Choosing a software vendor doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to know about the latest technologies or agile software methods and practices (after all, this isn’t your area of expertise). However, it’s definitely a good idea to ascertain what the value system of your prospective vendor is, and what this implies relative to your own. Shared values and team cohesion are overriding concerns when it comes to software project success. No adherence to a particular methodology or technology choice will trump them.
