title: How to evaluate "enterprise" platforms?
body: <p>I'm tasked with evaluating an "enterprise" platform for the next-gen version of a product. We're currently considering two "types" of platforms - RAD (workflow engine, integrated UI, small cores of "technology plugins" to the workflows, automatic persisting of state...) like SalesForce.com / Service-Now.com  and "cloud based" (EC2 / AppEngine...).</p>
  
  <p>While I have a few ideas on where to start, I'd like your opinions - how would you evaluate platforms for an enterprise suite of products? What factors would you consider? How would you eliminate weak options quickly enough to be able to concentrate on the few strong ones?</p>
  
  <p>Also interesting is how would you compare enterprise RAD (proven technology, quick to develop - but tends to look "the same as the competition") to cloud-based technology (lots of "buzz", not that many competitors - easy to justify to management, but probably lacking (?) enterprise tools and experience).</p>
  
  <p>As said before - I have a few ideas, but would like to see some answers before I post mine so I wouldn't drive the discussion to a specific place.</p>
  
  <p>RB.</p>