Choosing eBusiness Vendors

• Draw up a detailed "Definition of Requirements" and send it out to prospective vendors who will use it as the basis of their proposal. Consult all stakeholders to develop this. When reviewing proposals, draw up a matrix of requirements and use this as a rating checklist.
• Establish whether each Vendor is independent or tied to a particular technology/company.
• Undertake vigilant Due Diligence on the supplier you intend to appoint - talk to their clients, identify the people who will be working on your project, ensure the company is financially stable.
• Structure an agreement - while standard terms may suit your e-business vendor, your unique situation may require significant reworking of the vendors contact.
  
• A Service Level Agreement should also be used, outlining the rights and obligations of both parties.

Selecting eBusiness Software

• Clearly define the expected improvements that will result from implementation of the software
• Write down the requirements before looking at any prospective software application.
• Check that your existing software, possibly with some minor add-ons or extra staff training, cannot deliver most of what you hope to get from the new software
• Comprehensively review what is available in the marketplace.
• Review prospective systems against the requirements.
• Look for reference sites before finalising on a new system and/or vendor