Use only prototypes where there is no feasible alternative. Test them thoroughly!!

LARGE COMPANIES HAVE DEVELOPED PROTOTYPES IN HOUSE THAT WERE SUCCESSFUL BECAUSE THEIR OWN ENGINEERS AND RESEARCH STAFF HAD THE SKILL AND KEPT THE DESIGN AND TESTING IN THEIR OWN HANDS.

Let the other company buy and use the prototype.

IT IS BETTER TO READ ABOUT THE FAILURE IN THE DAILY PAPER THAN IN A TELEX ADDRESSED TO YOU.

A prototype when offered by a manufacturer is always cheaper in capital cost than the alternatives.

OF COURSE, THE DISCOUNT YOU GET IS ON HIS ADVERTISING BUDGET!! HE WANTS TO HAVE THIS LARGE COMPANY AS CLIENT IN HIS BROCHURES!!

A manufacturer trying to sell you the prototypes promises you all the service in the world!! He will even replace complete units or supply a spare unit for free!!

SOME EVEN DO, BUT AT WHAT A HIGH FRUSTRATION LEVEL FOR THE USER!! HE USES YOUR FACILITIES FOR REAL LIFE TESTING PURPOSES!!

An unproven prototype costs you in the end far more than the proven facility.

THE MANUFACTURER WILL AT BEST GIVE YOU A LONGER GUARANTEE PERIOD, BUT WILL NEVER INDEMNIFY YOU FOR CONSEQUENTIAL LOSSES THAT ARE FACTORS HIGHER THAN THE INITIAL SAVING IN CAPITAL COSTS.

Your major problem will be to convince the government or partner that it is not wise to buy the cheap prototype.

A PRICE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TWO BIDS TODAY IS SO MUCH EASIER TO SEE THAN THE POTENTIAL GREAT LOSS IN INCOME IN THE FUTURE.

BUT!!! WITHOUT PROTOTYPES THERE WOULD NOT BE PROGRESS!!