Editorial framework · Version 1.0Effective August 6, 2026
Software FitStandard
Standard 1.0

The decision contract

A public method for evaluating software fit

Seven rules that turn a broad software category into an inspectable buyer decision.

01

The standard begins with the buyer’s operating constraint, not a universal winner. A useful evaluation states who the product fits, who should keep looking, what evidence supports the answer and what remains unknown.

01

Own a real decision

A page must answer a distinct buyer question. Swapping a vendor, industry or company-size label is not enough: the workflow, exception, criteria and conclusion must materially change.

02

State the evidence boundary

Published documentation can establish what a vendor claims and describes. It does not establish flawless implementation, universal legal compliance or a successful end-to-end test.

03

Show fit and non-fit

Every major evaluation should make the rejection case visible. “Best” is meaningful only when it names a situation, constraint and tradeoff.

04

Use dated variable facts

Pricing, product scope, integrations and regulations change. When they matter to the decision, identify the source and verification date.

05

Do not manufacture experience

No invented tests, ratings, customer counts, quotes or hands-on claims. A documented test must describe the scenario, method and relevant boundary.

06

Separate money from judgment

Commercial support cannot buy inclusion, criteria, rank or a favorable verdict. Relationships are disclosed where they could affect a reader’s interpretation.

07

Maintain the decision

A factual correction or material market change reopens the affected page. The framework itself is versioned in the public changelog.