Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/74024
www.iltanet.org The beta testing process allows you to give immediate feedback on new products. software applications on the desktop. Fletcher James, President of Levit & James, Inc., had this to add: "We can't fix bugs that we don't know about. If you have any issues with software, you've got to make sure that you report them to your vendor if you want them fixed." Make sure that you are fully utilizing the software maintenance you are paying for. Vendors want to fix any issues that come up, but they can't if they don't know about them. Don't Be Afraid To Tell Me My and they'll do their best to build it. Which brings me to another point... Don't Throw the Baby Out with Baby Is Ugly I once read a job listing for a beta tester at a gaming company. One of the job requirements was, "Don't be afraid to tell the developer his baby is ugly." It sounds funny, but it is very true. If certain functionality is clumsy, difficult to learn or understand, or just isn't working, let your vendor know. They want to make it better. The evolution of features and enhancements in software comes from you. Your vendors want to hear your needs and wants when it comes to the software. Just as you want to meet the needs of your users, your vendors want to do so, too. Tell your vendor what you want, 44 ILTA White Paper the Bath Water Let your vendor know if the software is not fully meeting your needs. Most vendors want to add functionality that their users need. They want to add new features and build new products — that's why they are in this business. Customers are a vendor's best R&D resource. If the software is falling short, talk with your vendor about your needs before looking elsewhere for a replacement product. It is very likely that either the feature already exists but you don't know about it, or your vendor is willing to add it. Know What Help Is Available It is important to the success of your project to know what help is available from your vendors. Most vendors provide multiple ways to access technical support. Again, feedback is important. Let them know if their methods for dealing with support are not meeting your needs. Another way to make your vendor a member of your project team is to let them know your rollout schedule. This allows them to let you know of any updates that