Top 54 Development Tools Platform Software (Nov 2022)

2023's Best 55 Development Tools Platform Systems

Shlomi LaviShlomi Lavi / Nov 29, 2022

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1. Rational Build Forge

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $799 per user/year
  • Mar 21, 2022
Compare Rational Build Forge Vs. Rational Build Forge

Rational Build Forge is a growing cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Rational Build Forge received a rating of 4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.2/5) when compared to other solutions in th...


2. ModelSim

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $945 per license
  • Mar 20, 2022
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ModelSim software is a cloud-based multi-language HDL simulation and debugging platform that helps in the recreation of the hardware description languages like SystemC, VHDL, and Verilog.


3. GitLab Software

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $19 per user/month
  • Mar 03, 2022
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GitLab Software is a growing cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. GitLab Software received a rating of 4.6 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.5/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


4. Aptana Studio 3

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Apr 26, 2022
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Aptana Studio 3 is a trending cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Aptana Studio 3 received a rating of 3.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.9/5) when compared to other solutions in their cat...


5. FileMaker Pro 12

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Private use
  • Price: starts at $19 per user/month
  • Jul 14, 2022
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FileMaker Pro 13 is a database software designed to help users create custom solutions for managing business information. The software can help users to manage business information on Windows, Mac, iOS devices and the web. Users can streamline track inventory, contact management and project organizi...


6. OutSystems Platform

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $1512.50 per month
  • Oct 01, 2022
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OutSystems Platform is a rapid app delivery platform for businesses of all sizes. It offers assistance in application designing and modeling, rapid iteration, third party integration, and other services. The software was designed and launched by OutSystems headquartered in Georgia, Unite...


7. Microsoft SQL Server 2012

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $3,189 per license
  • Feb 12, 2022
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Microsoft SQL Server 2014 is a data management platform that can help users to create mission-critical applications and create big data solutions using in-memory and high-performance OLTP, BI, data warehousing and analytics workloads technology. The software can be used for managing both cloud-based...


8. BIRT

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $30 per month
  • Feb 19, 2022
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BIRT is a growing cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. BIRT received a rating of 5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


9. Chronicle

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $240 per year
  • Feb 22, 2022
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Chronicle Software is a project management solution designed for small and medium businesses. It manages sales and marketing campaigns in addition to other capabilities. The software was designed and launched by Chronicle Technologies headquartered in California, United States.


10. JetBrains PyCharm

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $199 per year
  • Feb 26, 2022
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JetBrains PyCharm is a fast growing cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. JetBrains PyCharm received a rating of 4.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.1/5) when compared to alternative solut...


11. Salesforce Platform

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $25 per user/month
  • Mar 03, 2022
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Salesforce1 Platform is a mobile application development and deployment solution for businesses of all sizes. It allows the creation of add-on applications to be hosted on Salesforce infrastructure. The software was designed and launched by Salesforce.com Inc headquartered in California,...


12. Microsoft Visual Studio

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $45 per month
  • Mar 26, 2022
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Microsoft Visual Studio is an integrated development environment that comes with a collection of services and tools to help users develop applications for the desktop, devices, web and the cloud. The software can help you to make apps using C++, HTML/Javascript and .NET languages. Users can upgrade ...


13. JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: starts at $49 per user/month
  • Mar 31, 2022
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JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA is a JAVA development platform for businesses of all sizes. It offers such services as code analysis, smart code completion, advanced refactoring, and others. The software was designed and launched by JetBrains SRO headquartered in Czech Republic.


14. Ektron-CMS

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Apr 08, 2022
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Ektron-CMS is a content management system that can help users to deploy, create and manage personalized, enterprise-scale and global websites. Users get access to a browser-based editor to update contents directly on the site using this solution. Ektron is a privately held company founded...


15. Xamarin MonoDevelop

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: Has a free version
  • Apr 07, 2022
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Xamarin MonoDevelop is a fast growing cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Xamarin MonoDevelop received a rating of 4.6 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.7/5) when compared to alternative s...


16. ActiveState Komodo

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $99 per license
  • Apr 26, 2022
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ActiveState Komodo is a trending cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. ActiveState Komodo received a rating of 4.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.1/5) when compared to alternative solutio...


17. XMind

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $60 per year
  • Jul 15, 2022
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XMind is a mind mapping software that can help users to manage complex information, clarify thinking and get work organized. Users can start individual brainstorming sessions which can help them to find, organize, evaluate and connect the ideas. XMind Ltd, the company behind this mind ma...


18. BloodshedSoftware Dev-C++

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $49 per license
  • Jun 02, 2022
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BloodshedSoftware Dev-C++ is a leading cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. BloodshedSoftware Dev-C++ received a rating of 5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.7/5) when compared to other solut...


19. CodeLite 4 Development

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $10 per license
  • Jun 02, 2022
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CodeLite 4 Development is a fast growing cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. CodeLite 4 Development received a rating of 4.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.5/5) when compared to other solu...


20. General Interface

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Jun 20, 2022
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General Interface is a growing cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. General Interface received a rating of 3.8 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.4/5) when compared to other solutions in their ...


21. Code::Blocks

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: Has a free version
  • Jun 02, 2022
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Code::Blocks is a trending cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Code::Blocks received a rating of 4.2 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.8/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


22. Xinox Software JCreator

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $35 per license
  • Mar 25, 2021
Compare Xinox Software JCreator Vs. Rational Build Forge

Xinox Software JCreator is a growing cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Xinox Software JCreator received a rating of 3.9 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.1/5) when compared to alternativ...


23. Wingware Wing IDE

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $107 per year
  • Jun 02, 2022
Compare Wingware Wing IDE Vs. Rational Build Forge

Wingware Wing IDE is a trending cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Wingware Wing IDE received a rating of 3.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.4/5) when compared to alternative solutions...


24. Beanstalk

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $15 per month
  • Jul 15, 2022
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Beanstalk is a fast growing cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. Beanstalk received a rating of 3.8 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.3/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


25. Adobe FrameMaker

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $30 per month
  • May 26, 2022
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Adobe FrameMaker is an XML editor and a desktop publishing software that can help users to manage, author, publish and enrich technical documents. Users can manage documents with out-of-the-box integration support with Dropbox and other leading content management systems using this software. Ado...


26. PyScripter 2-5

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Nov 23, 2022
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PyScripter 2-5 is a growing cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. PyScripter 2-5 received a rating of 4.4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.4/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


27. Mercurial

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Nov 29, 2022
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Mercurial is a distributed revision control solution designed for businesses of all sizes. Other than design and development assistance, it offers support for multiple platforms and programming languages. The software was developed by Matt Mackall.


28. ModelRight

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $199 per license
  • Jun 07, 2022
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ModelRight is a trending cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. ModelRight received a rating of 3.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.9/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


29. Codelobster Software Codelobster PHP Edition 4-3

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $59.95 per license
  • Jun 16, 2022
Compare Codelobster Software Codelobster PHP Edition 4-3 Vs. Rational Build Forge

Codelobster Software Codelobster PHP Edition 4-3 is a growing cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Codelobster Software Codelobster PHP Edition 4-3 received a rating of 3.7 from ITQlick team. The software cost is consider...


30. ProcessOn

  • Best for: Start up
  • Price: starts at $22.43 per year
  • Jun 27, 2022
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ProcessOn is a growing cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small size business. ProcessOn received a rating of 4.6 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.3/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


31. Progress RDBMS

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $214 per license
  • Jun 08, 2022
Compare Progress RDBMS Vs. Rational Build Forge

Progress RDBMS is an award-winning cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Progress RDBMS received a rating of 4.4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.7/5) when compared to other solutions in their...


32. Oracle OSS

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Jun 21, 2022
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Oracle OSS is a growing cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Oracle OSS received a rating of 3.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.7/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


33. Cloud Foundry

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jul 15, 2022
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Cloud Foundry is a cloud computing and data management solution for businesses of all sizes. It offers support for various popular programming languages and database systems. The software was designed and launched by Pivotal Software headquartered in California, United States.


34. GlassFish server

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Jun 21, 2022
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GlassFish server is a fast growing cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. GlassFish server received a rating of 4.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.8/5) when compared to alternative solutio...


35. GNATS

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: Has a free version
  • May 26, 2022
Compare GNATS Vs. Rational Build Forge

GNATS is a fast growing cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. GNATS received a rating of 3.9 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.9/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


36. HP Quick Test Professional (QTP)

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Nov 16, 2022
Compare HP Quick Test Professional (QTP) Vs. Rational Build Forge

HP Unified Functional Testing, formerly known as QuickTest Professional, is a functional test automation software that can help developers to improve automated testing practices and make test automation better and more efficient. Users can use a single GUI to automate all types of functional tests u...


37. Allora

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Nov 14, 2022
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Syniti is a growing cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Syniti received a rating of 4.1 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (3.2/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


38. Mule MQ

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Jun 08, 2022
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Mule MQ is a fast growing cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Mule MQ received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.7/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


39. Gomez

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • May 26, 2022
Compare Gomez Vs. Rational Build Forge

Gomez is a growing cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Gomez received a rating of 3.8 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.6/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


40. SourceTree

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jul 15, 2022
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SourceTree is a growing cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. SourceTree received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.8/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


41. Postman

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $8 per user/month
  • Nov 10, 2019
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Postman empowers teams of all sizes to seamlessly collaborate in real time across shared workspaces and collections. Postman team workspaces ensure teams stay organized and maintain a single source of truth throughout the entire API development lifecycle.


42. Platform Computing

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price:
  • Jun 01, 2022
Compare Platform Computing Vs. Rational Build Forge

Platform Computing is a trending cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Platform Computing received a rating of 4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.6/5) when compared to alternative solutions...


43. NuSphere PhpED 7

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $537 per license
  • Jun 13, 2022
Compare NuSphere PhpED 7 Vs. Rational Build Forge

NuSphere PhpED 7 is an award-winning cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. NuSphere PhpED 7 received a rating of 3.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.5/5) when compared to alternative solut...


44. CaptureSoft Mobile Data Collection

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jul 14, 2022
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CaptureSoft is a mobile applications and data management solution for small and medium businesses. It offers services for the creation, development, and management of software applications. The software was designed and launched by Bar coding Inc headquartered in Illinois, United States.


45. JetBrains RubyMine 4-5

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $69 per license
  • Jun 15, 2022
Compare JetBrains RubyMine 4-5 Vs. Rational Build Forge

JetBrains RubyMine 4-5 is a growing cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. JetBrains RubyMine 4-5 received a rating of 3.4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.7/5) when compared to alternative solutio...


46. Git Essentials

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $40 per month
  • Jul 16, 2022
Compare Git Essentials Vs. Rational Build Forge

Git Essentials is a development workflow management solution for businesses of all sizes. Its capabilities include issue tracking, Git repository management, task automation, and others. The software was designed and launched by Altassian headquartered in Sydney, Australia.


47. Pro Tools 10

  • Best for: Private use
  • Price: starts at $699 per license
  • Jun 08, 2022
Compare Pro Tools 10 Vs. Rational Build Forge

Pro Tools 10 is a growing cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Pro Tools 10 received a rating of 4.9 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.1/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


48. Crucible

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $10 per license
  • Jul 16, 2022
Compare Crucible Vs. Rational Build Forge

Crucible is a collaborative code review solution suitable for businesses of all sizes. It allows reviewing of code and discussions between team members along with knowledge sharing and other capabilities. The software was designed and launched by Altassian which is headquartered in Sydne...


49. xScope

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $49 per license
  • Apr 07, 2021
Compare xScope Vs. Rational Build Forge

xScope is a fast growing cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support medium and large size business. xScope received a rating of 4.4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered average (2.7/5) when compared to other solutions in their category.


50. Readability

  • Best for: Medium and large size businesses
  • Price: starts at $19.99 per month
  • Jul 15, 2022
Compare Readability Vs. Rational Build Forge

Readability is a free web and mobile app for readers that can help them to store interesting articles they find on web to read them later. It can also clean up cluttered pages and offer you a better web reading experience. Readability is a product by Arc90, a design and technology shop based in ...


51. MacRabbit Espresso 2

  • Best for: Start up, Small business, Medium business, Large business
  • Price: starts at $99 per license
  • Jun 15, 2022
Compare MacRabbit Espresso 2 Vs. Rational Build Forge

MacRabbit Espresso 2 is an award-winning cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. MacRabbit Espresso 2 received a rating of 4.6 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.4/5) when compared to alternati...


52. NetBeans IDE 7-2

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jun 01, 2022
Compare NetBeans IDE 7-2 Vs. Rational Build Forge

NetBeans IDE 7-2 is an award-winning cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. NetBeans IDE 7-2 received a rating of 4.5 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.6/5) when compared to alternative solut...


53. Pocket Express

  • Best for: Small, medium and large size businesses
  • Price:
  • Jun 06, 2022
Compare Pocket Express Vs. Rational Build Forge

Pocket Express is a trending cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small, medium and large size business. Pocket Express received a rating of 3.3 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (2.3/5) when compared to alternative solutions.


54. Eclipse Classic

  • Best for: SMBs
  • Price: Has a free version
  • Jun 01, 2022
Compare Eclipse Classic Vs. Rational Build Forge

Eclipse Classic is a growing cloud-based Development Tools Platforms software, it is designed to support small and medium size business. Eclipse Classic received a rating of 4 from ITQlick team. The software cost is considered affordable (1.9/5) when compared to alternative solutions.



A Buyer's Guide to Business Software Solutions

How to Evaluate and Buy Business Software
 
If you’re somehow puzzled if this article is only for a specific size of business, no, it’s not. This is for you SMEs, MNEs and start-ups software buyers. Also, we’re not talking about a specific software solution here. Whether the software solution that you’re planning to buy is for Accounting, Business Intelligence, ERP, CRM, Help Desk, Maintenance Management or other types of application, one thing is for sure; with the help of this article, you will be able to know the right process in evaluating and buying a business software solution.
 
We’ve been into the software business for years and we’re seeing a lot of nitty-gritty things that often bring confusions and hesitations to many companies looking for better software solutions. Some companies can’t afford to let go their legacy systems while a few is encountering technological snags once the new system is in place. While this is the underlying truth behind software acquisition and implementation, what’s exciting about buying a business software solution is that there is a clear and obvious proof that thousands of companies and corporations today are happy with the benefits this technology is bringing into their respective businesses.  There is a significant increase in their revenue and the growth is on-going. And it’s easy to say; many from the Fortune 500 companies are making a lot of money because of their smartly-acquired business software.
 
So, let’s get straight to the point. What should you do in order to acquire that business software that could make your organization achieve its goals? The answer to this is pretty straightforward: evaluate and buy that right business software. Yes, that’s what you need to do and here’s the best manual from ITQlick.com that could certainly help you in doing that strategically.
 
Consider the Needs of Your Organization
Let’s assume that at this point, the entire management team agreed that you are ready to invest on a certain software application. The budget has been compromised and the key persons who will be involved in the acquisition process were already identified. Therefore, it’s time to approach things the project management way.
 
Define the Project
Every business software solution is categorized base on application type, features, deployment model, market size and pricing model. Remember that our objective here is to evaluate and buy a business software product that will fit into the size and present needs of your business. So what the project management team should try to deal with first is to define the real requirements of your business exactly base on the categories set by the software industry. Moreover, by doing this activity, you are already narrowing down your search for the right solution. Now, consider bringing this list of FAQs to the project management and aim to come up with clear-cut answers.
 
  1. What type of software is needed? Is it Integrated-Suite, Best-of-Breed or Industry-Specific? Ask your CEO’s main agenda and find the perfect match from these available options.
  2. What are the core and secondary features? Are you looking for basic, advanced or hi-end features? List down the specific features per category and allow the department managers and supervisors to give their insights on this list.
  3. How are you going to deploy the system? Would it be on-premise, cloud-based, hosted, or mobile-based? Weigh these options with the help of your CIO.
  4. Are you going for Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3 vendors? Their offered solutions are base on the size of their target market - SMEs, MNEs or start-ups. Seek your CFO’s advice as it is important to match your financial capacity against the cost of the solution that the providers have for you.
  5. Are you willing to pay for the perpetuity software license or a subscription-based solution is way better? How many users are there and what would be their roles in using the system? Solicit feedbacks from future end users for they know better what challenges and risks might possibly come along their way when they’re using the system.
 
Finalize the BOM or List of Requirements
After providing definite answers on the above questions, we can say that the project has already been defined. Your procurement team is now ready to do their role in the acquisition process of this solution. However, in order for them to execute their job properly, they must have the complete list of requirements - features, specifications, hardware, and the software product. In other words, the Bill-of-Materials (BOM) that is final, complete and well-prepared must be handed over to the procurement director. Needless to say, it is very important that everybody is following the company purchasing and procurement protocols at all times.  
 
Request for Proposal (RFP)
The RFP process will bring everything into formality. Since you’re more likely in a line of business that doesn’t regularly buy software products, it is of critical importance that your RFP is well-structured before you send it to your prospect solution providers.
 
Draft the RFP
An RFP that contains all the relevant information as discussed during the project management meetings will enable the providers to return back to you their proposal that is complete and substantial. Therefore, your RFP should basically contain the following:
 
Brief Introduction
  • Company Name
  • Mission and Goals
  • Purpose of the RFP (or the need for software solution)
Business Background
  • Organizational Structure
  • Current Situation (IT infrastructure, system currently in-use, system issues and desired solutions, etc.)
  • Major Objectives of the Software Purchase
Request for Specific Requirements
  • Solution Functionality
  • System Specifications
  • Vendor Company Information
  • Price Model, Service Plans, Package Options
Other Important Inquiries (if necessary)
 
Send the RFP
Well-structured RFP will bring a lot of advantages especially when the proposals from various providers are received and then subjected for review and analysis. Send your RFP to at least three to five providers (or prospects which you have already shortlisted during the project definition phase). Depending on the complexity of the solution, most vendors will send their proposal in a matter of time, which could be around 4 to 6 weeks for Integrated-Suite solution.
 
Why still send RFP?
Is there really a need for RFP if your preferred solution (like cloud-based) and the service plans or packages are already displayed on the vendor’s website? Well, yes, you still need to undergo the RFP process. For most sales people, they certainly know that those figures appearing in the vendor’s website are usually the “list price” and not the “actual price”. More importantly, the vendor’s proposal (response to RFP) will serve as your main basis for the negotiation. Therefore, sending an RFP is a strict requirement.
 
Follow up questions relevant to RFP
More often than not, questions and concerns will be raised by the vendors to whom you send the RFP. You have to entertain them with utmost professionalism. Solution providers who are seeking further clarifications relevant to the RFP are consisting of professional software experts who wants to help your organization as much as they can. Entertain them but at the same time, always be cautious when providing additional information which you know is confidential or proprietary.
 
Evaluate the Proposals
Always refer to your finalized BOM when tabulating the contents of each proposal. Part of this process is to check the features that are available from this certain vendor and to cross out those that are not. While using spreadsheet aids the tabulation process, laying down the document proposals on the table and allowing your project management team to review them one by one should always be conducted. Evaluating the proposals in full force can help strengthen your decision-making process. Have another round of brain-storming session and come with the name of your preferred solution provider.
 
When selecting the final vendor, always promote the best interest of your organization. Consider answering these questions with full sincerity.
 
  1. Which vendor can provide the long-term benefits to your organization?
  2. Which vendor can provide the best and honest service from acquisition to full implementation?
  3. Which vendor is willing to devote most of its time in better serving its client?
 
Contact this solution provider and in your own strategic approach, try to get the answers to those three important questions above. In most cases, vendor who really wants to prove its craft will offer product demos on a higher level. Others will even invite you to check their already deployed and working systems. Feel free to connect with this type of vendor. Conduct simulation and testing, be it a cloud-based or on-premise solution. Examine all aspects and angles especially those that your project management team want to really know in-depth. For as long as it could help you arrive at a better decision, consider doing all the options available – for the interest of the organization.
 
Enter the Negotiation Process
Most solutions providers can be flexible in terms of pricing. Although the final say is oftentimes on the mouth of the sales person from the vendor’s side, a good negotiation process can always deliver a win-win situation to both parties involve. While negotiation sometimes cannot be settled in one sitting session, always be honest with your intentions whenever negotiating with your provider. If it’s about your budget, justify it with clarity. If it’s about their service plans, tell them what’s lacking or missing on their solution. At the end of the day, the most important event that should happen is that both of you are shaking hands because of a well done negotiation process.
 
Seal the Contract
So what are you going to do on a contract that involves a significant amount of investment? There are three project management approaches for this.
 
  1. Pass the ball to you legal team. They know what to do and more or less they will tell you if there is something wrong with the contract. Give them enough time to review before they affix their signature and then finally seal the contract.
  2. Hire a consultant base on the technical aspect that you want to clarify in the contract. If it’s the Scope of Work (SOW), a software implementation expert is the right person. If it is related to complex legal terms and conditions, a lawyer can help. If it has something to do with money, invite an accountant to conduct a thorough review and computation if necessary.
  3. Always consider consulting your project management team. Remember that the CIO, CFO and CEO are all team members. They will be the signatories and they know what’s best for the interest of the company when signing a contract agreement.
 
From evaluation to buying stage, it is important that the project manager must take full responsibility of monitoring all the works identified and distributed among team members. This is why delegating the right project manager is also an important consideration when buying a business software solution. And again, ITQlick.com wants to emphasize that whatever the size of your company is, using the project management approach will always lead you into a better outcome – that is getting what you paid for the right business software solution. 

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2023 best Development Tools Platform Software | ITQlick.com

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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.