Support

The trial period for your download can seem like a long time to "kick the tires" on a new software product, but if you don't take some time to plan, it can run out all too quickly. Taking some time to plan carefully before you take the trial code can save you much time, effort and frustration later on. Here are some ideas to help you plan for
an effective evaluation:

Set some clear objectives for the evaluation:
What do you need the product to do? Consult with some of the folks that may be using the product if you buy it. What do they want? Create a list of "must do's", and another of "would like it to do's".

Plan HOW you're going to test the product to see if it satisfies your requirements:
What test procedures do you need to use or create? Will you have to create test data files? Will you have to create "scenarios" to see how the product will handle chains of events common to your environment?

Determine what resources you need to conduct your evaluation:
Do you have the hardware and software prerequisites to install the trial code?
Do you have to set up network definitions, configure other systems to recognize your test system, obtain agreement from other parts of your company, obtain security authorizations, access test data?
Do you have all the people on your project team that are necessary to conduct a successful evaluation?
Do they all have the skills that they need to perform their part of the evaluation?
Do they have the time to devote to the evaluation?
Do you have to coordinate with other units or departments? Do you know how you will access technical support if required - not only for the product being evaluated, but for other hardware, software or network components that may be involved in the test?