RP Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Axure RP is a wireframe and mockup software designed to help users create prototypes of apps and websites without facing any coding. Users can design the navigation, functionality and contents of their user interfaces and validate their designs with browser-based prototypes. Axure, the co...


15. LUCID

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $7.95 per user/month
  • Nov 01, 2022
Compare LUCID Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

LUCID is a fast growing cloud-based Graphics software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. LUCID 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.


16. 99Designs

  • Best for: Medium business
  • Price: starts at $299 per license
  • Apr 25, 2022
Compare 99Designs Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

99Designs is a fast growing cloud-based Human Resources software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. 99Designs 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.


17. Knovio

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $30 per month
  • May 12, 2022
Compare Knovio Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Knovio is a cloud-based and human resources management software that helps in creating and sharing educative, informative, and innovative videos for the aim of passing information, training, and onboarding.


18. ScreenFlow

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $129 per license
  • Jul 15, 2022
Compare ScreenFlow Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

ScreenFlow is a Mac screen recording and editing software designed to help users create high quality video tutorials, presentations, video training and software demos. Once users are done creating videos, they can publish them to Google Drive, Facebook and Dropbox directly using the upload m...


19. PicMonkey

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $8 per month
  • May 31, 2022
Compare PicMonkey Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

PicMonkey is an award-winning cloud-based Photography-Photoshopping software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. PicMonkey received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


20. Final Cut Pro

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $299.99 per license
  • Apr 06, 2021
Compare Final Cut Pro Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Final Cut Pro is a trending cloud-based Video editing software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. Final Cut Pro received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


21. Lepide Active Directory Bulk Image Editor

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $229 per license
  • Jun 08, 2022
Compare Lepide Active Directory Bulk Image Editor Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Lepide Active Directory Bulk Image Editor is a fast growing cloud-based Graphics software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. Lepide Active Directory Bulk Image Editor received a rating of 3.9 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.9/5) when compared...


22. Font Book

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jul 15, 2022
Compare Font Book Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Font Book is a growing cloud-based Graphics software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. Font Book received a rating of 4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.3/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


23. RIPCenter

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Jun 09, 2022
Compare RIPCenter Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

RIPCenter is a leading cloud-based Graphics software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. RIPCenter received a rating of 3.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.7/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


24. Adobe Creative Suite 6

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $50 per user/month
  • May 20, 2022
Compare Adobe Creative Suite 6 Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Adobe Creative Suite 6 Design & Web Premium is a web development and designing solution that comes with a combination of industry-leading tools to help users create stunning graphics and images in a very short time. The web development and design suite includes popular Adobe products like Photoshop ...


25. Dailymotion

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jul 13, 2022
Compare Dailymotion Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Dailymotion is a website content management and video advertisement solution for personal and commercial use. It helps generate ad revenues and offers social media integration. The platform is operated by Dailymotion Publisher Network headquartered in California, United States.


26. Adobe Photoshop CS6

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business, Private use
  • Price: starts at $21 per month
  • May 20, 2022
Compare Adobe Photoshop CS6 Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Adobe Photoshop CC is an image editing software that can help users to retouch, enhance and manipulate their photos in almost any way they want. The software is known as one of the world’s most popular and advanced image editing tool. As the software is a part of Creative Cloud, people can access an...


27. Able2Extract Professional 12.0

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $149.95 per license
  • Oct 23, 2019
Compare Able2Extract Professional 12.0 Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Able2Extract Professional 12.0 is an award-winning cloud-based PDF Software software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Able2Extract Professional 12.0 received a rating of 4.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.9/5) when compared to other s...


28. studio 09

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Apr 06, 2021
Compare studio 09 Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Studio 09 is a presentation software solution for personal and commercial use. It offers convenient and customized ways of preparing and editing presentations. The software was designed and launched by Articulate headquartered in New York, United States.


29. Grome

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • May 25, 2022
Compare Grome Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Grome is an award-winning cloud-based Video editing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Grome received a rating of 4.2 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.1/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


30. FreeWebsite-com

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business
  • Price:
  • Jul 16, 2022
Compare FreeWebsite-com Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

FreeWebsite.com is a web hosting and designing service for small and medium businesses. It offers free cloud web hosting and gives the option of custom domain names. The software was designed and launched by FreeWebsite.com headquartered in New York, United States.


31. Adobe Flash

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $20 per user/month
  • May 25, 2022
Compare Adobe Flash Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Adobe Flash Professional is a multimedia authoring software that can help game developers and animators to create animation and multimedia content. The latest version of this animation software comes with a streamlined UI, 65-bit architecture support and more connected tools. Adobe, the company ...


32. Camtasia

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $299.99 per license
  • Jul 15, 2022
Compare Camtasia Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Camtasia Studio is a video editing and recording software that can help users to record on-screen computer activities or import HD camera videos and create professional videos. People can create powerful videos without much video editing knowledge. TechSmith, the company behind Camtasia Studio, ...


33. H5P

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Apr 19, 2021
Compare H5P Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

H5P is a leading cloud-based Human Resources software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. H5P received a rating of 4.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.7/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


34. DemoBuilder

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $199 per year
  • Apr 19, 2021
Compare DemoBuilder Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

DemoBuilder is a growing cloud-based Human Resources software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. DemoBuilder received a rating of 4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.3/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


35. SkillStudio

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Apr 19, 2021
Compare SkillStudio Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

SkillStudio is a leading cloud-based Human Resources software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. SkillStudio received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.6/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


36. Siderean Software

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Jun 08, 2022
Compare Siderean Software Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Siderean Software is a growing cloud-based Web Design-UI software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Siderean Software received a rating of 3.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.1/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


37. Skitch

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Private use
  • Price: starts at $7.99 per month
  • May 20, 2022
Compare Skitch Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Skitch is an image and document management solution for personal and commercial use. The software allows you to communicate your ideas instantly and manage data in different formats. It was developed and launched by Evernote Corporation headquartered in California, United States.


38. AppleMacSoft DRM Video Converter for Mac

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business, Private use
  • Price: starts at $44.95 per license
  • Aug 17, 2019
Compare AppleMacSoft DRM Video Converter for Mac Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

AppleMacSoft DRM Video Converter for Mac is a fast growing cloud-based Video editing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. AppleMacSoft DRM Video Converter for Mac received a rating of 3.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.1/5) whe...


39. Aviary

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $500 per user/month
  • Jul 16, 2022
Compare Aviary Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Aviary is a photo editing app for iPhone and Android that comes with all the required editing tools starting from quick fixing your images to stylish photo effects and red eye removal. The software also offers JavaScript SDK that works with all the popular web browsers. Aviary Company was founde...


40. Slidely + Promo

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $49 per user/month
  • Sep 21, 2019
Compare Slidely + Promo Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Slidely + Promo is a growing cloud-based Video editing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Slidely + Promo received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


41. BRAVO! Response

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $500 per user/month
  • Aug 23, 2022
Compare BRAVO! Response Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

BRAVO! Response is a growing cloud-based LMS software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. BRAVO! Response received a rating of 4.6 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


42. SystoTech PDF Split and Merge

  • Best for: Start up
  • Price: Has a free version
  • Oct 22, 2019
Compare SystoTech PDF Split and Merge Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

SystoTech PDF Split and Merge is a leading cloud-based PDF Software software, it is designed to support small size business. SystoTech PDF Split and Merge received a rating of 3.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.8/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


43. Vidyard

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $15 per month
  • Apr 15, 2021
Compare Vidyard Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Vidyard is a growing cloud-based Video Conferencing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Vidyard received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


44. Nearpod

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $10 per month
  • Apr 15, 2021
Compare Nearpod Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Nearpod is a leading cloud-based LMS software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. Nearpod received a rating of 5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


45. DocWorld

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jul 16, 2022
Compare DocWorld Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

DocWorld is a document management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as PDF conversion, page proofing and metadata editing, revision mastering, and others. The software was designed and launched by World Graphics Inc headquartered in California, United Stat...


46. Easy Cut Studio for Mac

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $59.95 per license
  • Nov 05, 2019
Compare Easy Cut Studio for Mac Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Easy Cut Studio for Mac is a fast growing cloud-based Graphics software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Easy Cut Studio for Mac received a rating of 3.8 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.1/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


47. Easy Cut Studio for Windows

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $59.95 per license
  • Oct 27, 2019
Compare Easy Cut Studio for Windows Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Easy Cut Studio for Windows is a growing cloud-based Graphics software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Easy Cut Studio for Windows received a rating of 3.2 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.6/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


48. Flex

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: Has a free version
  • Jun 01, 2022
Compare Flex Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Adobe Flex is an open source application framework that can help users to create high-performance applications for desktop, browsers, iOS, Android and Blackberry Tablet OS devices. The software offers standards-based programming model and language that supports common design patterns. Adobe, the...


49. Piktochart

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $24 per month
  • Mar 13, 2020
Compare Piktochart Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Piktochart is a growing cloud-based Photography-Photoshopping software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Piktochart received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


50. VidCorp

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Nov 11, 2019
Compare VidCorp Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

A stand-alone and API driven all-in-one platform designed to help businesses engage with their customers and staff through visual and personalised mobile experiences.


51. VHD Recovery Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $99
  • Sep 22, 2019
Compare VHD Recovery Software Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

VHD Recovery Software is a VHD file management and recovery solution for businesses of all sizes. Other than data recovery, it also offers VHD file scanning, partitioning, virtualization, and others. The software was designed and launched by SysTools Software headquartered in New York, United States...


52. Fonts-com

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $10 per month
  • Jan 31, 2020
Compare Fonts-com Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Fonts.com is a web font service that comes with thousands of desktop and web fonts for users. Users of this web font solution get more than 20,000 designs at their fingertips including thousands of attractive hand-tuned fonts crafted specially by their experts. The Fonts.com is a product from Mo...


53. Powtoon

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $19 per user/month
  • Sep 30, 2019
Compare Powtoon Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Powtoon is an award-winning cloud-based Video editing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Powtoon received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


54. Easy M4V Converter for Windows

  • Best for: Start up
  • Price: starts at $44.95 per license
  • Aug 28, 2019
Compare Easy M4V Converter for Windows Vs. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6

Easy M4V Converter for Windows is a growing cloud-based Video editing software, it is designed to support small size business. Easy M4V Converter for Windows received a rating of 4.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.8/5) when compared to alternative solutions.



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.