If you are purchasing a large system, consider confirming that you made the right choice before getting the full spate of licenses you will ultimately require. This means quickly implementing even a partial solution for part of your online platform — perhaps a single section of your site, or within a single department. That way, you — and your vendor(s) — can learn critical lessons while the stakes remain reasonably low.

It also allows you to show project momentum. If it all blows up, hopefully you have hedged some of your investment.That sounds awful, but what is worse than admitting a mistake and switching to a different package? Not admitting your mistake and being stuck justifying a system that doesn't meet your basic business needs. On several occasions, Real Story Group has heard, "Yes, this software stinks, but we paid $X hundred thousand for it, so we have to use it..."

For more selection tips and hard-hitting evaluations designed to help you select the right technology, start by checking out a vendor evaluation from one of our seven coverage areas.