Gather information on what other local governments are doing electronically, what technologies they are using, and the problems they faced as they integrated it with their business along the way. Ask your colleagues and vendors who else is using the product that you are looking for, then seek those people out and establish information-sharing relationships. Ask questions and gather as much information as possible. Up-front research and information gathering will help you plan a technology solution that has both immediate and long-lasting payoffs.