How to Choose Technology Without Buying More Than You Need

Start with the outcome

Before comparing products, define what you need the technology to accomplish. This prevents a feature list from becoming the reason for a purchase.

Ask what must connect to it

New technology rarely operates alone. Consider the network, applications, users, accounts, security, backups and providers it will depend on.

Consider who will support it

A technically capable product can still be a poor choice if nobody understands how to configure or troubleshoot it. Supportability should be part of the purchase decision.

Think about the next change

Technology should not only solve today's problem. Where practical, consider how the solution will handle more users, another location, a new application or a change in provider.

Do not confuse features with value

The best solution is the one that meets the requirement reliably. Unused features add complexity without necessarily adding value.