Finding the Right Technology Partner: 7 Tips

One of the most interesting aspects of nature is the broad range of diversity and unusual interactions that we find. One of these is the boxer crab, a small crab which earns its name from the fact that it forms a partnership with sea anemones (in biology, the relationship is called mutualism), which grow on the crab’s claws and act as a defense mechanism. Also known as the “pom-pom crab,” this relationship between the anemone and the crab help both to survive and thrive in an ever-challenging environment.

In nature, it takes a lot to find the right relationship that benefits both parties equally. In business, finding that kind of partnership can be equally challenging, but also equally rewarding.

Finding the Right Technology Partner:

In business, finding the right technology partner can be somewhat challenging, but very rewarding. We’ve assembled some tips and characteristics that can help you evaluate potential partners as you begin your search.

Reputation

What have other companies and individuals said about the company? Can they give you references and show clear examples of projects that they have completed that are similar to what you need? If you search for this company online, what do you find? Also, has this company won any awards or received any recognition for its work?

Experience

Along with their reputation as a company, does this company have experience in the specific areas and with the specific technologies that you need? Can they prove this experience through past projects, certifications, or anything else?

Communication

Make sure that you can quickly and easily communicate with the company. During any project, there will be some amount of collaboration so it is important that you feel able to speak to them. Also, make sure that the company is able to communicate complex technology terms in ways that relate to you.

Mutual Benefit

There is more to a business partnership than “you pay money, so you get our services.” The right technology partner will be invested in helping your company succeed with your project.

In other words, the right partner will seek to understand how you intend to benefit as a business from the technology, and work to make sure the technology solution helps accomplish that goal, rather than just checking off a list of requirements. The company should understand that in order to “win” you both need to benefit.

Long Term vs. Short Term

Technology partnerships can be short term, such as a single project, or long term over the course of multiple projects.

Ideally, you want to find someone that you can use as a long term technology partner, even if you don’t expect to ever need technology services in the foreseeable future. Why? Because you will almost inevitably need a technology partner again in the future. This can also benefit you on future projects as the company will already understand your business and be able to better meet your needs, and it can be helpful to have someone that you can go to for quick technology advice or assistance.

Services and Resources

Does the company have a depth of internal and external resources, and are they able to offer an extended range of technologies or solutions? The ability to provide a broad range of services often means that they can help you find the best solution using the best technologies, rather than being stuck trying to use one technology to solve all challenges.

Also, look at companies that have depth. These resources indicate their ability to recruit talented individuals in many fields as well as the ability to work with other companies in their sector to achieve the best results.

Support

Does the company provide full service and/or extended support for the products it creates? Also, does it assist with the implementation and installation of the solution, and are its developers able to help train your staff to use the new technology?

Support, Warranty, and other service guarantees are vital to understanding the level of commitment the company has towards your project. While extended support services are usually an optional addition to your, general warranties and implementation support should be included as a part of the basic project package, whenever applicable.

The Final Word

Ultimately the best choice may be one that leaves you with few (or zero) doubts and concerns about their ability to work with you and accomplish your project.

At Amadeus Consulting, we deal extensively in helping clients find and build the right custom software solutions for businesses, governments and non-profits. If you are looking for software solutions for the web, mobile devices, or traditional platforms, we may be the right fit for you, and we encourage you to check us out.