Top 54 Security Software (Dec 2022)

2023's Best 55 Security Systems

Shlomi LaviShlomi Lavi / Dec 12, 2022

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1. VIPRE Antivirus

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $14.99 per user/year
  • Mar 11, 2022
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VIPRE Antivirus is both a cloud and on-premise deployed antivirus software. It is a device management system that is meant to secure both the users’ devices and data from any form of cyber-attack.


2. Mentis

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $10,000 per license
  • Mar 12, 2022
Compare Mentis Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

Mentis HRMS software is a cloud-based human resource management software that helps to automate the HR functions and services such as recruitment, employee management, training and more.


3. Webroot

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $39.99 per license
  • Mar 12, 2022
Compare Webroot Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

Webroot is an security and antivirus protection that is specially designed for mobile phones and tablets, There are so many features and benefits that users will derive from installing this application which is offered as a standalone software. Besides general protection from virus, there is also in...


4. DbProtect

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $1,500 per license
  • Mar 12, 2022
Compare DbProtect Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

DbProtect is a data security platform for businesses of all sizes. It offers such services as development of security policies, data security scanning, remediation, and others. The software was designed and launched by Application Security Inc headquartered in New York, United States.


5. Skycure

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price:
  • Mar 13, 2022
Compare Skycure Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

Skycure is a growing cloud-based Security software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Skycure received a rating of 3.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.4/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


6. Red Canary

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $80 per year
  • Mar 14, 2022
Compare Red Canary Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

Red Canary is a growing cloud-based Security software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Red Canary received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.3/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


7. AVG Internet Security Business Edition

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $56.99 per device/year
  • Mar 13, 2022
Compare AVG Internet Security Business Edition Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

AVG Internet Security Business Edition is an endpoint protection software that can protect your laptop, PC, file and email server without slowing them down or getting in your way when you are working. You can send your messages or go online without worrying about your security. The server protection...


8. McAfee Complete Endpoint Protection

  • Best for: Medium business
  • Price: starts at $35.99 per feature
  • Mar 14, 2022
Compare McAfee Complete Endpoint Protection Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

McAfee Complete Endpoint Protection is a network security and endpoint protection solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as device monitoring, email attachment scanning, full disk encryption, and others. The software was designed and launched by McAfee Inc headquartered in...


9. McAfee Endpoint Protection Essential for SMB

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $30.16 per user/year
  • Mar 19, 2022
Compare McAfee Endpoint Protection Essential for SMB Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

McAfee Endpoint Protection Essential for SMB is a growing cloud-based Security software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. McAfee Endpoint Protection Essential for SMB received a rating of 4.2 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.4/5) when compare...


10. Avira Small Business Security Suite

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $59.99 per year
  • Mar 19, 2022
Compare Avira Small Business Security Suite Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

Avira Small Business Security Suite is a growing cloud-based Security software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Avira Small Business Security Suite received a rating of 4.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.5/5) when compared to other sol...


11. HP ArcSight Security Intelligence

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $45,000 per license
  • Mar 15, 2022
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HP ArcSight Security Intelligence is a business intelligence and IT infrastructure management solution for businesses of all sizes. Its capabilities include automated pattern analysis, automated compliance reporting, and others. The software was designed and launched by Network Design & ...


12. CloudLock for Google Apps

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business, Private use
  • Price: starts at $12 per year
  • Mar 15, 2022
Compare CloudLock for Google Apps Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

CloudLock for Google Apps is a sensitive content detection and protection solution for businesses of all sizes. Its capabilities include apps adoption lifecycle management, protection from threats and inadvertent misuse, and others. The software was designed and launched by CloudLock headquartered i...


13. Barracuda Web Application Firewall

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $9,999 per year
  • Mar 20, 2022
Compare Barracuda Web Application Firewall Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

Barracuda Web Application Firewall is a web intrusion and threat protection solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such services as website cloaking, file upload control, SSL offloading, and others. The software was designed and launched by Barracuda Networks Inc headquartered in Sydney, Au...


14. Easy Solutions

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $29 per month
  • Mar 21, 2022
Compare Easy Solutions Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

Easy Solutions is a growing cloud-based Security software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. Easy Solutions received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


15. McAfee Endpoint Protection Advanced for SMB

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $35.99 per feature
  • Mar 02, 2022
Compare McAfee Endpoint Protection Advanced for SMB Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

McAfee Endpoint Protection Advanced for SMB is a network security solution for small and medium businesses. It offers such capabilities as web and messaging security, mobile security, threat intelligence, and others. The software was designed and launched by McAfee Inc headquartered in C...


16. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Business

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $49.99 per device/year
  • Mar 02, 2022
Compare Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Business Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Business is a leading cloud-based Security software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Business received a rating of 4.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.8/5) when compared to ...


17. Heimdal PRO

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $34.98 per year
  • Mar 02, 2022
Compare Heimdal PRO Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

Heimdal PRO is an endpoint protection solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as data security, zero day malware protection, remote management, and others. The software was designed and launched by Heimdal Security VAT.


18. Norton Security Standard

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $7.99 per year
  • Mar 03, 2022
Compare Norton Security Standard Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

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


19. Panda Cloud Protection

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Private use
  • Price: starts at $28 per user/year
  • Mar 22, 2022
Compare Panda Cloud Protection Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

Panda Cloud Protection is a cloud-based security solution designed to protect you from major threat vectors like web, email and endpoint. The software provides strong security for servers, desktops, laptops and other removable devices. It can give strong protection against the latest spam and viruse...


20. iboss

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $1,500 per license
  • Mar 02, 2022
Compare iboss Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

iboss is a growing cloud-based Security software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. iboss received a rating of 3.6 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.6/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


21. eM Client

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $24.95 per license
  • Mar 22, 2022
Compare eM Client Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

eM Client is a growing cloud-based Office-Admin software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. eM Client received a rating of 4.6 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.3/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


22. Malwarebytes Endpoint Security

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $49.99 per device/year
  • Mar 02, 2022
Compare Malwarebytes Endpoint Security Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

Malwarebytes Endpoint Security is an endpoint security solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as anti-spam protection, device monitoring, malware protection, and others. The software was designed and launched by Malwarebytes headquartered in California, United States.


23. AVG CloudCare

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $0.53 per device/month
  • Mar 02, 2022
Compare AVG CloudCare Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

AVG CloudCare is a web based network security solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as anti-virus protection, website filtering, keyless licensing, and others. The software was designed and launched by AVG Technologies Inc headquartered in California, United S...


24. SecureLogix

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Mar 05, 2022
Compare SecureLogix Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

SecureLogix is a leading cloud-based Security software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. SecureLogix received a rating of 4.4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.6/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


25. Mailbird

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $2.27 per month
  • Mar 06, 2022
Compare Mailbird Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

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


26. Symantec Endpoint Protection

  • Best for: Medium business
  • Price: starts at $30 per user/year
  • Mar 05, 2022
Compare Symantec Endpoint Protection Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

Symantec Endpoint Protection is an anti-virus protection solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as intrusion prevention, spamming protection, automatic client updates, and others. The software was designed and launched by Symantec Corporation headquartered in California, U...


27. ESET Endpoint Antivirus

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $39.99 per year
  • Mar 24, 2022
Compare ESET Endpoint Antivirus Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

ESET Endpoint Antivirus is an anti-virus protection solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as anti-spyware protection, anti-phishing protection, device monitoring, and others. The software was designed and launched by ESET headquartered in California, United States.


28. Ping Identity

  • Best for: Large business
  • Price: starts at $3 per user/month
  • Mar 27, 2022
Compare Ping Identity Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

Ping Identity is a growing cloud-based Security software, it is designed to support large size business. Ping Identity received a rating of 4.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


29. BitDefender Antivirus Plus 2013

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $19.99 per user/year
  • Mar 26, 2022
Compare BitDefender Antivirus Plus 2013 Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

BitDefender Antivirus Plus 2013 is a leading cloud-based Antivirus Software software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. BitDefender Antivirus Plus 2013 received a rating of 3.6 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.1/5) when compared to other s...


30. Sophos Network Access Control

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $14 per user/year
  • Mar 26, 2022
Compare Sophos Network Access Control Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

Sophos Network Access Control is a fast growing cloud-based Security software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Sophos Network Access Control received a rating of 4.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.9/5) when compared to alternative s...


31. Endpoint Security for Business Select

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $404.20 per license
  • Mar 27, 2022
Compare Endpoint Security for Business Select Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

Endpoint Security for Business Select is an endpoint security solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as cloud based scanning, endpoint firewall, device monitoring, and others. The software was designed and launched by Kaspersky Lab headquartered in Moscow, Russia.


32. PCI Compliance

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $300 per year
  • Mar 29, 2022
Compare PCI Compliance Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

Meru PCI Compliance is a security and audit control solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such services as management of credit card transactions, customizable reporting, and others. The software was designed and launched by Meru Networks headquartered in California, United States.


33. SAS Social Network Analysis

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Mar 29, 2022
Compare SAS Social Network Analysis Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

SAS Social Network Analysis is a fault detection and prevention solution for businesses of all sizes. Its capabilities include performance enhancement, social network analysis diagrams, and others. The software was designed and launched by SAS Institute Inc headquartered in North Carolina, United St...


34. Adobe EchoSign

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $12.99 per user/month
  • Mar 29, 2022
Compare Adobe EchoSign Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

Adobe EchoSign is an electronic signature software that can help users to sign documents electronically from almost any device. Users can send, track and sign documents easily on the go on their tablet, smartphone or other internet enabled devices using this signature solution. Adobe, the compan...


35. Avast for Business

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $36.99 per device/year
  • Apr 02, 2022
Compare Avast for Business Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

Avast for Business is a security software designed for the endpoint devices and servers that is primarily created for industry users.


36. QualysGuard Vulnerability Management

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $2,995 per year
  • Mar 31, 2022
Compare QualysGuard Vulnerability Management Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

QualysGuard Vulnerability Management (VM) is a cloud-based security and vulnerability management solution for organizational networks. This software analyzes and monitors the state of the network as well as keep guard. In addition to that, it also aids in data remediation, prioritization as well as ...


37. Sqrrl

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $25,000 per license
  • Apr 03, 2022
Compare Sqrrl Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

Sqrrl is a trending cloud-based Security software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. Sqrrl received a rating of 3.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.8/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


38. avast! Endpoint Protection

  • Best for: Small businesses and start ups
  • Price: starts at $46.99 per device/year
  • Apr 02, 2022
Compare avast! Endpoint Protection Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

avast! Endpoint Protection is an anti-virus and endpoint protection solution for small and medium businesses. It offers such capabilities as malware protection, spam protection, cloud based scanning, and others. The software was developed and launched by AVAST Software SRO headquartered in Prague, C...


39. Zoho Mail

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $1 per user/month
  • Apr 07, 2022
Compare Zoho Mail Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

Zoho Mail is a cloud-based email marketing and management software that provides email-hosting service. The software is built to cater to the needs of the modern business that are operating on the online platform.


40. InSync Anywhere

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

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.


41. DFLabs

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $3,500 per license
  • Dec 12, 2022
Compare DFLabs Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

Cloud SIEM is a fast growing cloud-based Security software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Cloud SIEM received a rating of 3.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.8/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


42. Varonis

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $17,000 per license
  • Apr 08, 2022
Compare Varonis Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

Varonis is a trending cloud-based Security software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. Varonis received a rating of 4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


43. OpenIDM

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $8,000 per month
  • Apr 05, 2022
Compare OpenIDM Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

OpenIDM is an identity management solution for businesses of all sizes. Its capabilities include user provisioning, password management, workflow customization, and others. The software was designed and launched by ForgeRock headquartered in California, United States.


44. Symantec Endpoint Protection for Small Business

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $39 per license
  • Apr 07, 2022
Compare Symantec Endpoint Protection for Small Business Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

Symantec Endpoint Protection for Small Business is a growing cloud-based Security software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Symantec Endpoint Protection for Small Business received a rating of 4.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.6/5)...


45. ESET Secure Business

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $39.99 per device/year
  • Apr 13, 2022
Compare ESET Secure Business Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

ESET Secure Business is a trending cloud-based Security software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. ESET Secure Business 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.


46. TraceCSO

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $4,000 per year
  • Apr 14, 2022
Compare TraceCSO Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

TraceCSO is a trending cloud-based Security software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. TraceCSO received a rating of 4.4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.9/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


47. ThreatMetrix

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Apr 14, 2022
Compare ThreatMetrix Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

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


48. cloudflare

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $20 per month
  • Apr 13, 2022
Compare cloudflare Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

CloudFlare is a website security and performance solution that can accelerate any website and protect it from various threats. The software can be setup in less than 5 minutes and doesn’t require maintenance or installing any extra software or hardware. CloudFlare Inc., the company behind this s...


49. Endpoint Security for Business Core

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $539 per year
  • Apr 17, 2022
Compare Endpoint Security for Business Core Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

Endpoint Security for Business Core is a fast growing cloud-based Security software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Endpoint Security for Business Core received a rating of 4.4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.7/5) when compared to othe...


50. FlexiBake-On-The-Cloud

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $225 per month
  • Apr 16, 2022
Compare FlexiBake-On-The-Cloud Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

FlexiBake-On-The-Cloud is an enterprise resource planning solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers such capabilities as user management, data security, safe collaboration, and others. The software was designed and launched by FlexiBlake Ltd headquartered in British Columbia, Canad...


51. Zscaler

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $2.40 per user/month
  • Apr 17, 2022
Compare Zscaler Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

Zscaler is a leading cloud-based Security software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. Zscaler received a rating of 4.8 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.2/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


52. Securonix

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Apr 17, 2022
Compare Securonix Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

Securonix is a fast growing cloud-based Security software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. Securonix received a rating of 4.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.4/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


53. Nmap Security Scanner

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $33.12 per license
  • Apr 15, 2022
Compare Nmap Security Scanner Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

Nmap Security Scanner is a trending cloud-based Security software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. Nmap Security Scanner 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.


54. McAfee Total Protection

  • Best for: Private use
  • Price: starts at $39.99 per device/year
  • Apr 15, 2022
Compare McAfee Total Protection Vs. VIPRE Antivirus

McAfee Total Protection is a complete internet security suite that can help users to protect their PC from Trojans, viruses, rootkits, spyware and other online threats. The software can protect up to 3 computers so it’s easy to protect all your devices, including smartphone and tablet, using this so...



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.