Released on: May 21, 2008, 6:19 am

Press Release Author: COA Solutions

Industry: Software

Press Release Summary: Mark Thompson, Managing Director of the UK's leading supplier
of integrated business management and information systems for the mid-market, COA
Solutions, recommends that the following key factors are considered when selecting a
software provider.

Press Release Body: Analysts predict that the UK software industry will double in
size by 2010. With so much competition and seemingly fewer differentiating factors
between software systems, it's hardly surprising when businesses are left confused
and overwhelmed when attempting to choose between one business software supplier and
another.

Mark Thompson, Managing Director of the UK's leading supplier of integrated business
management and information systems for the mid-market, COA Solutions, recommends
that the following key factors are considered when selecting a software provider.

1. A product portfolio that supports the business as it grows
It's important to consider the software needs of the business in five and even ten
years' time. Today the organisation may require a basic enterprise resource planning
(ERP) system, however tomorrow there could be a need for an ERP and a human resource
(HR) system with integrated document management and business intelligence.
Ultimately, thinking about the business' future plans can prevent the unenviable
situation of having to deal with multiple software providers with distinct
specialisms.

2. Accredited and award-winning software
Check that the supplier's software products are fit for purpose and meet relevant
industry standards. It's also worth asking whether the supplier and its software
products have won any relevant industry awards and whether the supplier is a member
of any UK industry bodies, such as the Business Application Software Developers
Association (BASDA).

3. Financial stability
Ask to see evidence of the software supplier's financial stability. It's important
to feel confident that the supplier chosen can support the business for years to
come. With an insolvent/bankrupt software provider, the organisation's system will
not be supported and there will be difficulties modifying the software and
correcting errors.

4. Local support
As a UK business, it is important to feel supported by the software supplier on a
local scale with UK-based offices and customer support centres. Local support helps
to ensure quick response times. Even better is a software provider with a UK-based
management team that understands the importance of fast decision-making. This
ensures the company is able to respond quickly to regulatory and customer
requirements.

5. Sector-specific UK understanding
Software providers need to fully understand who they are selling to and their UK
customers' particular needs. A software provider cannot expect its finance system to
be as suitable for a charity as a bank, for example. Factors such as industry
regulation, key performance indicators and cost implications all impact the type of
software system required.

6. Customer-centric approach
Each business decision needs to form part of a customer-centric strategy. For
example, the supplier's product portfolio needs to respond to customer need and
acquisitions should add value to the company's product set, ultimately benefiting
the customer. The company also needs to value the importance of remaining close to
its customers throughout the customer lifecycle from the initial consultancy period
through to after-sales support.

7. Well-established customer base and reference sites
The supplier should be able to demonstrate a long track-record of providing
successful industry-relevant implementations and should be willing to provide a
comprehensive list of happy customers. Satisfied customers should be only too
willing to act as reference sites and share their success stories.

8. Quality after-sales support
The supplier needs to provide dedicated UK-based after-sales support so that the
organisation's needs and any issues that arise can be responded to quickly. Ideally,
customers should be provided with the facility to seek support via the telephone,
email and the web.

Choosing a software supplier can often prove a long, drawn-out and confusing
process. With a plethora of suppliers to choose from, it's difficult to know what
really differentiates one software supplier from another. Each supplier's merits and
shortcomings should be considered carefully so that the needs of the client's
business can be best fulfilled.

When selecting a software supplier it's important to consider factors such as the
needs of the business going forward, whether the software has been accredited and
the financial stability of the software supplier. Importantly, the supplier needs to
demonstrate closeness to its customers in terms of geographical location and
business understanding and prove an ongoing close relationship with them throughout
the customer lifecycle.

For further information about COA Solutions, call 01932 584000, email
marketing@coasolutions.com or visit www.coasolutions.com

Ends



About COA Solutions Ltd www.coasolutions.com
COA Solutions (formerly CedarOpenAccounts) is the UK's leading supplier of
integrated business management and information systems to public, private and
not-for-profit organisations in the service sector. COA Solutions prides itself on
getting close to its customers by understanding their businesses and responding to
their business needs.

COA Solutions' award-winning Smart Business Suite combines core financial
management, procurement, human resource and payroll systems, integrated with a range
of collaborative, document management and business intelligence solutions. These
solutions extend the value and effectiveness of the finance, HR and payroll
departments across the organisation and enable managers in the business to monitor,
analyse and continually improve corporate performance.

COA Solutions has more than 500 experienced and professional staff supporting and
servicing over 4,000 clients across the UK service sector including Companies House,
Newcastle City Council, WHSmith, Royal Bank of Scotland, Aer Lingus, National
Express Group, DFS, RSPB and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust.

Contact:

Liz Ebbrell, COA Solutions

Liz.ebbrell@coasolutions.com

+44 (0)1625 856505 or 07917 634 705

www.coasolutions.com


Ben Carey, COA Solutions

Ben.carey@coasolutions.com

+44 (0)1625 856505

www.coasolutions.com


Web Site: http://www.coasolutions.com

Contact Details: COA Solutions
London House
London Road South
Poynton
Cheshire
SK12 1YP
Tel 01625 856505
Email ben.carey@coasolutions.com