Insights Into Software Selection 2025

The right software, right now.

Software is the engine that powers modern organizations, driving efficiency, innovation, and growth. Choosing the right software demands a forward-thinking approach that evolves with the times. And in the last few years, indeed, times have changed. If your software selection practices are stuck in 2019, chances are your applications are not delivering their promised value.

In this report, we explore 10 key practices from across the software selection lifecycle. Supported by the latest data and combined with practical next steps, this research helps IT leaders select the right software partners to maximize the value of their application portfolios.

10 software selection insights for IT leaders in 2025

Using the latest data and research, this report examines 10 leading insights across the software selection lifecycle and offers actionable next steps for redesigning practices to meet the challenges of 2025.

1. Prioritize convenience and conscience in your software choices.

In the post-pandemic era, buyer behaviors and preferences have shifted in two critical ways: remote work is driving even greater demand for cloud-first solutions and expanding ESG policies are shaping the need for ethical vendor partnerships.

2. Choose long-term substance over short-term sparkle.

When the excitement over bright and shiny product features subsides, vendors who can adapt to your changing organizational, operational, and functional requirements over the long term will be the keepers.

3. One size does not fit all. Match the solution to your needs.

Smaller, specialized vendors typically offer better point solutions, while larger vendors provide more comprehensive enterprise platforms. Your size, scope, and needs should be the guiding stars in deciding which one to choose.

4. Set it and forget it? Not anymore.

Waiting until contract renewal time to assess software performance is too late. Organizational needs and goals today are in a constant state of flux – regularly evaluating application needs will help maximize your software’s value.

5. Don’t invite everyone to the room where it happens.

To facilitate progress, software selection committees should be lean. However, it will still be critical to engage users and leaders at multiple levels to ensure that software meets both strategic and operational requirements.

6. Success will hinge on business and IT collaboration.

Now more than ever, effective collaboration between business and IT is critical for successful software selection and implementation. Working together to understand each party’s respective requirements and challenges will ensure software aligns with everyone’s needs.

7. Don’t let switching costs stand in the way of value.

Too often, organizations will opt to simply renew a vendor contract rather than deal with the perceived high costs and risks associated with switching vendors. However, the decision to stay must be based on software value – not renewal cycle inertia.

8. A formal process is de rigueur in today’s landscape.

Regardless of organization or project size, this is not the time to wing it. A well-defined selection and procurement process will avoid wasted time and effort, eliminate miscommunication and inefficiencies, and ensure that all departments are aware of the criteria for selection.

9. Due diligence applies to software integrators too.

Similar to choosing a software vendor, the implementation partner decision requires scrutiny and strategy. A third-party integrator plays an equal or greater role in the success of the software, so a poor decision here could spoil the entire product experience.

10. Make a case for simple and seamless.

It should come as no surprise that ease of software implementation and use drives higher user satisfaction and accelerates time to value. The flip side of that coin: software that is difficult to install, configure, or integrate can lead to frustration, delays, and higher costs.