For example (in case you didnt know), be careful of the next big thing. Its good, usually, to dive into something before the competition, but who wants to experience that sinking feeling of being the only one splashing while your competition is safely ashore? Fortunately, much of todays technology is maturing. Market corrections sometimes drive away new ideas, but more often they drive away bad ones. But not always.

So what can you do? Make sure that the vendor can prove to you the value of his product and that it meets all the needs of your company. Sure, were all impressed by a slick interface and bold promises, but you need to determine if all that fancy stuff is really worth it. Odds are, its not. Forget the trees for a moment and see the forest; fancy features are nice, but they sometimes cloud the landscape. If you want something to do a specific task, make sure it is the best at that task, not just something that does it pretty well but has eight other cool features that you dont really need.

Be sure that the technology works with the rest of your system and that it can work comfortably with the other major playerseven if you arent using one of their products now, you might well be eventually. And do you really want to work with someone who doesnt play in the same league with the big hitters?

Having someone around for the long term may not sound important in this disposable society, but good partnerships are based on years, not months. Knowing that someone will be there for the long haul will make the decision easier.

Smart Techniques for Picking the Right Tech is TechDECs closing general session. Come see Don West, vice president of client services for State National Companies, and a panel of carrier experts that will help you leave the conference with some sound advice for the future of your company.

Would you like to know more?

Smart Techniques for Picking the Right Tech
A TechDEC Session
Saturday, September 14

Go to www.techdec2002.com for information and registration.