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Originally Posted On: https://wellnessteach.com/the-complete-guide-to-selecting-a-software-partner-for-businesses/
The 2020 Covid pandemic might be a blotch on recent memory, but it did one good thing: it sparked a work-from-home revolution. Now, at least 26% of all US employees do their work remotely. The only problem is that the remote software needs to catch up.
It’s not that there aren’t options; the software market is more competitive than ever. But you will have to look long and hard before you find a worthwhile solution. Selecting a software partner is one of the most important tasks you can carry out for your business’ digital affairs.
Whether you are a tech genius or Luddite, read on for some key tips as you vet your options for software partners.
Make a Priority of Selecting a Software Partner That Prioritizes Security
Technology might make our lives more convenient, but it always comes with caveats. The invention of the automobile spread our cities out and filled them with smog. Likewise, the Internet gives us access to information anywhere, but it puts our most valuable data at risk.
Many businesses have gone all paperless and store critical files in the cloud. Or, they handle sensitive client information between different remote teams. In either case, they are trusting their information to systems that have vulnerabilities.
Security is paramount in a digital workplace. Here are a couple of key components that your software security should include.
End-to-End Encryption (and Encryption Overall)
Encryption has become a standard in most of the technology we use. It protects our messages against prying eyes and keeps our backups secure. Most people don’t realize just how much encryption they use.
However, not all software uses modern e2e encryption standards. This means hackers could potentially have full access to important data.
Encryption scrambles your data and makes it inaccessible to anyone without a key. Modern encryption algorithms make it virtually impossible for someone to unscramble your data. That’s why encryption is a must for correspondence as much as storage.
Regular Software Updates
Raise your hand if you’ve ever had an update interrupt you while you were working. It happens to all of us, and usually leads to a similar outcome: we ignore it. We delay the update, sometimes for several days, weeks, or even longer.
Those pesky updates aren’t trying to annoy you. Rather, they are trying to keep you safe. They include critical bug fixes to make sure your software is running smoothly.
Further, they patch known vulnerabilities in the code. These vulnerabilities could give a hacker full or partial access to your system. Failure to update on time makes your system an enticing target for ransomware.
You shouldn’t just update on a regular basis. You should partner with companies that make regular updates their policy. Whether it is field service management or a messenger, it needs to be up-to-date.
Convenience and Ease of Use
Anyone who has used an old cash register knows how terrible the software is. Some of these systems are 30 or 40 years old, and still in operation. And yet most companies still have their employees using this outdated technology.
The issue isn’t just that it’s old, it is unintuitive and confusing. Employees often need to read through the documentation or learn from their coworkers. It can take weeks just to learn the basic functions.
Software should be easy to use, and it shouldn’t require any explanation. People should be able to intuit on their own how best to use it. If the software doesn’t provide a fluid, convenient experience, look elsewhere.
This makes it far less likely for employees to make mistakes that could compromise your security.
Business Software Features
Don’t you hate it when you need an app to do everything? You’ve got one to make PDFs, one to message your coworkers, and another to handle RMAs. It creates a distracting, cluttered work environment.
The best software is feature-rich and lets you do everything in the same place. You won’t need to alt + tab your way through a dozen windows to perform a simple operation.
Most important are the security features on top of software functionality. Convenience should never come before security.
Research Industry Reputation by Reading Online Reviews
As you search for the right software, you will no doubt do some online research. Online reviews are a great place to start. You get a no-nonsense opinion from people who have actually used the software.
Reviews are often outside the control of the developer, but you should exercise good sense. Be wary of reviews that are too positive and don’t criticize the product in any way. Likewise, be on the lookout for fake reviews.
Ask around with people you know in your industry. There’s a good chance they have heard of a particular company that you are considering. It’s very possible they have dealt with this company before, and have an opinion on it.
Choose the Right Pricing Model
Whether you’ve signed up for a streaming service or cloud storage, you are no stranger to subscription services. They are rampant these days. The software as a service model has become the norm for most industries.
It’s good on one hand because you get lifelong support and regular updates. But, many companies have begun to take advantage of this SaaS model to milk you dry. They charge exorbitant subscription fees–or subscription fees for services that don’t need them.
For starters, don’t buy the most expensive pricing tier just because. It’s easy to fall victim to the advertising and believe you need the full package. Upon closer inspection, you may discover that lower-level tiers give you everything you need.
Comparing software costs can be difficult with so many companies and so many pricing options. Take some time with your team to determine which one would work best for you. You can save a lot of money in the long run if you carefully budget your subscription options.
Find the Right Software for Your Company Today
Selecting a software partner is a critical step in preparing your business’s digital operations. Make sure to find a company that prioritizes security, convenience, and complete features. Pay close attention to reviews and find a pricing model that fits your budget.
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