I work as a part-time adjunct for a local community college, and we do not currently use a software selection form. I can see how advantageous this could be to standardize buying software, and also making sure that it's compatible with existing hardware and software already in use.
We actually lucked out with the software package we are currently using, very specific to our needs; we had a software package donated to our college by the state to assist students in the ALTA (Adult Learning & Training Assistance) program. This program is designed to help our students obtain their GED, and targets online participation and assessment.
This package is compatible with most computer systems currently in operation, and does not require large amounts of memory of high-speed processing to work.
I do see the advantages to using a standardized form for software purchases, since at my previous college we 'bought' a software package to handle classroom scheduling & reservations, only to realize it was not compatible with our operation system, and we would have to hand-enter all of the data and specifications each semester. What a complete waste of time & resources, not to mention a hefty purchase price. Needless to say, it was a mistake that we could have learned a great deal from not making again.
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Joe,
I have seen the misfortune of incompatible software on a school district. I briefly mentioned this in my blog this week. To be specific, a district I worked in purchased new grading and scheduling software. This software caused them to realign all the classes and redesign how they offered their PSSA tutoring classes due to the availability of the students in need. It took many man hours to develop consistencies between the district's old ways and their new software. I'm just glad that it did not involve me.
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