...How reliable is the supplier?

Don't forget to evaluate suppliers at least as closely as you evaluate products, says Andrew Treadwell, marketing director with payroll provider Snowdrop. On average a payroll system will be in place for seven to 10 years, so it's important to choose a supplier that is likely to be around to support the product during its lifetime. Also consider whether this platform will be supported by the vendor in the future - or if they are planning to release a new one in the next couple of years that will mean you're really buying old technology?...