Abstract: Online advertising has grown so fast that it has surpassed billboards, magazines, and cable in spending. Local advertising is growing even faster, and the need to provide competitive services to advertisers is becoming imperative. As demand for local listings increases, a tool enabling advertisers to manage their own web site listings will not only save them significant operating dollars, it’ll provide a competitive edge.

Abstract: Here’s the inside story on how an international manufacturer using a traditional, local enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution shifted gears to end up with an on-demand, remotely hosted ERP system. It wasn’t the change the company originally intended, but the benefits proved too overwhelming to resist.

Abstract: Rapid changes in international markets—and mounting pressures to reduce costs and improve quality—make globalization a key issue for most organizations today. Worldwide company reorganizations, acquisitions, mergers, and spin-offs affect the structure of an enterprise, demanding immediate action. Globalization requires that companies enable core business processes on a global basis, while providing ease of use for local user communities.

Abstract: Primarily due to rapid development of technology in the past thirty years, the market structure throughout the world has changed considerably. Local markets have become accessible to foreign manufacturers, who are able to perform well in their newly established territories in part due to their superior application of technology. In this light, most companies, including small and medium size, have embedded globalization in their expansion strategies, consistently seeking for new markets abroad. Consequently, local manufacturing companies are facing global competition, forcing them to adopt new concepts with respect to people, process and technologies. This document describes these approaches to production planning in detail as well outlines a software solution. The software solution (Production/3) combines both pull and push techniques and enables small to medium size organizations to fully automate their production system while retaining their investment in their legacy enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

Abstract: There is a clear distinction between the market dynamics within the respective MBS and Sage/Best channels.

Abstract: Rather than pursuing the usual route and writing our opinions and analyses of major market trends and then giving the pertinent vendors a chance for a factual review and feedback, we’ve done the opposite, and have asked different vendors about their opinions and their approaches to market trends. Sage is the most recent vendor to join this discussion.

Abstract: Internet security in Saudi Arabia does not go overlooked. Are the Saudis being over zealous and paranoid, or are they practicing smart network security?

Abstract: Scala is a serious challenger in the SME market, especially in emerging markets like Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and China (possibly the local market leader therein), given that the company reported growth and stable financial performance in 2001 while many of its peers have seen corresponding decline.

Abstract: SMEs have recently begun to seek integration platforms that address the end-to-end business process management (BPM) rather than the traditional pesky point-to-point interconnectivity solutions. IBM's strategy of selling WebSphere Express through local VARs and of letting smaller enterprises deploy only what they need in an incremental fashion, should go a long way with the current buying patterns.

Abstract: Adonix often comes ahead of larger global players in terms of functional fit, pricing, and understanding of the local requirements in the distribution area. The company still faces challenges presented by limited financial resources to adequately fund multiple key strategic initiatives including brand marketing, undeveloped global channel and brand recognition, and formidable competition within the market of Adonix’ future expansion focus (particularly the North American market).

Abstract: So you are looking for software to support the critical functions of your company. Unfortunately, you can't go to your local Software'R'Us. This article discusses several sources and methods for identifying potential software vendors. It also examines the pro's and con's of each method.

Abstract: The major factors of success in business applications for the mid-market segment have traditionally been--flexible pricing, packaging and deployment options; speed of implementation; vertical focus; interconnectivity to other applications and legacy systems; product scalability and scope expandability; Internet and wireless device accessibility; low cost business-to-business (B2B) electronic connectivity; and a single point of contact possibly with a local consulting and implementation support. PeopleSoft seems to have captured (or at least tackled) most of these.

Abstract: Implementing Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) at Maturity Level 5 enables an organization to optimize its performance. Learn about the critical success factors for CMMI High Maturity level appraisals; world-class practice for establishment and coaching of a local SEPG group; and the secrets of one organization’s rapid implementation of CMMI High Maturity practices.

Abstract: GTM software should be able to gather information and feed it back into the parent company, creating visibility into what remote divisions are doing and how they are doing it. Software providers must strike the right balance between global consistency and special local needs.

Abstract: SAP seems to have grasped that the key to success in the SMB market is brand awareness and an apt product, since SMBs are looking for support from incumbent vendors, with intimate knowledge of their vertical and business processes, ample local resources, and the commitment to support them both off- and on-site to achieve value over a long-term relationship. SAP partners' solutions have been leveraged and managed through SAP Global Solutions Network, so that partners do not have to reinvent the wheel, and even unnecessarily compete in the same industries.

Abstract: It is becoming increasingly important for supply chain execution (SCE) suppliers to have global implementation and service capabilities, while multinational user companies conversely benefit from working with global application providers. Now, the two merged vendors, RedPrairie Corporation and LIS, should have the critical mass and geographical breadth necessary to better serve the needs of their global customers, with local, multilingual support, and to compete for an ever-increasing number of multi-modal transport, multinational engagements.

Abstract: Informatica Corporation (Nasdaq: INFA) announced products that enable resellers and distributors around the world to convert Informatica software to any major language for resale in their local markets.

Abstract: Adonix often comes ahead of larger global players in terms of functional fit, pricing, and understanding of the local requirements in the distribution area.