Questions to Ask
Ask vendors the questions that matter.
In addition to asking about specific features, there are several questions that are worth asking vendors. The following questions help in understanding the maturity of products and focus on potential breakpoints of projects.
What are your key differentiators?
Understanding the key differentiators between the different vendors is essential. Determine how important or relevant these differentiators are to your IAM program. This information can help to shortlist vendors.
How modern is the solution's architecture?
The focus should be given to modern software architecture solutions, such as using microservices, container-based deployments, and APIs that provide a more modular, flexible deployment, orchestration, and customization.
Can I speak to some reference customers?
Finally, it is usually enlightening to speak to one or more reference customers. It is most helpful when the reference customer is in a similar industry and region.
These are a sampling of the many possible questions to ask vendors. For further assistance, KuppingerCole Advisory Services helps clients in the vendor selection process. KuppingerCole Research Services provides additional information on vendors, such as in Market and Leadership Compass documents.