techbizcult

Transitioning to SaaS • data migration tool - is there a tool readily available - is there a choice of tools? • data migration process - do you have the expertise to carry this out in-house, who else can provide this service, at what cost? • if no proven data migration path, employ 3rd party migration tools / services, at additional cost • clean start option - dual run both old and new systems, if economically and practically viable Service and Support and Security • software trial - how long, how scalable, is this representative of final state performance and usage?, is it easy to transition from the trial to operational, or is a fresh data load required? • service availability, including application and data • security standards support - e.g. ISO 27005, NIST SP80-300 • the need for a cloud security standard • offline data availability • availability of support channels - and their fit to how your organization operates • support desk response times ...

We all know the importance of due diligence prior to signing a contract. Here, I've dropped down some thoughts designed to jog your memory - some of these you'll be familiar with, while others are more aligned to a SaaS-type service. This doesn't get you out of doing your own due diligence - of course - but hopefully you can use these as a springboard to develop a complete checklist tuned to your circumstances. Internal fit Narrowing down of the potential offerings that fit to your business, based on factors (in no particular order) including: • Ease of use • Performance - including latency • Functionality - fit to requirements • Fit to IT architecture - current and future • Cost • Balance of risk and opportunity that's an appropriate fit to your specific business Vendor Profile • Company strength, history of IPOs, mgmt buyouts, acquisitions, and company valuation history • Is there a parent company and what are its strategic interests?...