Consultants should operate independently of any internal agendas within your company and bring deep knowledge of the latest technology options and how companies are using them. A preferred professional services provider should be committed to manufacturer neutrality, and be supportive of leveraging your existing investments in a communications expansion. When you compare technology based professional services companies, look for four characteristics that are essential in developing recommendations that are well-informed, fact-based, timely, and balanced: - Operational Experience: Do they understand convergence and network integration of all of your equipment?
- Technology Expertise: Can they explain the how-to’s as well as the benefits of the latest systems, applications, and devices?
- Focus: Are they asking questions about your business strategies, goals, and objectives, rather than promoting a specific brand or solution?
- Objectivity: Are they focused on preserving your current equipment and open to a multi-vendor solution?
| 
