If you are starting a company, you have plenty to do. One thing that is not high on your list is researching technical products.
Wouldn't it be great to have a techno-sherpa on your team, guiding you safely through the technology maze? They should sell only planning and provide objective advice without pushing you toward specific products, don't you think?
Object guidance from a technology veteran can save a your start-up business precious time and time-to-market is a big deal. How is time saved? By choosing relevant, affordable solutions the first time around. By not wasting time building when you should be buying, or vice versa. By using a trusted advisor to cut through the noise and confusion, allowing you to focus on your mission.
Savvy guidance can also save you money and what startup doesn't want more money for marketing or product development? Money is saved by choosing wisely, by staying on course, and by succeeding the first time. Experience does this. Rent someone else's scars instead of creating your own.
Here's a more thorough list of what you should get from a technical planning company:
http://www.dynamicanswers.com/Success/StartUps/tabid/105/Default.aspx