Those that don't have patented technology could be either an inexpensive substitute for the real thing, or could be in the middle of a lawsuit right now. The latter would mean buying a risky product since the vendor may have to surrender the code to the injured party, as well as ask customers to move their code. Recognition for a comparative review holds more significance than an award for a product with the most press mentions in a publications or one that's a personal favorite of some editor. Look for articles in major computer and or networking trade books that present a favorable capsule overview of the vendor and its product. Look for articles that include quotes from customers, industry analysts, as well the vendors' key executives.
Editors like to tell their readers about proven, successful products, and technologies.
To this end, check the vendor's Web site for published news clips, not press releases. Sites with lots of press releases and no news clips mean the vendor likes to make noise. If your needs for the product are global, look for a company that covers the map with its own field support offices, value added resellers and distributors staffed with technical support personnel who can answer your questions. If the vendor is a lone wolf, need to assess whether or not the vendor has a legitimate reason for an empty den. She is a free-lance writer from Boston, Massachusetts.