© Copyright 1994 by Chaim Yudkowsky, CPA, CITP, CGMA Common questions to ask a reference for a software vendor during the due diligence process

1. WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK A REFERENCE FOR A
SOFTWARE VENDOR?
THE INFOLIST SERIES
BACKGROUND
 Was this your first computer system?
 Did you speak to other users before purchasing it?
 If yes, what did they tell you about the software vendor?
 Are there other users that you know of that I could talk to?
 When was your system installed?
REFERENCE SPECIFIC
 In what capacity have you used the vendor?
Hardware Telephone support
Software Modem support
Custom programming Hardware maintenance
Training Software maintenance
 What hardware did you buy from the vendor?
 Did you have any major problems during or since the installation of hardware?
 What software was provided by the vendor?
Accounts payable Point-of-sale
Accounts receivable General ledger
Inventory management Payroll
Purchasing Report writer
Order entry Other
 Have you had any software problems during and since the installation?
 If yes, describe the problem and the vendor's resolution including response time.
 Is the software well-supported?
 What training and support responsibilities do you have in your current position? How much of it involves
training and support on a computer system?
 What type of documentation have you been involved with creating for training and computer system
operations?
New user guide
Network documentation
 What is the example of a disastrous computer/automation experience that you have been a part of? How did
you correct the problem? How did you placate the irate users?
 What are the techniques you use to help users learn and adapt to the changes in their job responsibilities?
 What user frustrations have you encountered during training and ongoing support? How do you counter
them?
 What do you like about training and providing assistance to others?
 Very often, a person filling this type of position can become indispensable to a company. What procedures
and plans would you have to help the company not be too reliant on just one person?
CONCLUSION
 Is there anything you would like to ask us?
© Copyright 1994 by Chaim Yudkowsky, CPA410-736-9875  cyudkowsky@byteofsuccess.com
This information is being provided simply to give you a better understanding of some of the issues related to performing a reference check on a software
vendor. No final conclusions should be reached by completing this InfoList without further review and consultation. If you have any questions
contact me at 410-736-9875.