ABSTRACT
Selecting a systems integrator can be a perplexing, emotional, and timeconsuming process. Not only is the competition among integrators increasing, but the proliferation and rate of change of technology have created countless options and choices. In less than a decade, technology has changed from a field dominated by mainframe computers, rigid applications, and highly complex and intricate interfaces to one that is defined by end-user computing, client/server components, workstations, enterprisewide networks, and data sharing. There is very little agreement as to what actually constitutes a systems integration project and systems integration services. Integrators themselves disagree about what constitutes systems integration, and few can define it in contractual terms rather than as a substantive service. Whereas once organizations seeking integration consultants had only the Big Four accounting firms, hardware and software vendors, and a few regional and boutique contract programming firms from which to select, today’s choices are varied and constantly growing. Thus, the industry has a real need for an effective method to help guide the organization through the choices and options in the systems integration and service provider marketplace.
