What’s the difference between a partner and a vendor and why should it matter?

Being an active partner – working side-by-side with our clients – to grow their businesses is a cornerstone of Andrews Software Inc.’s commitment to our customers. Nothing demonstrates this better than our most recent partnership initiative.

Longtime ASI customer CH Coakley had an opportunity to secure a major US-based financial services company. To do so, would require a custom integration between the CH Coakley/ASI operating system and the client’s Infolinx enterprise content management system. Far from working at arm’s length to “assist” President/CEO Mike Coakley and his team, we rolled up our sleeves, pulled our chairs up to the table and through the collaborative efforts of all parties, helped secure the business.

When I say “partner” vs. “vendor” what do I mean? Why should it matter to you?

Primarily, I’m speaking to the fact that a vendor supplies a product or service to a client. A partner, on the other hand, becomes an extension of the client’s business. It matters because a partner assists the client in developing opportunities by contributing substantial knowledge, expertise and resources as needed. Their product/service is but one component of a much broader/deeper relationship. Check out the ASI website for other examples of how ASI works with clients to grow their businesses.

I’m not saying other software companies aren’t working closely with their clients. I’m sure they do. What I am saying is that being a partner with our clients is in the DNA of ASI. It’s a key contributor to our growth and to the growth of our clients. When business opportunities such as CH Coakley’s knock on your door, know that the ASI team is working beside you.