When you want to know whether a product is any good, you rarely ask the manufacturer. Independent reviews drive most buying decisions, from restaurants to electronics. Yet many organisations still expect software vendors to provide case studies and competitive comparisons as proof of value.

Why case studies fall short

Case studies are written by vendors, not customers. They focus on the happiest clients, the strongest relationships and the most convenient stories. They are polished, selective and crafted to show the product in the best possible light.

They do not represent the full customer base, the real range of experiences or the real issues a buyer might face. As a result, they offer little objective value when evaluating whether a product is right for your organisation.

Why competitor analysis is no better

Even in a single software category, there can be dozens of products that could be considered competitors. Detailed analysis across all of them is rarely practical.

Factors that make this approach unreliable:

• Technology changes quickly, making any comparison outdated almost immediately
• Vendors release new features on a regular basis
• Time spent producing comparison documents is time not spent improving the product

The result is predictable. Every vendor looks better than the competition in their own material, and the analysis becomes a marketing exercise rather than a useful decision aid.

Why these tactics persist

People still ask for case studies because they always have. Before online reviews and open communities, vendor material was one of the few sources of product insight. That legacy expectation continues even though the buying landscape has changed completely.

Better ways to evaluate a product

There are far more reliable, objective and current ways to assess software.

• Use a trial and test the product against your own workflows and goals
• Read independent reviews from real users
• Ask the wider community on platforms such as Reddit or industry forums
• Speak to peers who use similar tools and can offer candid views

These approaches give you unfiltered, real world insight, free from marketing spin or selective storytelling.

Case studies and vendor comparisons are built on a skewed foundation. Modern evaluation methods give buyers a more accurate view, reduce risk and help find the right solution for the organisation rather than the right story for the vendor.

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