"The staff in the Tax Department at the City of Long Beach was planning to develop a major new information system. They knew what they wanted the system to do but were unsure how to find just the right system and vendor. They decided to ask other local governments about the systems they were using.  They met with four municipal tax departments and asked questions about functionality, ease of use, and vendor support. Each municipality explained what they liked about their system, what was missing, and what they would change if they could. Critical to this process was that each municipality frankly discussed the relationship they had with their vendor and either recommended them or not. This research and advice enabled the tax department to choose the system and vendor that best supported their need and avoid those that didn't."

• Robert Piazza
• Assistant Superintendent
• City of Long Beach