No sleep again last night. This layer three decision was big. It has affected me deeply. I really can't give out much of the background info. But let me see if I can at least make some vague statements.

UEN is and has been a one vendor network (when it comes to layer 2 and layer 3 equipment). Let's call it vendor A. This arrangement has been productive and useful for both parties. But I believe that whenever there is only one vendor that the customer (in this case UEN) will have problems. Let's think of it as apathy that creeps into some long term relationships.

I believe, and my experience has shown me, that a good way to avoid neglect is to have a second vendor. So last year, after an arduous process, UEN chose a second vendor. Let's call them Vendor B.

Now, in my mind, UEN is a two vendor network. But, so far, Vendor B hasn't been very successful in getting a foot hold in our network.

So last week along comes vendor C. This is someone we considered through our arduous journey, and dismissed. Mostly for financial reasons. Certainly not because of quality issues.

But just last week we were presented an opportunity to choose vendor C. The decision had to be made immediately. The time frame was completely out of my control. And I almost bit.

So, why didn't I? Why did I stay with Vendor A?

Several reasons. Most of which would make no sense in this vague review. But one of the main factors is that I was with Vendor B just last month making a presentation to another vendor (yes, this would be vendor D.) I asked vendor D to consider a business relationship with Vendor B. This would be somewhat expensive for both to entertain. And since our meeting both of these vendors are talking to each other and perhaps they will enter into a new, mutually beneficial, partnership.

If I would have made a vendor C decision it would likely have put an end to these discussions. And, in the end, that would have compromised my integrity. And that's something I'm not willing to do.

And so, I am left to contemplate my vendor A decision. This has kept me awake for the past two nights, wondering...........
9:20:57 PM    comment []