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What type of proposal technology fits best?

Which technology fits best depends more on the type of proposal than the type of technology. Here is a table cross-referencing types of proposals to types of technology.

Proposal TypeRelevent Technology
Single AuthorSingle user software, personal information managers (PIMs), MS-Word Templates
Multiple AuthorsDocument management, groupware, workflow, project management
Multiple Companies/TeamsWeb-based/extranets
Graphics intensiveHigh-bandwidth connectivity, Digital cameras/imaging, Macromedia Flash, multi-media, writable CD-ROMs/DVD
Multiple software packages in useFormat translaters, PDF, XML
RFP-basedRequirements allocation, assignment tracking
Highly similar submissions (i.e., product proposals)Databases, check-list interfaces
Every proposal is different (i.e., systems integration, R&D, etc.)Document management, XML

Unfortunately, there is no "one size fits all" proposal software solution. You must take into consideration the type of company you are, the type of proposals you prepare, the way you prepare them, and the existing infrastructures within your company that you have to integrate with.

By far, the easiest to automate is the proposal prepared by a single person who can do as he/she pleases. However, for the rest of us, be careful. You may be able to find proposal technology with the features you want, only to find that it is not compatible with the other factors you have to consider.



By Carl Dickson, Founder of CapturePlanning.com



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