8 Questions To Ask Software Vendors

As technology continues to advance, businesses are increasingly reliant on software solutions to manage various aspects of their operations. However, selecting the right software vendor can be a daunting task, especially for non-technical business owners who are unfamiliar with the industry jargon. To help you make an informed decision, here are 8 important questions to ask software vendors before making a purchase:

1. Mockups?

For example: Can you walk me through your process for creating a mockup??

Mockups are essential in software development as they allow designers and developers to visualize the final product and get feedback from clients and stakeholders. Asking these questions can help you understand the vendor's process for creating mockups and ensure that the final product meets your needs and expectations.

2. User stories

For example: How do you prioritize user stories?

User stories are an essential part of the software development process as they help ensure that the final product meets the needs of its intended users. Asking these questions can help you understand the vendor's process for creating user stories and ensure that the project's goals and objectives are aligned with the user's needs. Additionally, understanding how user stories are prioritized, incorporated into the development process, and measured for success can help you assess the vendor's overall approach to software development.

3. Code?

For example: How will the code be organized and delivered to us??

Handing over the code after a project is delivered is an important step in the software development process, and it is essential to ensure that the code handover is successful and meets the organization's needs. Asking these questions can help you assess the vendor's approach to code handover and ensure that the code is well-documented, maintainable, and easy to use. Additionally, understanding how bugs or issues with the code will be handled and how ongoing support and maintenance will be provided can help you plan for the long-term maintenance of the software.

4. Tool?

For example: How will the cost of the tools and software be factored into the project budget and timeline?

It is important to ask a software vendor about the tools they will be using and who will be responsible for paying for them for several reasons: Budget, Transparency, Compatibility, Security, and Communication. Overall, asking about the tools and who will pay for them is an essential step in ensuring a successful software development project.

5. Swimlane

For example: What is the expected timeline and cost for implementing Swimlane?

When considering Swimlane, it is important to ask software vendors about Swimlane to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the platform's features, benefits, and requirements and to determine if it is the right solution for your organization's security needs. And how it can be customized to meet your specific needs. Vendors should also be able to provide information about how Swimlane can integrate with other security tools and systems you currently use.

6. Reference

For example: Can you provide references of previous work you have done for clients with similar requirements to mine?

Asking for references is an important step in evaluating a software development vendor. It allows you to get an idea of the vendor's capabilities and the quality of their work. By talking to past clients, you can learn about their experiences working with the vendor, their strengths and weaknesses, and whether they were satisfied with the result. This information can help you make an informed decision about whether the vendor is the right fit for your project and can give you peace of mind that you're making a wise investment.

7. Process

For example: Can you walk me through your software development process and how you manage the project?

Asking about the software development process helps to ensure that the vendor's methodology aligns with your needs and expectations and can provide insight into how they manage projects, handle issues, and communicate with clients. Understanding the process can help you assess whether the vendor is a good fit for your project and manage expectations around timelines, costs, and deliverables.

8. Support

For example: What kind of support do you offer after the software is delivered and deployed?

Asking about post-deployment support ensures that you have access to help if issues arise after the project is completed and gives insight into the vendor's commitment to customer satisfaction. Understanding the kind of support provided, response times, and issue coverage can help you assess whether the vendor is a good fit for your project and give you peace of mind that you'll have the help you need if something goes wrong.

In conclusion, asking the right questions is essential to choosing the best software development vendor for your project. By asking these eight questions, you can gain a better understanding of the vendor's approach to development, project management, communication, and customer support and make an informed decision that meets your needs and expectations.

Written By - Shivani Talan