Flip a Coin to Make Decisions
Gartner recently made a report available titled, To Save Time on Product Selection, Flip a Coin. And in case you're thinking that the title isn't clear, here's the summary of the report, "Instead of extensively testing and evaluating numerous products, IT buyers can draw up a shortlist of suitable tools and then flip a coin. This method must be used with great care, but can save managers time and money."
Aside from being an unusual recommendation from a company that does research to help companies make decisions, I'm confused as to what the $195 price tag is for. What else could this report possibly have to say other than what the title and summary have stated? Perhaps it is advice on how to flip the coin fairly? Best two out of three anyone?
There is probably advice on what kind of coin to use. There could be advice on how to catch the coin. I personally am a big fan of the catch and turn over method. Don't look at the coin before you turn it over otherwise people might think you are cheating.