Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is CTS?
A: CTS is a software screening and referral service. We work with a wide range of software providers that we hand-pick based on criteria such as product development, support services and customer feedback. We offer valuable information and personalized software recommendations at no charge to our visitors.   

Since its inception, CTS has helped over 21,000 companies evaluate and select new software. Our goal is to help business owners and managers make the best software selection decisions possible. To meet this goal, CTS offers a complement of software selection tools, including our highly-acclaimed software reviews and ratings and our invaluable personalized software recommendations.

Q: How does CTS generate revenue?
A: The software providers we represent pay CTS an annual fee to be included in our referral network. Because of this corporate funding, we are able to provide our personalized referral service to you for free.

Q:  What makes CTS different from other software selection or referral services?
A: Personalized software recommendations from – and one-on-one consultations with – software expert Sheldon Needle, who actually understands your business issues and speaks your language. Sheldon knows how the leading software companies compare and which products will perform to your expectations.

Q: Who is Sheldon Needle?
A: Sheldon Needle is the Founder and President of CTS.  A former CFO, consultant and software designer, Sheldon has contributed articles to major publications, such as the Journal of Accountancy and Nation’s Business, and has authored or co-authored more than 20 books on software selection.

At CTS, Sheldon speaks with business owners and managers every day about software selection and makes personalized recommendations based on their needs and budget. He is widely known and respected throughout the business software community for his independence, integrity and software selection expertise.

Q: How does Sheldon make his software recommendations?
A: Using the information you provide on our online form and, in many cases, a short one-on-one consultation, Sheldon will e-mail you his preferred software picks for your company.  

CTS is not paid a commission or fee per lead, so there is no incentive for Sheldon to recommend one software system over another. This means that he can take an unbiased approach when making his suggestions. Because of this, CTS has gained a stellar reputation for delivering quality content and on-target software recommendations.

Q: What services does CTS offer?
A: Visitors to our site can access a free Software Selection Kit for their industry. Each Kit offers comprehensive reviews and ratings for leading, industry-specific software solutions. We also offer free software recommendations based on your specific needs and budget.

Our low-cost Demo Evaluation and Implementation Planning Templates are comprehensive resources that help you evaluate, select and implement new software – while minimizing the risk and potential pitfalls related to these processes.

And finally, CTS and Sheldon Needle offer On-Site Consulting services to meet your unique needs. Consulting topics can include a current software systems evaluation and a detailed software requirements needs analysis.

Q: How can I inquire about becoming a software provider in the CTS referral network?
A: Contact us by e-mail sheldon@ctsguides.com or phone 800-433-8015 for information.