Top 54 Mobile Software (Mar 2023)

2023's Best 55 Mobile Systems

Shlomi LaviShlomi Lavi / Mar 07, 2023

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1. Salesforce

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $25 per user/month
  • Dec 29, 2022
Compare Salesforce Vs. Salesforce

Salesforce is a cloud-hosted customer relationship management (CRM) software suite that offer solutions for small, mid-level and enterprise organizations focusing mainly on sales and support. The software offers various solutions that include sales, marketing, service, commerce, engagement, integrat...


2. Oracle Taleo

  • Best for: Large business
  • Price: starts at $5,000 per year
  • Mar 02, 2023
Compare Oracle Taleo Vs. Salesforce

Oracle Taleo is cloud-based HR management software that was released into the market in 2004. This is a complete human resource solution for all types of business especially the medium sized and large companies. This is used for purposes of recruitment and has recently been intergarted with other re...


3. Smartsheet

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $7 per user/month
  • Feb 28, 2023
Compare Smartsheet Vs. Salesforce

Smartsheet is a cloud-based project management solution that is developed to be used by individuals and by businesses that are in the manufacturing businesses, construction, and oil and gas companies among others.


4. Epicor WMS

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $55 per user/month
  • Dec 26, 2022
Compare Epicor WMS Vs. Salesforce

Kinetic WMS is a cloud-based and on premise enterprise resource management system that incorporates warehouse management & supply chain management tools.


5. MobileCause

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $149 per month
  • Mar 09, 2022
Compare MobileCause Vs. Salesforce

MobileCause is a fundraising software that provides online and event fundraising tools in a single system.


6. Intuit GoPayment

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $12.50 per user/month
  • Mar 12, 2022
Compare Intuit GoPayment Vs. Salesforce

Intuit GoPayment is a cloud-based, mobile payment gateway modeled to handle the payment needs of small businesses to midsize organizations. It is payment management that allow vendors to process various credit card transactions using a mobile application.


7. honeybeeBase

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $2 per user/month
  • Mar 13, 2022
Compare honeybeeBase Vs. Salesforce

honeybeeBase software is a web based staff management solution designed for small size businesses. The software features include training, human resource, employee communications, counseling reports, payroll, vacation, time clock, and paid time off among others. It allows the employees to check in a...


8. WhatsApp

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Mar 14, 2022
Compare WhatsApp Vs. Salesforce

WhatsApp is a simple and real time messaging app for personal and commercial use. It also allows the sharing of images and videos and offers support for all major operating system. It was designed and launched by WhatsApp Inc headquartered in California, United States.


9. CrossKnowledge Learning Suite

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Feb 27, 2023
Compare CrossKnowledge Learning Suite Vs. Salesforce

CrossKnowledge Learning Suite is a complete SaaS, cloud-based learning management solution that offers distance learning tools for various organizations. The platform is founded on exclusive learning technologies which are among the world’s most sought after content.


10. Thought Industries

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Feb 28, 2023
Compare Thought Industries Vs. Salesforce

Thought Industries is a cloud-based LMS (Learning Management System) Software that allows its users to manage their online content creation and delivery to clients custom specifications.


Pricing Guide - Mobile Software:

Business Phone Systems Price Range

Organizations would typically have to pay up between $17 and up to $1000 for Business Phone Systems software. However, the Price differs between Hosted systems and on-premise ones, and the majority of vendors charge their software cost per user. Additional billing can be present for services such as VoIP-Traditional Phone switch, Broadband, and Hosting. Users can also consider price points for some of these software products by their fit for company size, such as is follows:

  • Small scale businesses can expect to pay between $15 and $40 a month for VoIP Business Phone Systems. For example, GoToConnect and RingCentral Office pricing both begin at $20 a month, Dialpad Talk cost price at $15 per month, and Mitel pricing goes for $21 monthly. Furthermore, Ooma Office has a base subscription of $20 per month, with another Pro plan at $25 monthly. Vonage Business Solutions charges $15 per month for each line, and users can get an extension for $40 a month per line.
  • Medium-sized organizations would typically find software with cost price ranging between $95 and $179 monthly. For example, CallRails Business subscriptions start at $95 a month, REIRail Gold pricing begins at $97 per month, and MeetingSphere costs $99 monthly. Also, Dixa has a Professional plan which costs $99 a month, a Premium and Platinum plan that goes for $139 and $179 per month, respectively.
  • Large Corporations generally have to pay up to $1500 a month for VoIP BPS software. DCDial, for example, has a Grow plan, which begins at $899 a month, with the option to a Pro subscription, which costs $1499 per month. BoardBookIt Professional pricing starts at $585 a month, with an enterprise plan which has a cost price of $792 monthly. Additionally, Brazen pricing begins at $1999 for each event.

Some of the best of breeds have cost prices that lie within distinct price ranges; the analyses of their pricing are as follows:

  • VoIP Phone Systems These software products exist within the price range of $30-$45 a month. For example, Versature Essentials cost $30 per month, and its user can opt for the Professional and Enterprise plans, both of which go for $35 and $45 a month, respectively. MiCloud Connect has a starting cost price of $21 per month for each user, with Premier and Elite subscriptions, which costs $27 and $38 monthly. Furthermore, pricing for MightyCall starts at $20 a month, TeamViewer at $49 per month, and ConnectWise One at $19 monthly.
  • VoIP SoftPhones Users would generally have to pay between $0 and $100 a month for VoIP Softphone software. For instance, Freshcaller Sprout is free, and its users can procure Blossom or Garden subscriptions for $19 and $39 a month, respectively. Furthermore, Nice inContact pricing starts at $100 monthly for each user and Intulse at $15 a month.
  • Auto Attendant Systems Auto Attendant System products have prices that could reach up to $1000 a month. For example, Voximplant has a Small subscription which starts at $100 a month, and a Medium Messaging plan at $1000 per month. MightyCall pricing goes for $20 a month, and Sharpen cost price begins at $25 monthly – Sharpen also has an Empower plan that costs $119 per month.
  • Small Business Phone Systems Users can expect a price range of $15-$65 for Small Business Phone Systems software. SIP.US cost price, for example, starts at $25 monthly, ActiveDEMAND pricing begins at $15 a month and goes up to $65 per month.
  • Online Meeting Software These products have cost prices between $7 and $32 a month. Cisco Webex Starter pricing is $14 per month for each host, Doodle Team costs $32 a month, and SamePage goes for $8 monthly. Livestorm also begins at $39 monthly.
  • Business Phone Service Providers Vendors of Business Phone Service Provider software generally charge between $20 and $100 per month for starter subscriptions. Genesys Cloud 1 pricing starts at $75 a month, CallHippo Bronze at $18 monthly, and MeetFox at $11 per month.
  • Conference Calling Software These software products have cost prices up to $199 a month. For example, HighFive pricing starts at $199 per month for each room, LoopUp costs $22 monthly, and Vectera Pro at $9 each month per host.

11. Wrike

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $9.80 per user/month
  • Mar 07, 2023
Compare Wrike Vs. Salesforce

Wrike is a cloud-based as well as an on-premise enterprise resource planning solution that is developed to be used by individuals as well as by businesses that are either talent tracking companies or human resource companies.


12. Cellcrypt Mobile

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $1,600 per year
  • Mar 22, 2022
Compare Cellcrypt Mobile Vs. Salesforce

Cellcrypt Mobile is a communications tool which provides military-grade encryption protection in voice calls and text messages. It uses a double-layer AES 256 & RC4 384 end-to-end crypto scheme which generates new keys for each voice call and message made or received.


13. TubeMogul

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Mar 03, 2022
Compare TubeMogul Vs. Salesforce

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.


14. Launch27

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $59 per month
  • May 06, 2022
Compare Launch27 Vs. Salesforce

Launch27 is a field service software that enables cleaning businesses to increase their customer base, ultimately resulting in profitable ventures.


15. School Loop

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $4.75 per year
  • Mar 25, 2022
Compare School Loop Vs. Salesforce

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


16. ASSET PANDA

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $1,400 per year
  • Jun 16, 2022
Compare ASSET PANDA Vs. Salesforce

Asset Panda is a fixed asset tracking software designed to helps user with the customization with their workflows.


17. Sakai CLE

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: Has a free version
  • Jun 20, 2022
Compare Sakai CLE Vs. Salesforce

Sakai CLE is a cloud-based learning management system suitable for use in major schools that have online announcements, online tests, grade books, calendars, and assignment.


18. ThunderTix

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $79 per month
  • Apr 04, 2022
Compare ThunderTix Vs. Salesforce

ThunderTix is an online ticketing system that lets the users do full service of a ticketing for both online sales and walk-up orders through phone or at the box office.


19. InSync Anywhere

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Apr 07, 2022
Compare InSync Anywhere Vs. Salesforce

InSync Anywhere is a data collection and management solution for businesses of all sizes. Its capabilities include inventory data management, time and attendance management, and others. The software was designed and launched by Godlan Inc headquartered in Michigan, United States.


20. Academy Platform LMS

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $279 per month
  • Jul 13, 2022
Compare Academy Platform LMS Vs. Salesforce

Academy Platform LMS is a cloud-based learning management system that is designed to suit operation in learning institutions as well as the corporate world. Academy Platform LMS helps the users achieve their academic or training goal through a friendly environment that allows users to maximize their...


21. Humanity

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $3.50 per feature/month
  • Aug 25, 2022
Compare Humanity Vs. Salesforce

Humanity is cloud-based employee scheduling software solution that features time-tracking among other functionalities. It is built to help businesses streamline their employee scheduling process.


22. Performance Management System

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Apr 23, 2022
Compare Performance Management System Vs. Salesforce

Performance Management is an employee performance management software designed to keep track and improve employee performance.


23. ShareKnowledge

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: Has a free version
  • May 16, 2022
Compare ShareKnowledge Vs. Salesforce

ShareKnowledge is an LMS (Learning Management System) software designed to help businesses build a stronger workforce.


24. devContact

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $9.99 per month
  • May 14, 2022
Compare devContact Vs. Salesforce

devContact is a help desk software designed as an online solution to help handle user retention, feedbacks, bad reviews, and customer support problems.


25. GoConqr Software

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $0.84 per month
  • Jan 05, 2022
Compare GoConqr Software Vs. Salesforce

GoConqr is a cloud-based LMS (Learning Management Systems) software that enables educators to build up learning curriculums around concepts, scopes and contexts using mind development tools.


26. eWorkOrders

  • Best for: Medium business
  • Price: starts at $35 per feature/month
  • Apr 28, 2022
Compare eWorkOrders Vs. Salesforce

eWorkOrders is a web based CMMS that harnesses the power and convenience of the Internet to allow individuals from different organizations – municipalities, real estate owners, property managers, building engineers, tenants, service providers, IT support and vendors – to work together in real-tim...


27. ProProfs LMS

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $1 per learner/month
  • Apr 27, 2022
Compare ProProfs LMS Vs. Salesforce

ProProfs LMS is an integrated Web-based SaaS learning management system built for online education and training. ProProfs LMS contains an online assessment and course creator, and feedback tools including poll & survey, and learning aids.


28. Oracle Field Service Cloud

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • May 21, 2022
Compare Oracle Field Service Cloud Vs. Salesforce

Oracle Field Service is a web based field service management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as routing and scheduling, dispatch management, electronic signature, and others. The software was designed and launched by Oracle Corporation headquartered in California, U...


29. SAP Business One

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $56 per user/month
  • Dec 20, 2022
Compare SAP Business One Vs. Salesforce

SAP Business One software is an enterprise resource planning solution designed for small and midsized business. The solution offers a number of functionalities that include premium engagements that secure businesses long-term success with the highest level of enterprise and collaboration.


30. LoveMySkool

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $9 per student/year
  • May 24, 2022
Compare LoveMySkool Vs. Salesforce

LoveMySkool is a LMS software designed to empower educators in the engagement of their students.


31. LearningCart

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $199 per month
  • May 21, 2022
Compare LearningCart Vs. Salesforce

LearningCart is a cloud-based Learning Management Systems software that enables professionals to manage their courses distribution through tools and integrations.


32. Checkvist

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $3.90 per person/month
  • May 24, 2022
Compare Checkvist Vs. Salesforce

Checkvist is a cloud-based outliner and task-management solutions designed to build task lists and jot down notes and more. Some of its features include tags, list items, word count, checklists and more.


33. Motivis Learning Software

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $13 per month
  • Dec 13, 2022
Compare Motivis Learning Software Vs. Salesforce

Motivis Learning is a cloud-based learning relationship management system (LMS) designed for K-12 schools and higher education institutions of all sizes. The solution helps educators plan a curriculum, monitor class participation and manage the course work.


34. Cascade Strategy

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $59 per user/month
  • May 21, 2022
Compare Cascade Strategy Vs. Salesforce

Cascade Strategy is a strategic planning software designed to accelerate business growth while keeping owners focused and workflow aligned.


35. Curatr

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $9,000 per year
  • Jun 15, 2022
Compare Curatr Vs. Salesforce

Curatr (now Stream LXP) is an LMS software designed as a comprehensive learning suite to help organizations develop employees.


36. Repsly

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $24 per user/month
  • Jun 07, 2022
Compare Repsly Vs. Salesforce

Repsly is a cloud-based retail execution and sales enablement solution designed to help the user in contact and lead management. The solution helps centralize the sales of a specific brand, observational and in-store data connecting store-level activities with sales impact.


37. BranchTrack Software

  • Best for: Medium business
  • Price: starts at $999 per year
  • Jun 12, 2022
Compare BranchTrack Software Vs. Salesforce

BranchTrack Software is a cloud-based LMS (learning management system) software that is specifically designed for sales training purposes. With this software solution, the user can set up training courses with branching scenarios.


38. Looop

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $299 per month
  • May 29, 2022
Compare Looop Vs. Salesforce

Looop is a LIMS software designed to help organizations automate manual learning processes and save time. The software has a launch campaign that helps deliver content automatically and at the scheduled time.


39. Ticketbud

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $0.99 per license
  • Jun 10, 2022
Compare Ticketbud Vs. Salesforce

Ticketbud is a growing cloud-based Online Ticketing software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Ticketbud received a rating of 4.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


40. OfficeTrack

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jun 18, 2022
Compare OfficeTrack Vs. Salesforce

OfficeTrack is a field service app designed to help businesses optimize their HR management and boost performance.


41. Aavaz

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $85 per user/month
  • Jun 18, 2022
Compare Aavaz Vs. Salesforce

Aavaz is a web based call center management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such services as call logging and recording, escalation management, premise-based call center, and others. The software was designed and launched by Tekege Solutions Inc headquartered in California, United St...


42. Useful

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $49 per user/month
  • Dec 17, 2022
Compare Useful Vs. Salesforce

Useful is an award-winning cloud-based Field Service software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Useful received a rating of 2.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.4/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


43. eTrainCenter

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $151 per month
  • Jun 16, 2022
Compare eTrainCenter Vs. Salesforce

eTrainCenter is an LMS software designed for businesses to build and manage learning initiatives, launch and build online training content, track user performance, and expand organizational reach.


44. TrackVia

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $499 per month
  • Jun 16, 2022
Compare TrackVia Vs. Salesforce

TrackVia is a web-based solution that can also be accessed on mobile, which helps businesses manage their customer relations, sales, projects, assets and more. What separates TrackVia from similar tools is complete customization for dashboards and modules based on each user’s needs by easy and intui...


45. 360e

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $150 per month
  • Jun 18, 2022
Compare 360e Vs. Salesforce

360e is a web based field service management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as dispatch management, inventory control, service history tracking, and others. The software was designed and launched by 360e Enterprises LLC headquartered in the United States.


46. Charity Engine

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $350 per month
  • Jun 28, 2022
Compare Charity Engine Vs. Salesforce

Since 1999, we have been bringing best-in-breed technology and innovation to businesses and nonprofits with the goal of driving growth through better, smarter, and more actionable data. We have designed and implemented customer relationship management (CRM), email and website management to over 4...


47. Jamf Now

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $4 per device/month
  • Jul 01, 2022
Compare Jamf Now Vs. Salesforce

Jamf Now is a growing cloud-based Security software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Jamf Now received a rating of 4.9 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


48. Prosperity LMS

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $295 per month
  • Jul 02, 2022
Compare Prosperity LMS Vs. Salesforce

Prosperity LMS by Ziiva is a cloud based and on premise Learning Management System (LMS) software that is designed to help organizations manage their employee training programs and deliver an end to end learning management solution.


49. Didacte

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $40 per month
  • Jul 02, 2022
Compare Didacte Vs. Salesforce

Didacte is a Learning Management System software built to help businesses create courses integrated with videos, images or PDF files of their choice.


50. LightWork Time

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $9 per user/month
  • Jul 02, 2022
Compare LightWork Time Vs. Salesforce

LightWork Time is a cloud based time and attendance solution that offers talent management and time keeping solutions. It can also be installed on premise. LightWork Time is a time, and attendance module enables both managers and employees to input employee time at intervals specified by the busines...


51. SnapEngage Live Chat

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $16 per user/year
  • Jun 25, 2022
Compare SnapEngage Live Chat Vs. Salesforce

SnapEngage Live Chat is a web based live chat and customer support solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as agent scheduling, assignment management, customizable branding, and others. The software was designed and launched by SnapEngage headquartered in Colorado, United S...


52. Sales Service Cloud

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $25 per user/month
  • Jun 23, 2022
Compare Sales Service Cloud Vs. Salesforce

Sales Service Cloud is a customer service software that can help users to manage their customer service from any device, anytime, anywhere. Users can also include the one-touch service directly in their products. Whether you are online from smartphone or a desktop, you have everything to resolve pro...


53. Dolibarr

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $9 per month
  • Jun 23, 2022
Compare Dolibarr Vs. Salesforce

Dolibarr is a CRM software designed to help companies create and manage documents, quotes, invoices, and proposals. When prospective clients accept quotes or proposals, the software helps to convert them to customers automatically.


54. Convergence LMS

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jun 23, 2022
Compare Convergence LMS Vs. Salesforce

Convergence LMS software is a cloud-based learning management solution that is built to serve manufacturing and industrial employees. Convergence LMS is accessible both on-premise and in the cloud platforms.



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
Proper business software selections are the precursor to successful deployment and business growth. Finding the right solutions doesnít have to be complicated, and it doesnít have to take days or weeks of your time.

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



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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.