Abstract: Midsize retailers recognize the value of business intelligence (BI), but many feel BI solutions are beyond their reach. Nowhere is this need more keenly felt than in the midsize retail business, where the right decisions can mean all the difference between success and failure. With limited budgets and staff size, there’s little margin for error. So, how should midsize companies approach these issues? Learn more.

Abstract: Webcom Limited is a Canadian book manufacturer specializing in custom book production. Its heterogeneous IT infrastructure was resulting in discontinuous information flow, which impeded staffers’ abilities to collaborate throughout the steps of a book’s production. But when Webcom Limited migrated to an integrated Microsoft business management system, it saw a 33 percent improvement in the automation of job production workflow.

Abstract: ODG’s industrial division has a reputation for the design and manufacture of quality gears and transmissions. But back in 1991, ODG was using four separate systems for inventory, accounting, sales, and materials resource planning (MRP). The challenge was to combine all four into an integrated management system, with an emphasis on data integrity and scalability. Discover the solution ODG chose to help improve processes.

Abstract: With your Internet and e-mail gateways largely secured against external hackers, most security breaches are now occurring within your network. But why should this issue be placed above the many other IT and governance concerns vying for your attention? Well, where would you be if your closest competitors suddenly had your latest technical blueprints—or if your customers all cancelled their accounts thanks to a data leak?

Abstract: The maze of regulations governing electronic data has never been more complex. Various regulatory bodies, as well as international, regional, and national governments, have different requirements for handling electronic data. Get an in-depth look at compliance regulations, particularly the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), that impact IT managers, and learn about best practices for managing your electronic messaging content.

Abstract: Read this white paper to learn about the areas of potential legal liability and exposure that arise not only through the purely internal activities of your employees, but when inappropriate material makes its way into the corporate e-environment from the outside—and learn about the legal exposure that may arise when you permit employees to be exposed to spam containing pornographic or other inappropriate content.

Abstract: E-mail has become so pervasive that many companies would lose financially if it were unavailable for more than a few hours. However, as more information is held and exchanged electronically, so organizations are subject to increased risk. Find out about a defense strategy that allows you to centrally deploy content protection across your business, from the end points, at the gateway, and inside the Internet cloud.

Abstract: If you’re operating a small to medium business (SMB), you have special needs when it comes to IT security. While large businesses usually have large budgets to invest in the latest technologies, you have to wait until new technologies have proved themselves. One such technology is e-mail content security (ECS). But do you know what makes a good ECS solution and what makes a bad one? If you don’t, you should. Find out now.

Abstract: So you think you just need to be able to block spam? Think again. When it comes to anti-spam, detection is important. But so is management. You also need to control incoming and outgoing e-mail content, as well as checking for spam, viruses, specific text, and attachments within a rule-based framework. Find out how to use an integrated e-mail content management package for effective and flexible spam control.

Abstract: When business uncertainties are frequent and compliance with regulations is mandatory, it can be a challenge to keep information technology (IT) synchronized with strategy for maximum business value—while reducing IT cost. An IT portfolio management framework, coupled with an IT governance framework, can provide visibility into projects and IT assets, keeping them aligned to business objectives at all times.

Abstract: Chief information officers keen to introduce service-oriented architecture (SOA) into their organization must deal with the many legacy applications that are potential roadblocks. To move to an SOA-enabled future, organizations have to service legacy applications, and evaluate which legacy application would give the best return on investment if modernized. The solution may be a process-oriented approach to legacy system transformation.

Abstract: Today, more has to be done with less, and IT infrastructures require flexibility to deliver differential value. Upgrades, customizations, and back-end integration fail to suffice; companies need the ability to build applications on an as-needed basis. Composite applications fulfill this objective by helping organizations leverage existing enterprise applications, drive down the cost of change, and increase the pace of innovation.

Abstract: Changing business scenarios, collapsing traditional barriers, and globalization are creating new challenges. Furthermore, mergers, acquisitions, and changes mandated by regulatory compliance are driving business change. The current competitive environment demands collaboration in real time, and organizations need a service-oriented architecture (SOA) that adjusts business processes and applications according to market requirements. Standards and best practices for adoption are crucial for a functional SOA.

Abstract: Global manufacturers want an integrated view of the shop floor. In response, manufacturing execution systems (MES) have emerged as a powerful tool for integrating plant-floor data with information provided by applications, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM). MES can connect the world, and it has an exciting future when combined with promising technologies such as business process management (BPM) and service oriented architecture (SOA).

Abstract: The benefits from enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems have been well documented. However, its return on investment (ROI) is rarely satisfactory. The failure of an ERP package can be disastrous, but by understanding how to deliver a positive ROI, and by following a business process and business technology optimization strategy, companies can reduce the total cost of ERP system ownership.

Abstract: Identification of landed costs—a long-time goal of manufacturers, distributors, importers, and retailers—has grown in importance for all successful businesses in today’s increasingly competitive market. This white paper focuses on mid-size business needs. It provides comprehensive background information; examines some common business challenges; suggests cost-effective solutions provides links to case studies; and lists resources for additional information.

Abstract: Recent accounting scandals, highlighted by cases at Enron, Arthur Andersen, WorldCom, and Qwest, have emphasized the need for corporate governance, especially responsible corporate accounting. Not only must businesses use responsible accounting methods, but they must know that their methods are accurate. Small and mid-sized businesses must know the limitations of their current accounting software; understand the possible ramifications of system accounting balance failure; and take steps to guarantee the integrity, reliability, and accuracy of their systems. This white paper highlights the need to recognize problematic software accounting methods; minimize errors in account balance integrity, ledgers, and sub ledgers; and reduce the need for expensive rectification, to avoid serious legal ramifications.

Abstract: Currently, India’s population is approximately 1.0009 billion. The middle class is large and still growing; wages were low, but now are some of the best in various industries; many workers are well educated and speak English; and investors are optimistic and local stocks are up. Despite political turmoil, the country presses on with economic reforms. But for potential investors, there’s still cause for worry—find out why.