Reporting

Regular and recurring reporting of all data center processes and exceptions​

System Monitoring

Monitoring of system events, exceptions and errors​

Security

Physical and logical security monitoring and a documented response processes​

Incident Response Support

Ability to initiate an incident response process on a 24x7 basis​

Batch Processing

The processing of information that occurs after-hours and while systems are offline​.

Power and Cooling

Two very key physical components of the data center environment that require continual vigilance

Alerting

Alerts sent out to key personnel in the event of a critical issue​

Energy Consumption

Ability to track energy usage

Environmental Monitoring

Full monitoring of the data center environmental, including power, HVAC, humidity, etc.​

Usability and Intuitiveness

End user learning curves cost the organization money. Pay attention to your end users' technical ability to determine how important UX is in your purchase.

Vendor Support

The importance of vendor support will vary for each organization depending on internal capabilities, but there will always be issues that only the vendor can resolve.

Ease of Data Integration

Use this data to determine whether the product will cause headaches or make data integration easy.

Ease of Implementation

Successfully implementing new software is necessary to realize its full value and promote end user adoption. This data indicates whether or not the product is easy to implement.

Ease of Customization

Don't get bogged down in a difficult customization; use this data to make sure you can easily achieve the functionality you need for your particular situation.

Availability and Quality of Training

Effective and readily available training enables users to get the most out of the software you've chosen. Use this section to make sure your vendor's training programs and materials measure up.

Business Value Created

Software needs to create value for employees, customers, partners, and, ultimately, shareholders. This data expresses user satisfaction - or lack thereof - with the product's business value.

Quality of Features

Feature quality is just as important as quantity. Use this data to determine if this product will do what you're purchasing it to do, easily, intuitively, reliably, and effectively.

Breadth of Features

Users prefer feature rich software that enables them to perform diverse series of tasks. This data expresses user satisfaction with the product's breadth of features.

Ease of IT Administration

This data indicates whether IT personnel will be able to resolve issues and perform configurations efficiently and effectively.

Product Strategy and Rate of Improvement

Vendors who don't stay on top of emerging needs and trends won't enable you to meet your business goals. Use this data to separate innovators from imposters.