Choosing the right software can feel overwhelming, but University IT’s new Software Evaluation Guide is here to simplify the process. Designed to help you make confident, informed decisions, the guide helps to ensure that your chosen solution fits your needs, works well within Stanford’s systems, and supports your team’s success.
What’s inside the guide?
The guide breaks the evaluation process into a straightforward, five-step framework, offering best practices, clear requirements, and helpful resources at each stage:
- Engage an expert. Connect with your local IT professional for guidance and support.
- Assess business needs & capacity. Understand your operational goals, budget constraints, and support requirements.
- Evaluate vendor solutions. Screen potential vendors using four key criteria: security and privacy, accessibility, single sign-on, and data requirements. This step ensures compliance with Stanford’s standards.
- Select a vendor. Use the “Do and Don't” checklists to confidently finalize your choice.
- Prepare for purchase. Review important considerations and policies when it’s time to make the purchase.
Each step is explained in more detail within the guide, so be sure to bookmark the page for easy access when you need it.
Pro tip: Check Stanford’s existing resources
Before you begin evaluating new software, take a moment to explore Stanford’s existing resources. The Software at Stanford and Essential Stanford Software websites might have exactly what you need—saving you time and effort.
Built with community feedback
The Software Evaluation Guide is the result of listening to the community’s call for clearer, more comprehensive guidance on selecting software safely and efficiently. With input from over 20 subject matter experts and content consolidated from more than 20 webpages, the guide brings everything together into one easy-to-use resource.
If you have questions or suggestions for the guide, click the “Share Feedback” button to let us know.
