I had a similar challenge late last year and wrote a business plan for a CMS. I believe I got the template from one of the vendors we decided against (they're all very helpful when it comes to helping you sell their software to upper management).
Anyway, after the executive summary, I described the benefits, our current situation, and why our existing tool-set wasn't helping us accomplish corporate goals. The logistical part was the hardest. I had to address such concerns as: * What other departments would be involved and how much so * Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed resources (RACI) * Staffing requirements * Training and support costs * Security and continuity issues * Milestones and dates * Quality assurance * Financial aspects * Statement of Work * Comparisons with other researched solutions It wasn't easy, but well worth the effort. The plan was approved and we're in the process of negotiating the purchase with the vendor. Soon the real work will begin, but frankly I'd be flailing with the effort if I hadn't gone through the process of creating the business plan. Glenn -----Original Message----- From: framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Ann Balaban Sent: Monday, February 18, 2008 07:21 To: framers at lists.frameusers.com Subject: Software Purchase Justification Have any of you written a software purchase justification? I am trying to purchase the Adobe Technical Communications Suite and my boss says I'm missing a few things in my justification. If anyone has any examples I could use, I would appreciate seeing them. Ann Balaban The T-System abalaban at tsystem _______________________________________________ You are currently subscribed to Framers as glenn.voyles at mitchell.com. Send list messages to framers at lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscribe at lists.frameusers.com or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/glenn.voyles%40mitch ell.com Send administrative questions to listadmin at frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.