Step one
- Identify the needs of your organisation and the users. If users access the internet via a dedicated server, then it might be possible for only the server needs to have a content filtering system installed. You have to consider PC and laptop users with internet access
- Understand your requirements – this can be achieved by talking to perhaps two or three appropriate suppliers.
- It might be a good idea to test or pilot any system before purchase in order to see how effective it is.
- Types of applications need to be considered too. Do you require all users to be monitored? Do you want to monitor email and web activity and instant chat services such as MSN and Yahoo?
Step two
Identify the right supplier.
- Use Conjungo’s supplier search to the right of this page to put together a short list of potential suppliers.
- Who has the experience of working a company of the right size and profile as yours?
- How many similar installations have they made?
- Ask for references – ensure that the supplier is capable and reliable.
- Ask to speak with a couple of their customers in order to see what benefits they have gained.
- Get a credit check [to ensure that they are financially stable. You can get this directly from the supplier details in Conjungo.
Step three
Request a proposal from three or four of your preferred suppliers
Step four
Select a proposal.
- Who best demonstrates that they understand your business and your requirements?
- Is the solution flexible and scaleable and therefore able to meet future demand? You don’t want to find out later that by investing a little more money now will save you money later.
- Is it cost effective? Does it demonstrate clearly the functional benefits – rather than telling a list of particular features, does the proposal clearly show what the benefits are? There is no point on spending money for system with features that are of no benefit or that you will never use!
- How much will the software (licences) cost?
- How much will software support cost?
- Can any savings be made by agreeing a multi-year contract for support?
- How will your potential supplier support and maintain your system afterwards?
- How much will this cost?
- Have you spoken to a couple of your preferred suppliers’ customers?
- Agree on financial terms – you may be required to pay a deposit but do not pay the whole amount in advance of delivery.