Metrics Based Software Supplier Selection - Best Practice Used in the Largest Dutch Telecom Company

This article provides insight into a ´best practice´ used for the selection of software suppliers at the largest Dutch telecom operator, KPN[1]. It explains the metrics rationale applied by KPN when selecting only one preferred supplier (system integrator) per domain instead of the various suppliers that were previously active in each domain. Presently (Q2 2012) the selection and contracting process is entering its final phase. In this paper, the model that was built and used to assess the productivity of the various suppliers and the results of the supplier selection process are discussed. In addition, a number of lessons learned and recommendations are shared.