The Right Way to Select Technology: Get the Real Story on Finding the Best Fit

by Tony Byrne, Jarrod Gingras

Overview

Why do half of all technology projects fail? A major reason is that organizations often pick the wrong tools, leaving them digitally hamstrung from the start. This book offers a modern alternative to traditional waterfall approaches to selecting technology. You’ll learn a practical, adaptive process that relies on realistic storytelling and hands-on testing to get the best fit for your enterprise.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781933820934
Publisher:	Digital Reality Checks
Publication date:	09/12/2017
Series:	Digital Reality Checks , #2
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	192
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Tony Byrne is founder of Real Story Group (formerly CMS Watch), the only exclusively "buy–side" technology analyst firm in the world. Prior to that he was the head of software engineering and project management at a digital systems integrator, after working in journalism and international technical assistance.
Tony has a professional passion for helping large enterprises make sound strategic decisions that will set them up for long–term success. Across two decades he has advised several hundred organizations in dozens of countries around the globe in selecting the right technologies.
When not working, you can find Tony gardening, following the Green Bay Packers, playing with his dog, or traveling with his family.

Jarrod Gingras is Real Story Group's Managing Director and an analyst covering digital workplace and marketing technologies. As a conference speaker and consultant, he regularly advises some of the world’s largest and most complicated enterprises on their enterprise information challenges.
Prior to joining RSG, Jarrod worked as a web developer, information architect, and user interface designer at a systems integration firm, where he developed userndash;focused content management strategies and solutions for clients across many different industries.
Jarrod's passions include following Boston's sports teams, relaxing in Costa Rica with his wife Lindsey, and helping enterprises select the right technology for their unique needs.

Table of Contents

PART I: BUSINESS FOUNDATIONS
CHAPTER 1: Craft a No-Bullshit Business Case

• Foundation for Any New Technology
• Types of Formal Business Cases
• Understanding True Costs
• Tips

CHAPTER 2: Build a Selection Team That Works

• Sample Team Composition
• Tips

CHAPTER 3: Get the Basic Foundations Right

• Establish Governance and Decision-Making
• Measure Capacity: Be Honest!
• Tips

PART II : NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES
CHAPTER 4: Capture Requirements That Don’t Suck

• How Not to Articulate Requirements
• Applying UCD Principles
• Information Gathering
• Tips

CHAPTER 5: Why User Stories Are Everything

• How to Structure a User Story
• Example User Story
• Which User Stories and How Many?
• Tips

CHAPTER 6: Ask Questions That Really Matter

• Example Questions
• Types of Questions to Ask
• Addressing Architectural Considerations
• Tips

PART III : CONDUCT MARKET ANALYSIS
CHAPTER 7: Find More Than the Usual Suspects

• Which Marketplace?
• Where to Get Good Information and Advice
• Which Type of Supplier: Tech Vendor Versus Services Firm
• Tips

CHAPTER 8: How to Target the Right Suppliers

• Use the Right Filtering Criteria for a Long List
• Use Scenario Analysis to Get to Short List
• Tips

CHAPTER 9: Find the Right Solicitation Vehicle

• RFI vs. RFP/Tender vs. RFQ
• Set a Realistic Schedule
• Possible Shortcut Process
• Tips

PART IV: ENGAGE WITH SUPPLIERS
CHAPTER 10: Create RFPs That Actually Work

• Your RFP Outline
• Anatomy of an Effective User Story
• How Vendors May Respond
• Tips

CHAPTER 11: Keeping It Real with Bidders

• Setting Expectations
• Answering Questions
• Tips

CHAPTER 12: How to Evaluate Proposals Critically

• Critical Evaluation
• The Downselect Process
• Tips

PART V: TRY BEFORE YOU BUY
CHAPTER 13: Hold Demos on Your Own Terms

• How to Structure the Demo Sessions
• How to Run the Demo Sessions
• Demo Pitfalls to Avoid
• Tips

CHAPTER 14: Run Competitive Proof&nash;of–Concepts

• The Case for a Bake–Off
• How to Run a Bake–Off
• Bake–Off FAQs
• Tips

PART VI: MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE
CHAPTER 15: Negotiate Like a Pro

• When to Start Negotiations
• Align Price and Value
• Contracts and Other Agreement Negotiations
• Tips

CHAPTER 16: Make the Right Final Selection

• Taking the Full View
• Making the Decision
• Planning for Success
• Tips

CHAPTER 17: Adapt This Process for Selecting Services Firms

• What Sort of Help Do You Need?
• How to Adapt Your Process
• Tips

Editorial Reviews

"Byrne and Gingras show you how to assemble the right cross–functional team and governance structure and create an evaluation process based on the roles and functional needs of the people in your organization."
—Lane Halley Goldstone, co-founder, Brooklyn Copper Cookware

"I highly recommend this book, whether you're on the verge of a full–scale technology selection process, or you want to master part of it."
—Samuel Driessen, Senior Director External Digital Channels at Teva Pharmaceuticals

"Read the book, follow the steps, and take control of your enterprise software life."
—Michael Krigsman, host, CXOTALK, and executive fellow at Center for Digital Strategies, Tuck School, Dartmouth, expert on IT failure

"A user–centric, business–driven approach to select technology for living, breathing human beings is critical to drive digital transformation. This practical book offers a refreshing approach that makes you rethink current practices."
—Bonnie Cheuk, Global Head of Digital, Euroclear

From the Publisher