3. Conducting Research In order to be able to make an informed decision on which hardware will best suit the client’s needs you need to find out as much about the different hardware options as possible. This means research and keeping informed of the various hardware options available.
4. Conducting Research Sources of Information When it comes to researching hardware there are a number of potential sources available. These include: Consultants Hardware vendors Colleagues and co-workers Newspapers and magazines Trade shows The Internet
5. Conducting Research Consultants Consultants are experts in Information Technology. They spend time researching available and new solutions and technologies. You could hire a consultant to tell you what information technology products and services are available, or are expected to be. There are also organisations whose business is researching and predicting information technology products and services, and then selling that information.
6. Conducting Research Vendors Vendors of information technology products and services make known what is or will be available. For example, Bill Gates from Microsoft often presents his views on the future of Information Technology. Suppliers have mailing lists of potential customers. If you are on such a list, you will receive literature about their products and new developments. Vendors also provide information about new technology on the Internet and display their products at trade shows.
7. Conducting Research Vendors Some vendors, particularly the larger ones, show new products at specially arranged presentations. They hire a function room at a leading hotel, send out invitations and/or advertise the event. If you go to the presentation, you will receive information and see a demonstration of their product.
8. Conducting Research Colleagues and Co-workers A powerful source of information is other people. These may be colleagues you have worked with in the past, who have moved on to other organisations. They may be people you studied with at TAFE or university. They may be people you have met at suppliers’ presentations, or at user group meetings, or through professional organisations such as the Australian Computer Society.
9. Conducting Research Colleagues and Co-workers These people are also information technology professionals, and may have information that is useful to you. Provided confidentiality and competitive advantage are not compromised, people are usually only too willing to share information and experiences. And, of course, you should share your own knowledge with others.
10. Conducting Research Newspapers Many publications provide information about Information Technology products and services, particularly new ones. Articles about future trends usually feature prominently. Some publications are specifically about Information Technology. Other more general publications, such as newspapers, have an Information Technology section that describes the latest developments and future trends.
11. Conducting Research Tradeshows Exhibitors at Information Technology trade shows are suppliers showing a variety of their latest products and services. By attending the trade show you can find out which of the latest developments might be useful to you in your information technology strategy.
12. Conducting Research The Internet Many suppliers provide information about their products and services on the Internet - such information is likely to appear here before anywhere else.
14. Identifying Potential Suppliers Many organisations buy their hardware from one or two preferred suppliers. This can have several advantages to the organisation, including: Only one supplier to deal with for warranty purposes. A consistent brand of hardware used through the organisation No need to ‘shop around’ when ordering new components Extension of credit arrangements on purchases Preferred customer discounts or other benefits
15. Identifying Potential Suppliers Many government organisations are only permitted to buy hardware and software from a short list of selected suppliers chosen by the government after a tender process. Make sure you find out from the beginning if the organisation has preferred suppliers or a specific policy for choosing them.
17. Document your Findings Once you have completed the necessary research on the possible options the next task is to document your findings and submit your report to management. Your report should not only include your recommendation but also document the process that was followed to make the recommendation. The report should address the following information...
18. Document your Findings Background Information: This includes why the software is needed and what benefits the organisation hopes to achieve by acquiring the software.
19. Document your Findings The research process: Include information about who was contacted and what questions were asked. This will include the details of any consultants who were used as part of this process.
20. Document your Findings Consultation details: If you have worked with a consultant then include their details as part of the report also. In many cases the consultants involved will actually prepare their own report to be included as an appendix to the overall report.
21. Document your Findings Analysis summary: This is where you need to explain what analysis tools were used to compare the various solutions given by software providers. This should include details of any evaluation matrices.
22. Document your Findings Budget and costs: The report must present a full and complete budget. This includes information such as installation costs, licensing costs and ongoing maintenance. If a consultant has been used as part of the analysis process then their costs should be included also.
23. Document your Findings Recommended solution and supplier: Finally, your report should include your recommendation on the best solution and supplier.
