Top 54 Digital Advertising Software (Feb 2024)

2023's Best 55 Digital Advertising Systems

Shlomi LaviShlomi Lavi / Feb 05, 2024

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1. Flashtalking

  • Best for: Small business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Mar 01, 2023
Compare Flashtalking Vs. Flashtalking

Flashtalking is a growing cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Flashtalking received a rating of 3.9 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.8/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


2. AdButler

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $109 per month
  • Mar 13, 2022
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AdButler helps thousands of customers save time and maximize revenue with a fully customizable, rock solid and easy-to-use ad serving platform!


3. TripleLift

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $399 per month
  • Mar 20, 2022
Compare TripleLift Vs. Flashtalking

TripleLift is a growing cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. TripleLift received a rating of 3.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


4. AdGooroo Paid Search Insight Platform

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Dec 12, 2022
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Adthena is a growing cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Adthena received a rating of 3.9 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


5. Adobe Media Optimizer

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Dec 12, 2022
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Adobe Advertising Cloud is a growing cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. Adobe Advertising Cloud received a rating of 3.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


6. LiveIntent

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Mar 02, 2022
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LiveIntent is a marketing and email monetization software built for small to large businesses. Its key functions include advertising, campaign management, and CRM. It helps companies to drive engagement and boost their revenue.


7. TubeMogul

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Mar 03, 2022
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TubeMogul is marketing software for small businesses. It provides campaign management, bulk editing, fraud protection, budget pacing, targeting, mobile tracking, creative optimization, and more features. TubeMogul was founded in 2006 and is currently located in Emeryville, California.


8. Yahoo Gemini

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $500 per month
  • Mar 06, 2022
Compare Yahoo Gemini Vs. Flashtalking

Yahoo Gemini is an award-winning cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Yahoo Gemini received a rating of 3.9 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.3/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


9. Hexagram

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Mar 25, 2022
Compare Hexagram Vs. Flashtalking

Hexagram is an award-winning cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Hexagram 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.


10. sovrn

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $1 per license
  • Mar 01, 2023
Compare sovrn Vs. Flashtalking

sovrn is a trending cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. sovrn received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.9/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


Pricing Guide - Digital Advertising Software:

Marketing Software Price Ranges

Marketing software products have different pricing based on their focus features and the target audience. However, companies looking for a marketing software can expect to pay between the range of $30 to $100 per user, per month. This price range covers the basic offering of most vendors; hence, premium or enterprise offerings will be significantly higher. For instance, HubSpot Marketing Automation pricing starts from $50 per user monthly, SendinBlue from $25 per user monthly, while Pardot pricing sits around $1,200—although with more robust features and more user accounts.

The prices for marketing software also depend on the size of businesses. The price ranges for each business size are as follows:

  • Small Businesses can expect to pay between $15 to $25 for a marketing software, plus some vendors make their low-end offerings free for tiny business sizes. For example, CleverTap, Moosend, and Bigmailer all have packages that are free for small businesses. Meanwhile, some premium marketing software for small businesses are ActiveCampaign, which starts from $15 per user per month, Campaigner from $19, and Remarkety pricing starts from $25 upwards.
  • Medium Businesses can expect an average price of $50 for a marketing software. Most marketing software offerings for medium businesses sit around this price range, although some other products can be as high as $150 per user per month. For example, FreshMarket, Integrated Marketing Portal, and SalesNexus CRM & Automation cost around $50 each— all on a per user, per month basis. Meanwhile, Bazo and GreenRope cost $70 and $150, respectively.
  • Large Businesses can expect to pay prices which range from $400 to $1,500 per month for marketing software, although many of the packages include 2 or more user accounts. Adding more users cost more, depending on the business’ size. For instance, Act-On pricing starts from 900 per month, Maropost costs from $500 monthly upward, and Pardot costs around $1,200 monthly.

Marketing software best of breeds and their respective price ranges are as follows:

  • Campaign Management Software The prices for most campaign management software in the market are set based on a per month basis, although there are others with yearly billings. However, businesses can expect to pay between the ranges of $10 to $50, $50 to $150, and $150 upwards monthly for a campaign management software. The prices are subjective to factors such as the number of user accounts, number of contacts, etc. For example, Asana costs around $11 per user monthly, PinPointe $42 per month, and Campaign Influence Analyzer $6,500 yearly for unlimited users and a number of other features.
  • Brand Management Software Most Brand management software pricing comes in various volatile pricing patterns; hence, some can be bought perpetually, while others are priced on a yearly or monthly basis. Given this, companies can expect prices that fall between $500 to $3,000 for marketing software billed per month and between $5,000 to $40,000 for ones billed yearly. For example, AssetBank pricing starts from around $550 per month, BEAM costs up to about 2,500 per month, and Wedia pricing sits around $12,000 per year.
  • Content Marketing Software Content marketing software pricing usually falls between $10 to $50, depending on the tier or level of offering of each product. The prices are set on a per user, per month basis. For instance, AirTable pricing starts from $12 per user monthly, DropTrack costs from $19 per user monthly, while Topic pricing starts from $49 per user per month.
  • Marketing Analytics Software For marketing analysis software, users can expect to pay prices that range from $10 to $50 monthly for low-end offerings. On the other hand, standard or premium fall between $200 to $800 per month. For example, AgencyAnalytics pricing is priced at $49 per month, ClickData costs about $25 per month, and Singular pricing falls around $750 monthly.
  • Marketing Research Software This is divided into tiers, with some considered standard and others premium. Businesses can expect prices that range from $15 to $50 on a per month basis for standard offerings on marketing research software. Premium offerings cost between $200 to $700, depending on the robustness of the product’s features. For example, TypeForm costs $35 per month, Survio costs $29 monthly, and CYS pricing is around $290 monthly. There are also yearly pricing; for example, CheckMarket costs $1,000 per year, and Nifield pricing is at $2,000 per year.

11. Xaxis Prime

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Mar 01, 2023
Compare Xaxis Prime Vs. Flashtalking

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


12. Adform for Advertisers

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Mar 01, 2023
Compare Adform for Advertisers Vs. Flashtalking

Adform for Advertisers is a leading cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. Adform for Advertisers received a rating of 4.4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


13. Smart AdServer

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Mar 28, 2022
Compare Smart AdServer Vs. Flashtalking

Smart AdServer is a trending cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Smart AdServer received a rating of 3.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.3/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


14. Boostable

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $25 per month
  • Dec 12, 2022
Compare Boostable Vs. Flashtalking

Boostable is a trending cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Boostable received a rating of 3.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.5/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


15. Adbeat

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $249 per month
  • Mar 30, 2022
Compare Adbeat Vs. Flashtalking

Adbeat is a growing cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Adbeat received a rating of 4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


16. Bannersnack

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

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.


17. Conversion Logic

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Dec 12, 2022
Compare Conversion Logic Vs. Flashtalking

Conversion Logic is a growing cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Conversion Logic received a rating of 3.6 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.2/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


18. Upfluence Software

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $795 per user/month
  • Mar 31, 2022
Compare Upfluence Software Vs. Flashtalking

Upfluence Software is a cloud-based influencer marketing solution. The software allows the users to monitor their competition as well as know what the influencers are saying about their products.


19. AdColony

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $5 per license
  • Apr 03, 2022
Compare AdColony Vs. Flashtalking

AdColony is a cloud-based marketing solution that comes with mobile-friendly support that allows users to perform all the operation on their phones. AdColony helps users contact their customers and promote their goods or services online.


20. ExactDrive

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $4 per month
  • Apr 09, 2022
Compare ExactDrive Vs. Flashtalking

ExactDrive is a cloud-hosted, self-serve advertising platform that delivers online advertising solutions that makes it faster and easier to reach more people who are ready to embrace the users brand. Users can plan, manage and optimize online advertising campaigns to provide the results you want.


21. Fraudlogix

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $2,500 per month
  • Apr 09, 2022
Compare Fraudlogix Vs. Flashtalking

Fraudlogix is a cloud-based advertising fraud detection company founded in 2010 by industry veterans with a deep understanding of the digital ad ecosystem. The platform is a first of its kind to tackle the distinct challenges that the supply side face ( including ad networks, ad exchanges, and SSPs)...


22. Adthena

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Apr 09, 2022
Compare Adthena Vs. Flashtalking

Adthena is a cloud-based competitive intelligence solution that empowers brands from all industries to acquire more customers, and reach their full digital potential. Designed for medium-sized businesses and large enterprises, Adthena uses an artificial intelligence feature that provides a dynamic v...


23. Sylvan

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $99 per license
  • Apr 09, 2022
Compare Sylvan Vs. Flashtalking

Sylvan is a cloud-based performance measurement and attribution solution that supports multiple attribution methodologies including fixed income attribution (FIA) and security level attribution (SLA), user-defined attribution (UDA), customized benchmarking and composite management.


24. AdRoll

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $19 per month
  • Sep 02, 2022
Compare AdRoll Vs. Flashtalking

AdRoll is a cloud-based marketing automation software that is designed to assist businesses to compete online as well as promote growth. This software is widely used by businesses with an online presence as well as e-commerce.


25. Ampush

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Apr 18, 2022
Compare Ampush Vs. Flashtalking

Ampush is a cloud-based social media marketing solution that is used to automate marketing as well as advertising campaigns on Twitter and Facebook. Additionally, with the software, a user can perform a cross-platform analysis as well as reporting so as to gain an in-depth understanding of the adver...


26. Spongecell

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Dec 13, 2022
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Spongecell is cloud-based marketing automation as well as advertising agency software. The software is a digital advertising platform which gives the user the privilege to create as well as optimize creative experiences through automation, integration, and machine learning.


27. Pathmatics

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $10,000 per year
  • Apr 24, 2022
Compare Pathmatics Vs. Flashtalking

Pathmatics is a cloud-based digital marketing intelligence and marketing analytics solution designed for agencies, brands and publishers. The solution features pathmatics explorer intelligence platform, pathmatics connect data feed and pathmatics custom data solutions.


28. Verve

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $1.99 per user/month
  • Mar 01, 2023
Compare Verve Vs. Flashtalking

Verve is a growing cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Verve received a rating of 4.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.6/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


29. Convertro

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Dec 13, 2022
Compare Convertro Vs. Flashtalking

Convertro is a growing cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Convertro 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.


30. Brand Networks

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • May 14, 2022
Compare Brand Networks Vs. Flashtalking

Brand Networks is an award-winning cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Brand Networks received a rating of 4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.5/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


31. ReportGarden

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $89 per month
  • May 22, 2022
Compare ReportGarden Vs. Flashtalking

ReportGarden is an award-winning cloud-based Analytics software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. ReportGarden received a rating of 4.4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


32. The Trade Desk DMP

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • May 21, 2022
Compare The Trade Desk DMP Vs. Flashtalking

The Trade Desk DMP is a growing cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. The Trade Desk DMP received a rating of 4.8 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


33. Nativo

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jun 20, 2022
Compare Nativo Vs. Flashtalking

Nativo is a fast growing cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Nativo received a rating of 4.9 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.4/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


34. AvantLink

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jun 20, 2022
Compare AvantLink Vs. Flashtalking

AvantLink is a growing cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. AvantLink received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.4/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


35. StackAdapt

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jun 20, 2022
Compare StackAdapt Vs. Flashtalking

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


36. Conversant

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Dec 17, 2022
Compare Conversant Vs. Flashtalking

Epsilon is a growing cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Epsilon received a rating of 3.4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


37. MediaMath

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jun 28, 2022
Compare MediaMath Vs. Flashtalking

MediaMath is an award-winning cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. MediaMath received a rating of 4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.4/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


38. AdTriba

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $1,500 per month
  • Jun 28, 2022
Compare AdTriba Vs. Flashtalking

AdTriba is a leading cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. AdTriba received a rating of 2.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.5/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


39. AdWords

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $1 per license
  • Jun 28, 2022
Compare AdWords Vs. Flashtalking

AdWords is a leading cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. AdWords received a rating of 3.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.6/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


40. cidewalk

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $60 per month
  • Jun 28, 2022
Compare cidewalk Vs. Flashtalking

Cidewalk software is an on-premise mobile advertising platform with geo-fencing. The solution helps to eliminate the time consuming and complex marketing services and allows the user to enjoy streamlined and effective marketing.


41. TrackingDesk

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $50 per feature/month
  • Jun 28, 2022
Compare TrackingDesk Vs. Flashtalking

TrackingDesk is a leading cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. TrackingDesk received a rating of 3.8 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.7/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


42. HookLogic

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Dec 19, 2022
Compare HookLogic Vs. Flashtalking

Criteo is a trending cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Criteo received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


43. Perfect Portal

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jan 22, 2024
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Perfect Portal is a legal-focused software solution that streamlines internal efficiencies and effectively manages a higher volume of matters across all departments within your law firm. It is a unified platform for job seekers and employers for the obtrusive business tasks of job placement.


44. Practice made Perfect

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jan 22, 2024
Compare Practice made Perfect Vs. Flashtalking

Practice Made Perfect is a law firm advertising agency that provides data-informed legal marketing services to help law firms increase their case volumes through website and advertising services. The company was established in 2000 in West Palm Beach, Florida, and has been helping law firms across t...


45. Tātou

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jan 19, 2024
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Tātou is a people management software for orchards, vineyards, paddocks and more. It is a reliable app co-designed in the field to work in the real world. Tātou was launched in 2019 by founders Matt Flowerday and Ben Reid. It is based in Christchurch, New Zealand. It has about 10 employees.


46. Advids

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $1,000 per license
  • Jul 09, 2022
Compare Advids Vs. Flashtalking

Advids is an award-winning cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Advids received a rating of 3.9 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.7/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


47. Engagement Rx

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Feb 05, 2024
Compare Engagement Rx Vs. Flashtalking

Engagement Rx is not your run-of-the-mill health app—it is a personalized digital coaching platform designed to revolutionize how we approach well-being. Imagine having a virtual health companion that tailors advice to your unique needs, nudges you toward healthier habits, and celebrates your victor...


48. Confluent

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

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.


49. DoubleClick for Publishers

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $1,500 per month
  • Jul 09, 2022
Compare DoubleClick for Publishers Vs. Flashtalking

DoubleClick for Publishers is a fast growing cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. DoubleClick for Publishers received a rating of 4.9 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.5/5) when compared to alternative soluti...


50. Google AdMob

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: Has a free version
  • Jul 19, 2022
Compare Google AdMob Vs. Flashtalking

Google AdMob is a growing cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Google AdMob received a rating of 3.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


51. Taggstar

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jul 29, 2022
Compare Taggstar Vs. Flashtalking

Taggstar is a leading cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Taggstar received a rating of 4.4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.3/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


52. Dstillery

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jul 29, 2022
Compare Dstillery Vs. Flashtalking

Dstillery is an award-winning cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Dstillery received a rating of 3.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.8/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


53. Perfect Audience

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Aug 06, 2022
Compare Perfect Audience Vs. Flashtalking

Perfect Audience is a leading cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Perfect Audience received a rating of 2.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


54. Choozle

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $99 per month
  • Aug 06, 2022
Compare Choozle Vs. Flashtalking

Choozle is a growing cloud-based Marketing software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Choozle received a rating of 3.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered a bit pricey (4.1/5) vs their competitors.



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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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.