Motivated by economic and quality management issues, many hospitals strive for the introduction of information systems into the clinical environment. To introduce the most suitable software product, a systematic selection procedure is required involving all affected staff. The paper describes a methodology that guides the clinical users to an objective motivated decision. This semi-formal methodology is necessary in view of missing standard models for the description of hospital in- formation systems and leads to high acceptance in practical use. The methodology consists of structured product demonstrations with a quantitative assessment, benefit-value-analyses based on step weights for the functions needed, and test installations. Prerequisite of this procedure was the definition of objectives and priorities in a standard catalog that was used as reference in the whole project. Selecting a software product following this systematic procedure establishes a sound basis for a successful application in the clinical environment.