If the provider does not have a proven track record of support for a significant number of
customers using the product, the stability and security of your solution may be put at risk.
When you need technical help, you will typically need it in a hurry. If they will merely pass your
problems on to a third party, such as the software producer, you are not going to get timely
resolution in general.
If the provider has a support system or newsgroup, have a good look at the contents (if it is not
publicly available, ask for a demonstration). If the most recent items on the system are months or
even years old, the chances are it is never actually used.
1. Where does the Solution Provider fit in?
