This paper defines a Trade Study process. If your team is facing a technology investment decision, our process will help you objectively select the right product or service.
Is your team facing a decision on which technology, product, or service to buy? After an organization makes the initial choice to invest in new or replacement technologies, a common follow on question is, "Which vendor-specific offering is best for us?" For investments of significant size, you need an objective process to maximize value. In this situation, a Trade Study will help you.
This paper defines a process to conduct Trade Studies. Properly conducted Trade Studies inform decisions by methodically framing the trade space and systematically evaluating alternatives. Objectivity throughout the process ensures that Trade Study recommendations are evidence-based, defensible, and can be used with confidence.
For more information or to obtain a copy of the researchers' spreadsheet, please contact InformedDecisions@mitre.org.