Buying technology without regret

The RFP is written around the incumbent, and the contract renews before anyone reads it.

Audit the requirements for bias before they go out, score vendors on criteria set in advance, and read the contract for the clauses that cost money at exit. Each step can be used on its own.

Downloads

Files you keep and edit: PDF, Excel, Word or PowerPoint. Most show part of the file before you ask for it.

Checklist
Incumbent-Bias RFP Audit
A checklist that finds RFP requirements written around the incumbent vendor's product, with capability rewrites.
Checklist
SaaS Contract Red-Flags Checklist
A checklist of the SaaS contract clauses to check and negotiate before signing, rated Critical, High or Medium.
Script
Vendor Reference Call Script
A script for vendor reference calls: finding customers the vendor did not pick, 20 questions in five groups, red flags, and a scoring sheet.

Online tools

Fill in the page and get the result on screen. No account needed.

Apps

Enter your situation and get the analysis back: a score, a draft or a plan. They run with a CIOPages account.

Part of the job Choose and buy technology.

Other sets

Keep reading

Free checklist

Incumbent-Bias RFP Audit

A checklist that finds RFP requirements written around the incumbent vendor's product, with capability rewrites.

Checklist

Vendor Selection & RFP Readiness Checklist

Ensure your procurement process is complete before issuing an RFP.