OK, so you have an idea and you believe that there is a need of a technology solution. Basically you want to get the idea implemented. You pen down your requirements and start looking for an implementation partner.

How do you go about finalizing the right technology partner? If you start searching for a vendor on the internet, you will be overwhelmed with the number of options and most likely the ultimate result is total confusion. Everyone there seems to be an expert solution provider. In fact, it is a universal fact that the company websites boast about themselves to do the selling. It is necessary also so that one is not left behind since all the competitors are doing the same.

The other option is to look within your network. And believe you me, if you are reading this article, you are most likely to have a contacts network that can assist you fetch anything. Fetching an IT partner might be the easiest thing leveraging your network. So in my opinion one should explore all the possibilities in his contact network before trying out with an unknown vendor.

You will surely have contacts in IT giants like IBM, Wipro, Infosys and TCS. But would they be a good fit for your technology need is a question. I have researched on many big companies and found that they certainly would have the best architects and managers, but when it comes to actual implementers, the software developers, the quality really degrades. Moreover the cost factor with such big companies may at times not be affordable.

On the contrary you would have contacts who have just started their IT companies and are yet to establish themselves. You might not want to risk your idea by going with them.

The best fit company for you would have to have the following criteria:

1) Your contact is a stake holder in the company.

2) The company has the necessary skills.

3) Your Intellectual Property (idea) should be in safe hands.

4) The company has been handling clients like you in the past.

5) The prices are competitive

6) You get a dedicated and a stable team.

I would like to emphasize more on the first point here. If the first criterion is met, the other concerns can be well catered to. Your contact should be able to educate you and guide you in the right direction that will ultimately help you decide whether there is a proper fit or not. Also once you have decided to go with the contact's company, you are ensured of lot many things that you otherwise might not take granted for. Few things that I can cite are:

a) Transparent and justified pricing: Although this is ensured for all the clients, extra care is taken by the contact.

b) Committed and efficient team: Again this is assured to every client, but that little extra bias is surely there for a client acquainted with the company leadership. The leadership would never like a bad reputation in his/her network.

c) Accessibility round the clock: The client has the liberty to call the contact any time of the day if required, without any hesitation. If you believe me, this is a very big advantage especially when you are working with an offshore partner.

d) Bypass escalation matrix and approach leadership when required: If you feel that the project manager or team lead is not in the capacity to make decision, your contact is just a phone call away.

e) Direct involvement of leadership in architecting solutions and deliveries: If your contact also has a technical background, you can solicit his involvement in the solution architecting phase.

f) Some extent of flexibility in payment schedules: At times it happens that you cannot pay-off the invoices on time because of reasons beyond your control. No worries. What are contacts for if they do not support you in such situations?

g) Non disclosure of idea: Last but not the least, you would be most comfortable sharing your idea with your close contact so that you can get proper sleep.

Lastly, an icing on the cake would be if your technology partner company is located in a tier 2 city. A whole article has been written on the benefits of offshoring to tier 2 cities.