I think the key term that needs to be considered is "partners" and even though not highlighted as a specific component of this search in the editorial, it is nevertheless one of the main considerations when looking at vendors. It is necessary to remember that this vendor is being selected to fulfill some critical business need or you wouldn't be spending the money with them, regardless of how small or large that amount of money is. With that, there is a need to ensure that the vendor will be able to fill that role. Golfing with them will not ensure that though. 😛 What will? Look at their application lifecycles, the company history, their presence in the community and ensure that all those areas are at the level you would expect. A company that spends the time, and money, to impact the community is obviously desirous of making sure that their customers are going to be well taken care of as well.