FOSS Evaluation Center

General Questions
Q:	What is the "FOSS Evaluation Center"?
Q:	How different is the FOSS Evaluation Center from other sites with superimposed vendors' data (features/functions)?
Q:	Who should benefit from using the FOSS Evaluation Center?
Q:	Should I base my purchase decision only on the info found in the FOSS Evaluation Center?
Q:	What is eBestMatch?
Q:	How are vendors evaluated for the FOSS Evaluation Center?
Q:	What happens after my access period expires?

Application Specific Questions
Q:	How do I fine-tune my priorities after I set them in the 'Set Priorities' Screen?
Q:	I want to export data from the ERP Evaluation Center to use in my presentations, what do I do?
Q:	How is 'Weighted Average' calculated?
Q:	How is 'BestMatch Factor' calculated?
Q:	How do I view the results of specific sections in the Knowledge Tree?
Q:	How do I view the actual Ratings for each level in the Knowledge Tree?

Knowledge Base Questions
Q:	What is a Knowledge Base?
Q:	What is a Knowledge Tree?
Q:	Who sets the default priorities in the Knowledge Base?
Q:	I'm looking for data on Vendor X, but they are not in your Knowledge Base, how can I get this information?

General Questions
Q:	What is the "FOSS Evaluation Center"?
A:	It is a place where IT Decision makers,vendors, consultants, educators, students, etc. can conduct high level research into the selection process. It is powered by eBestMatch ™, a patented decision support system, and combined with vetted vendor data stored in a Knowledge Base. The KB simply contains fully evaluated software technologies that have been ranked and rated. It is where ‘buyers’ of software come to match their requirements to those of the software solution provider's capabilities. It is a place to conduct intelligence, and make an informed evaluation based on your specific business requirements.
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Q:	How different is the FOSS Evaluation Center from other sites with superimposed vendors' data (features/functions)?
A:	The main difference is the fact the FOSS Evaluation Center uses a combination of extensive vendor analysis coupled with the powerful analytical capabilities of TESS™. Vendor data is third party evaluated and is fully impartial. The depth of analysis goes far beyond features and functions; it includes elements such as Corporate Strategy, Flexibility and Viability. This gives all vendors an equal playing field. When this data is entered into our Knowledge Base and viewed through the TESS™ engine, it becomes an invaluable tool for analysis -“the Rolls Royce of Decision Analysis Software”(ZDNet).
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Q:	Who should benefit from using the FOSS Evaluation Center?
A:	Potential buyers -- to rapidly create their business requirements and to conduct a preliminary selection down to 2-3 finalist vendors; Existing users -- to justify the validity of their decision; Vendors and their SI partners -- to justify whether to compete in a particular selection, and/or to conduct a competitive analysis.; Analysts, Students, etc.)
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Q:	Should I base my purchase decision only on the info found in the FOSS Evaluation Center?
A:	This is not recommended without first meeting face to face with the vendors who have made it to your short list, discussing specific capabilities and conducting a live software demonstration, then speak to a third party impartial source like a consultant. (For a list of TEC & Advanced Manufacturing approved consultants feel free to contact us.)
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Q:	What is eBestMatch?
A:	eBestMatch is the powerful Decision Support System engine behind the FOSS Evaluation Center. The eBestMatch engine powers all of our Evaluation Centers, as well as our desktop application, TESS. TESS is an enterprise-scale decision support tool that contains several patented analysis algorithms. It has been referred to as "the Rolls Royce of Decision Support tools"(ZDNet). For more information on TESS click here.
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Q:	How are vendors evaluated for the FOSS Evaluation Center?
A:	Vendors must first complete our specially prepared RFI questionnaires. Once these questionaires are filled out, our chief analyst will review and aprove the data and then transfer them to the Knowledge Base. Once the data is in the KB, the TESS engine permits in-depth analysis of these ratings weighed against the priorities set in the Knowledge Tree. From there, the ERP Evaluation Center user has full control over how these vendors rank according to their own business priorities.
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Q:	What happens after my access period expires?
A:	You can purchase more time and continue to work on your evaluation. You may choose from the existing evaluation center licenses offered, or to create a package customizing the time and number of vendors you need to evaluate for your project.
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Application Specific Questions
Q:	How do I fine-tune my priorities after I set them in the 'Set Priorities' Screen?
A:	You can adjust the priorities at any level on the Knowledge Tree from the Modify Detail Priorities section. (Under the Additional Features section).
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Q:	I want to export data from the ERP Evaluation Center to use in my presentations, what do I do?
A:	The FOSS Evaluation Center engine allows for the creation of powerful PDF Reports. Contact us for pricing and availability.
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Q:	How is 'Weighted Average' calculated?
A:	The Weighted Average is calculated by multiplying of the amount of priority given to your selected criteria with the vendor performance for those criteria, and then summing the results up to get a total weighted average.
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Q:	How is 'BestMatch Factor' calculated?
A:	The BestMatch Factor calculation demonstrates the real power of the eBestMatch Engine. It is our patented algorithm that helps IT decision makers avoid some of the inconsistencies with simply using a Weighted Average to calculate results.
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Q:	How do I view the results of specific sections in the Knowledge Tree
A:	Users can navigate through the Knowledge Tree by simply clicking on the criteria name in the Knowledge Tree. Navigation through the hierarchy is akin to navigating through a file manager hierarchy (such as in Windows Explorer).
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Q:	How do I view the actual Ratings for each level in the Knowledge Tree?
A:	Users can view the rating(s) of their selected vendor(s) by simply accessing the Ratings Section (step 5). To view a specific rating, simply navigate through the Knowledge Tree, or click on the "Go To Criteria Level" link to cycle through the individual criteria.
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Knowledge Base Questions
Q:	What is a Knowledge Base?
A:	A Knowledge Base is a repository of information created by intense research gathering, and organized in a comprehensive Knowledge Tree. Our Knowledge Bases are created with the intent of covering all aspects of the evaluation in question - not just features and functionality. Storing vendor data in a Knowledge Tree allows us to effectively organize business needs and lets the users focus on their priorities at the level of detail of their choosing. In addition to an organized view of all aspects in their evaluation - a Knowledge Base permits the storage of notes, comments, and other relevant information at each level of the Knowledge Tree. It encompasses all of the vendor information, ratings, and is also where your personalized priorities are stored.
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Q:	What is a Knowledge Tree?
A:	The Knowledge Tree is an organized tree structure that contains all of the critera of a Knowledge Base. In the case of the ERP Knowledge Base, the Knowledge Tree contains thousands of criteria; which are easily navigable via the tree interface on the left window of the ERP Evaluation Center analysis screens.
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Q:	Who sets the default priorities in the Knowledge Base?
A:	The default priorities are set by our APICS certified analysts, based on general business scenarios.
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Q:	I'm looking for data on Vendor X, but they are not in your Knowledge Base, how can I get this information?
A:	Let us know who they are! If it is for a specific project and it is mandatory that you have the information ASAP, then we will conduct a customized assignment for your project at an additional fee. contact us .
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