Insights

Technology advisory insights.

Practical guidance on technology contract negotiation, cybersecurity governance, and vendor selection — from an independent, vendor-neutral advisory team helping businesses make sound technology decisions.

A stack of MALA insight articles on security, AI and cost, feeding clearer technology decisionsSECURITYRead →$COSTRead →AIAI GOVERNANCERead →

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Vendor-Neutral AdvisoryOct 16, 2026

Is This Technology Decision Ready to Sign? The 15 Checks to Close Before You Commit

Run 15 readiness checks before vendor selection, budget approval or contract signature. See critical gaps, owners and due dates before you commit.

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Vendor-Neutral AdvisoryOct 14, 2026

How to Write an RFP Vendors Can't Answer With a Brochure

Most IT RFPs get brochures back. Set prioritized requirements, scoring weights and a dated timeline vendors have to answer, with a free 6-minute ...

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Vendor-Neutral AdvisoryOct 13, 2026

Case Study: How an R&D Center Cut $1M in WAN Costs

How a national-security R&D center replaced a single-carrier WAN with dual carriers and SD-WAN, and cut about $1M in recurring charges over three ...

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Vendor-Neutral AdvisoryOct 8, 2026

Before You Commit: 15 Questions Every CIO/CTO Should Ask at Project Kickoff

15 questions CIOs and CTOs should answer on IT strategy, governance and delivery risk before signing a contract, choosing a provider or approving a ...

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Vendor-Neutral AdvisoryOct 2, 2026

What Is a Vendor-Neutral Technology Advisor?

A vendor-neutral technology advisor compares providers across the market for you, isn't tied to one vendor, and is paid by the provider you pick.

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Vendor-Neutral AdvisoryOct 2, 2026

What Does a Technology Advisor Cost? A Straight Answer

Most vendor-neutral technology advisors charge clients no direct fee. Who pays instead, what it means for your price, and what to check before you ...

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Vendor-Neutral AdvisorySep 30, 2026

Start Here: Free Tools, Live Partner Status, No Client Fee

MALA's new site adds free decision tools and live status for 430+ technology providers. How to use them to start any technology purchase, at no ...

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Vendor-Neutral AdvisorySep 18, 2026

How to Evaluate a Technology Advisor: Questions to Ask Before You Sign

Not every technology advisor is structurally neutral. The questions to ask before you engage one, and what a good answer sounds like.

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Vendor-Neutral AdvisorySep 18, 2026

Technology Decision-Making Trends to Watch in 2027

Heading into 2027, several shifts in how mid-market organizations buy and govern technology are worth watching. Here's what's changing and why it ...

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Vendor-Neutral AdvisorySep 18, 2026

The Hidden Cost of Tool Sprawl: Why Mid-Market Companies Run More Software Than They Need

Tool sprawl accumulates quietly, one reasonable decision at a time. Here's why it happens, what it actually costs, and how to find it in your own ...

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