When buying or upgrading software, practice development specialists Kathleen Larson Reamer and Kathleen Scott advise you to choose software that interfaces with the systems you own, or plan to buy. Consider these issues:

• The full hardware system requirements list.
This is the list that you'll use to buy hardware and check for compatibility of diagnostic equipment. Also ask for a detailed list of compatible diagnostic equipment.
• A support program that meets your needs
. Discuss response time for common scenarios. How will you reach the company? Via telephone (toll free)? What are the support hours? Are they compatible with your time zone? Does support come via fax, the Internet or on-site visits?
• Types of training and continuing education programs
. Are they available on-site, via the Internet or through manuals? Are upgrades included in the initial software price? How are they installed and delivered?
• Expandability. What is the cost and process for adding workstations and users?
• Ability to support an optical shop module
. This may or not be important to you, depending on your needs and your future plans.
• References. How is this system working for others? Ask for a list of current customers in your area. Make sure to call and visit at least one of these offices.