I got out of a meeting yesterday realizing the importance of keeping on top of vendor news. The vendor was in, and my boss pointed out that their acquisition of a new company might lead to further business depending on how the vendor integrates that new company. I didn't even know they bought it.
I realized that there are a lot of products the company I work for uses, that I don't keep track of. I had once been tasked with checking out single sign on solutions for Linux, and stumbled on RedHat's directory server (Now 389 Directory Server). I really should have been keeping an eye at least on their press releases.
Granted, a lot of the press releases companies put out there and just feel good pieces for investors. But it's very helpful knowing about aquisitions, spin offs, or even when the company decides to take a paid for product and open source it. Keeping on top of your vendors puts you in control so the next time they call and "touch base", you'll know to ask about recent changes and how it will effect your relationship with them.
Now I'm going to add as many as I can to my Google Reader. Hopefully the next time I have a meeting or phone call with them, I won't say "Oh! You make that?"
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