Offer “The Rapid Application Selection Framework” as a Service
Offer “The Rapid Application Selection” as a service to help your clients select an application that is the best fit for their organization to achieve business goals and desired business outcomes.
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- Small business leaders need help selecting an application that can support them in achieving their business goals and growth. Also, an application selection process can take months, potentially impacting the business' productivity, growth, and revenue.
- Most of the time, small businesses do not have dedicated resources for the application selection process, but if they do, then they don’t manage it effectively and efficiently. Moreover, without a repeatable application selection framework, businesses are unable to extract the value that applications can provide to business in achieving desired business outcomes.
Our Advice
Critical Insight
- Help your client adopt a formal methodology to accelerate and improve software selection results.
- Improve your client’s business satisfaction by including the right stakeholders and delivering new applications on a truly timely basis.
- Become a trusted advisor to your clients – skip the guesswork and validate decisions with real data.
- Take control of vendor “dog and pony shows” with single-day, high-value, low-effort, rapid-fire investigative interviews.
- Assist your clients in vendor negotiations, and never leave money on the table.
Impact and Result
- Deliver huge value: Info-Tech's repeatable and scalable software selection framework delivers enormous value to your clients. This framework employs a data-driven business stakeholder collaboration and contract negotiation approach to select the right application for an organization in 30 days.
- Reduced Effort and Boardroom-Ready Deliverables: Info-Tech Partners report that the laborious effort of creating customized deliverables for each client is alleviated using standardized deliverables in this blueprint.
- Increased Credibility: You increase your trust and credibility with your clients and prospects when you show them aa repeatable, implementable, and data-driven framework to select applications for businesses. Leverage Info-Tech’s brand power as a research and advisory firm to bolster your customers' confidence in you.
Offer “The Rapid Application Selection Framework” as a Service Research & Tools
Executive Brief – A storyboard that will help you offer “The Rapid Application Selection Framework” as a service to your clients.
Read our concise Executive Brief to find out how you can deliver a repeatable and scalable application selection framework as service to your clients while meeting their business needs and expectations.
1. The Rapid Application Selection Framework
A complete framework to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of software selection.
All necessary training and tools for IT leaders and business stakeholders.
Adopt this framework to:
- Improve the effectiveness of software selection.
- Reduce the time to select software.
- Reduce the cost of the applications you procure.
2. The Guide to Software Selection: A Business Stakeholder Manual
This guide has been built to share with your business leaders and stakeholders.
It provides a clear methodology that sets expectations with stakeholders and encourages them to uses software selection best practices to improve selection results.
This customizable guide helps you train and guide your business stakeholders as they participate in software selection projects.
3. The Software Selection Workbook
This critical template helps you capture and document your selection process and decisions.
This practical template streamlines your selection workflow and provides easy-to-follow guidelines with practical examples.
It is a reusable template for all your software selection decisions.
4. The Vendor Evaluation Workbook
The Vendor Evaluation Workbook provides a reusable scorecard system for ranking and comparing vendors.
This practical template can accelerate and improve your selection process.
It is a reusable workbook for each of your software selection decisions.
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Offer “The Rapid Application Selection Framework” as a Service
An approach to software selection that saves time, saves money, and above all, is repeatable.
Technology Partner Research Center
Selecting software is a painful experience across businesses
Selection takes forever.
”RFP” overload kills momentum.
Vendors put on dog and pony shows.
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Stakeholders aren’t satisfied.
Decisions aren’t data driven.
Negotiations are a weak link.
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The result?
Wasted time. Wasted effort. Applications that continually disappoint. |
Small businesses take months to make application selection happen
Application selection consumes valuable time from key resources
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As a business evolves in today’s digital world, there is an increase in the demand for new, modern and more feature-rich software to stay competitive and innovative in the market. Selecting and implementing the right software within an acceptable time frame is more important now than ever before. Delays in implementing software can cost business in productivity, growth and revenue. |
Info-Tech Insight
Small businesses have very little experience with or exposure to the vast array of business applications. Moreover, these businesses lack an official procurement function. The decision makers who are involved in the software selection process are busy working in their business, and the rigor of software selection is usually an unwanted distraction.
Software buyers are surrounded by biased sources, leading to poor decisions around software selection
Biased content, anecdotal evidence, and preconceived notions toward software vendors can lead to software discontent.
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![]() Only 27% of small businesses exceed their expectations with new software after purchase. (Source: TechRepublic, 2021) |
Consultants are needed for software selection but are highly sought after
Many small businesses are new to business software selection – these businesses need help!
57% of small companies are first-time business software buyers (Source: Software Path, 2020) The technological shift of small companies toward business software solutions is due, in large part, to their digital transformation. This change will deliver on business growth and accomplish long-term goals for these businesses. |
Consultants are only used 17% of the time to help navigate software selection processes
![]() More small businesses need consultants to help select software that meets most of the needs of the organization. (Source: Selecthub, 2018) |
Leverage your Info-Tech partnership to overcome challenges in building software selection engagement
If you are challenged with…. | Then we encourage…. | |
Inconsistent or inadequate methods to assess your customer’s application portfolio | Using Info-Tech’s Diagnostic Program, which assesses the client’s IT processes against our Management and Governance Framework. | ![]() |
Lack of data-driven research in a specific market to provide unbiased analysis | Using SoftwareReviews’ Data Quadrant Report and Emotional Footprint Report to provide an unbiased view of product and vendor insights. | ![]() |
Lack of repeatable methodology to approach software application selection.
Inability to scale an approach to applications of various sizes. |
Our Rapid Application Selection Process – a repeatable way to conduct a complete software assessment. | ![]() |
Improve key software selection metrics using Info-Tech’s rapid application selection framework
Selection process elapsed time | Selection and implementation project satisfaction | Application portfolio satisfaction score | Dollars saved from initial quote |
30 Days |
85% |
70% |
$100K |
Weeks, not months | Measurable results, not hidden frustration | Portfolio awareness, not flying blind | Hard savings, not list price |
A simple measurement of the number of days from intake to decision. | Use our Customer Satisfaction Report to measure stakeholder project satisfaction. | Use our Application Portfolio Assessment tool to annually measure application satisfaction. | Use our contract review and negotiation report to benchmark and optimize your technology spending. |
FASTER | BETTER | BETTER | CHEAPER |
The Rapid Application Selection Framework (RASF) is best geared towards commodity and mid-tier enterprise applicationsNot all software selection projects are created equal – some are very small, and some span the entire enterprise. To ensure that IT is using the right framework, understand the cost and complexity profile of the application you’re looking to select. The RASF approach is best for commodity and mid-tier enterprise applications; selecting complex applications is better handled by the methodology described in Implement a Proactive and Consistent Vendor Selection Process. |
RASF MethodologyCommodity & personal applications
Complex mid-tier applications
Consulting EngagementEnterprise applications
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Implement Info-Tech’s modular and fast-moving Rapid Application Selection Framework to select the right software for your client organization
Five key phases add rigor to your selection efforts while giving you a clear, fast-moving methodology to follow.Awareness1.1 Proactively lead technology optimization & prioritization 1.2 Scope & define the selection process for each selection request action 1.3 Conduct an accelerated business needs assessment 1.4 Align stakeholder calendars to reduce elapsed time & asynchronous evaluation |
Education & Discovery2.1 Understand marketplace capabilities & trends 2.2 Discover alternative solutions & conduct market education 2.3 Evaluate enterprise architecture & application portfolio 2.4 Validate the business case |
Evaluation3.1 Gather & prioritize requirements & establish key success metrics 3.2 Conduct a data-driven comparison of vendor features & capabilities 3.3 Narrow the field to four top contenders |
Selection4.1 Create a weighted vendor selection decision model 4.2 Conduct investigative interviews focused on mission-critical priorities with top 2-4 vendors 4.3 Validate key issues with deep technical assessments, trial configuration, & reference checks |
Negotiation & Configuration5.1 Initiate price negotiation with top two vendors selected 5.2 Negotiate contract terms & product configuration 5.3 Finalize budget approval & project implementation timeline 5.4 Invest in training & onboarding assistance |
1. How to improve software selection: the awareness phase
Join the B2B Software Selection R/Evolution
Awareness | Info-Tech Tools & Benefits | RECOMMENDED | 1-5 Days | ||
1.1 Proactively lead technology optimization & prioritization | Application Portfolio Satisfaction Diagnostic | ![]() | Lead Ongoing Digital Transformation, Don’t Just React
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1.2 Scope & define the selection process for each selection request action | Rapid Application Selection Framework | ![]() | Use a Tier-Based Selection Methodology
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1.3 Conduct an accelerated business needs assessment | Business Impact Assessment Methodology | ![]() | Understand Critical Needs & Business Impact
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1.4 Align stakeholder calendars to reduce elapsed time & asynchronous evaluation | The Guide to Software Selection: A Business Stakeholder Manual | ![]() | Use Focus Groups to Accelerate the Process
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2. How to improve software selection: the education & discovery phase
Join the B2B Software Selection R/Evolution
Education & Discovery | Info-Tech Tools & Benefits | RECOMMENDED | 1-5 Days | ||
2.1 Understand marketplace capabilities & trends | Analyst Briefing & Market Trends Reports | ![]() | Quickly Gain Market Clarity & Understanding
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2.2 Discover alternative solutions & conduct market education |
(specific to each technology category) | ![]() | Use Fact-Based Evaluation & Comparison Data
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2.3 Evaluate enterprise architecture & application portfolio | Application Roadmap Tool & Rapid EA Review Process | ![]() | Reduce & Eliminate Portfolio Overlap
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2.4 Validate the business case | Info-Tech Application Business Case Template | ![]() | Key Stage/Gate to Validate or Eliminate Further Steps
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3. How to improve software selection: the evaluation phase
Join the B2B Software Selection R/Evolution
Evaluation | Info-Tech Tools & Benefits | RECOMMENDED | 1-5 Days | ||
3.1 Gather & prioritize requirements & establish key success metrics | Ranked Requirements Tool | ![]() | Ruthlessly Prioritize Requirements to Drive Evaluation Success
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3.2 Conduct a data-driven comparison of vendor features & capabilities |
(specific to each technology category) | ![]() | Begin With Market Capabilities, Not Old Processes
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3.3 Narrow the field to four top contenders | Dynamic Data Quadrant | ![]() | Use Data to Rank the Vendor Criteria
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4. How to improve software selection: the selection phase
Join the B2B Software Selection R/Evolution
Selection | Info-Tech Tools & Benefits | RECOMMENDED | 1-5 Days | ||
4.1 Create a weighted vendor selection decision model | Vendor Selection & Scoring Model | ![]() | Get Aligned on a Clear Decision Framework
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4.2 Conduct investigative interviews focused on mission-critical priorities with top 2-4 vendors | Investigative Interview Guide | ![]() | Focus on Investigative Interviews, Not a Dog & Pony Show
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4.3 Validate key issues with deep technical assessments, trial configuration, & reference checks | Validation methodology | ![]() | Increase Time Spent Validating Mission-Critical Priorities
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5. How to improve software selection: the negotiation & configuration phase
Join the B2B Software Selection R/Evolution
Negotiation & Configuration | Info-Tech Tools & Benefits | RECOMMENDED | 1-5 Days | ||
5.1 Initiate price negotiation with top two vendors selected | Price Benchmarking & Negotiation Service | ![]() | Maintain Two Viable Alternatives
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5.2 Negotiate contract terms & product configuration | Contract review & negotiation report | ![]() | Contract Terms Can Be As Important As the Price
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5.3 Finalize budget approval & project implementation timeline | Info-Tech Project Planning Template | ![]() | The Process Is Just Starting When a Contract Gets Signed
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5.4 Invest in training & onboarding assistance | N/A | ![]() | Investments in Training & Effective Onboarding Have High Returns
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Need hands-on assistance? Our expert team can dive in and help you complete the RASF approach in 30 days or less.
Info-Tech has over 25 years of helping our members make smart software decisions. Our experienced facilitators can work with you through on-site support and remote sessions to guide you through every element of the RASF approach to software selection. Our Rapid Application Selection Service provides you with 40 hours of analyst time for only US$20,000.
Awareness | Education & Discovery | Evaluation | Selection | Negotiation & Configuration |
1-5 Days |
1-5 Days |
1-5 Days |
1-5 Days |
1-5 Days |
PHASE 1Key Milestones
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PHASE 2Key Milestones
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PHASE 3Key Milestones
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PHASE 4Key Milestones
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PHASE 5Key Milestones
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Bibliography
Etheridge, Patrick. “Top 5 Tech Challenges for Small Businesses.” TekEfficient, 2015. Accessed Jan. 2022.
Gheorghiu, Gabriel. “Software Selection Guidelines for Companies in Business Growth Cycles.” SelectHub, Jan. 2019. Accessed Jan. 2022.
Gheorghiu, Gabriel. “The ERP Buyer’s Profile for Growing Companies.” SelectHub, Dec. 2018. Accessed Jan. 2022.
Greg, Jonathan. “More Than 70% of SMBs Buy Software That Does Not Meet or Exceed Their Expectations, Survey Says.” TechRepublic, 12 Jan. 2021. Accessed Mar 28, 2022.
“Seven Software Selection Statistics for Software Buyers.” Software Path, 15 Jan. 2020. Accessed Jan. 2022.
Vile, Dale. “The SMB Solution Selection Challenge.” FreeForm Dynamics, 21 June 2021. Accessed Jan. 2022.

About Info-Tech
Info-Tech Research Group is the world’s fastest-growing information technology research and advisory company, proudly serving over 30,000 IT professionals.
We produce unbiased and highly relevant research to help CIOs and IT leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. We partner closely with IT teams to provide everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.
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A blueprint is designed to be a roadmap, containing a methodology and the tools and templates you need to solve your IT problems.
Each blueprint can be accompanied by a Guided Implementation that provides you access to our world-class analysts to help you get through the project.
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Fred Chagnon
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Search Code: 99066
Last Revised: July 13, 2022
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