This session will debunk the five most common myths and misconceptions in DX platform acquisition. Gain the critical information necessary to make one of the most important technology decisions facing businesses today: technology platform and approach. Whether you are in the beginning, middle or mature stage of a digital transformation, juggling legacy platforms or starting from scratch, this session will provide key tools, strategies and insights for critical decision-making. Facilitated by an in-the-field practitioner, the content is packed with case studies and real-world examples from evaluation to selection and rollout. Learn from others’ mistakes (and successes).

1. 1
The 5 Biggest Myths
in DX Platform Acquisition
Anna Murray

2. Anna Murray
The Complete Software Project Manager
(Wiley, 2016)
“A technical book that reads like a novel!”– Banking Exchange
“Her distinction among IT projects that are simple, complicated,
and complex is worth the price of admission by itself.” – Thomas
A. Stewart, Executive Director, National Center for the Middle
Market, Fisher College of Business, The Ohio State University

3. Anna Murray
One of the earliest web development firms. emedia has
developed strategy and implemented solutions for clients
including The Kellogg Corporation, Harvard Business Publishing,
Time Out New York, Atlantic, Slate Group, The American
Association of Advertising Agencies, International Creative
Management, Consumer Reports, and The National Institutes
of Health.
“My typical project involves 11 vendors in 5 time zones.”
Founder
anna@emediaweb.com
212-645-2900 x753

4. Myth #1
You can reach consensus.
In DX Platform acquisition…

5. What technology-choice discussions really look like.
Too soon?

6. How about this?

7. > War & marriage advice
> Shamans & empire builders
> Running the control
> Case study & other hints
Fact: Most technology acquisition discussions result in conflict.

8. Myth #2
Off-the-shelf software saves
time & money.
In DX Platform acquisition…

9. > “Meets all our needs” fallacy
> Risks of being wrong (Case study)
> Increased discovery
> Unified platforms
Fact: Off-the-self solutions may cost more than custom.

10. Myth #3
For best results, plan on an
internal implementation team.
In DX Platform acquisition…

11. > Reasons & justifications
> Steady state folks vs. project folks
> Case studies
> Where each approach works best
Fact: In-house teams are not right for many projects.

12. Myth #4
Accurate budgeting is
impossible.
In DX Platform acquisition…

13. > 4 budgeting methods
> Accuracy of each
> 5 always-risky elements
> 3 metaphors
Fact: You can know your budget’s degree of accuracy.

14. 1. Comparative
2. Bottom up
3. Top Down
4. Blends
Budgeting Methods:

15. 1. Data migration
2. Integration
3. Customization
4. Too-large project
5. New/Unproven Technology
Always Risky

16. Metaphor #1
Piles of Snow

17. Metaphor #2
Ikea Desk

18. Metaphor #3
Heart Surgery

19. HINT
Beware the optimistic
programmer.
+

20. Myth #5
When all else fails,
trust your gut.
In DX Platform acquisition…

21. > Emotions at the start
> The trough of FUD
Fact: In software-development, “guts” are unreliable.

22. Trough of FUD
Trough of FUD
FUD Recovery

23. Q&A
Contact:
Anna Murray
anna@emediaweb.com
212-645-2900 x753
@APMurray123