Tuesday, September 29, 2009

3 Insider Tips for Evaluating Microsoft Dynamics ERP software

Written By Jeff Onesto, Director of Business Development, ASi (Originally released on MSDynamicsWorld.com)

As we move into the fall, parents everywhere have just finished the daunting task of getting their kids ready for the new school year. Microsoft Dynamics ERP partners go through a similar process as we get ready to kick-off the “Software Evaluation Season”. After almost 10 years in the channel, I hope to offer companies seeking a new ERP solution some useful tips when beginning their evaluation.

TIP#1 – Begin the evaluation with a business case

I have the unique opportunity to observe and participate in many ERP evaluations and I am constantly amazed how many companies begin evaluating software without a business case. The business case is a living document and will change as you become more familiar with ERP features and functions. Most importantly, the business case requires you to look past the obvious costs such as software and hardware, and consider internal costs such as backfilling key personnel.

TIP#2 – Evaluate standard license terms early

In my humble opinion (IMHO,) if corporate executives clearly understood the standard publisher warranty, disclaimers and/or damage limitations before beginning the evaluation process the players and process would look quite different and be performed with much more care. Software License Terms (SLT), in the case of Microsoft, End User License Agreement (EULA), in the case of SAP, and License & Services Agreement (LSA), in the case of Oracle can easily be ‘BING’-ed on the internet. As you can see below, Microsoft, SAP and Oracle are fairly consistent. Understanding your legal rights is very important and the very reason why taking the time to review is so important in the evaluation process. You cannot return ERP software and very few ‘IF ANY’ companies prevail in court.

TIP #3 Break the evaluation into 2 phases: 1) evaluation of application/platform; 2) evaluation of delivery partner

As you can see below, Microsoft, SAP or Oracle do not endorse and/or assume any liability resulting from the use of a certified partner and/or their certified software solutions/configurations such as Certified for Microsoft Dynamics (CfMD), Oracle Accelerate or SAP Business All-in-One. You do this entirely at your own risk. Following this simple tip you will answer the big question, “Is the sales partner the best delivery partner?” In some cases, maybe, in others, maybe not!

References:
Microsoft Dynamics Software Licensing Terms (SLT)
http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/en/us/licensing.aspx
SAP End User License Agreement (EULA)
http://www.carahsoft.com/contracts/eula/documents/SAP-EULA.pdf
Oracle License & Services Agreement (OLSA)
http://www.oracle.com/corporate/license/agreements.html

Advanced Systems Integration, Inc.(ASi) is a Gold Certified Microsoft Dynamics AX (formerly Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta) and Learning Solutions partner founded in 1991. ASi delivers comprehensive enterprise class applications that improve customer relations, enhance partner collaboration and create efficiencies across supply chains and business operations. ASi also offers industry specific extensions integrated with Microsoft Dynamics AX (formerly Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta) solution. Based in Orange County, California, ASi serves California including the counties of San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside, San Bernardino, Alameda, Sacramento, San Francisco and Santa Clara. Please visit the company’s web site at www.advancedsystemsintegration.com.
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