http://www.technologyevaluation.comTechnology Evaluation Centers - News Analysis and Research. Technology Evaluation Centers Inc. (TEC) is the impartial advocate for end users and purchasers of enterprise software solutions. It has aided IT professionals with software selection since 1993.Copyright 2012 Technologyevaluation.com. All rights reserved.ERP for services solutions are changing the way professional services companies do business by combining powerful project- and resource-management tools with essential back-office functionality. Learn all about these solutions in TEC's 2012 ERP for Services Buyer's Guide. Plus get detailed product comparisons, a comprehensive vendor directory, customer success stories, and thought leadership from industry experts.http://www.technologyevaluation.com/view_document/report/33309/tec-2012-erp-for-services-buyer-s-guide.html5/24/2012 3:43:00 PM This article from Harvard Business Review describes the design and implementation of a system for strategic planning, operational execution, and feedback and learning. It also presents a range of tools that managers can apply at the different stages, and options for integrating them in a system that links the management of strategy and operations.http://whitepapers.technologyevaluation.com/view_document/33258/mastering-the-management-system.html5/16/2012 2:26:00 PM In today’s business climate, enterprise performance management (EPM) systems have risen from the status of “nice-to-have” to “must have” for midsize companies, particularly those that experienced substantial growth prior to the current economic downturn. This paper discusses some of the ways the new unpredictability of external market forces has escalated the value of precise internal forecasts and quick decision-making for these companies.http://whitepapers.technologyevaluation.com/view_document/27010/enterprise-performance-management-key-to-rapid-response-for-today-s-successful-midsize-companies.html5/9/2012 11:02:00 AM Most organisations are sitting on IT equipment that is not supporting the business optimally, yet the received wisdom is to sweat the assets to gain as much perceived lifetime value from them as possible. However, IT assets have inherent value which can change significantly through each asset’s lifecycle—whether this is through its hard resale value or just through its scrap value. By applying a full IT lifecycle management (ITLM) approach to the complete IT platform, a business-optimised platform can be created—one where business value overrides the embedded concept of sweating assets.http://whitepapers.technologyevaluation.com/view_document/27006/don-t-sweat-assets-liberate-them.html5/9/2012 7:15:00 AM This paper highlights the environmental impact of printing and discusses how a managed print service can support an organization's sustainability goals, while also lowering costs and driving business efficiency.http://whitepapers.technologyevaluation.com/view_document/27005/sustainability-through-managed-print-services.html5/9/2012 7:01:00 AM In some ways, midsize companies in the early stages of life need top-tier enterprise resource planning (ERP)—integrated and collaborative solutions with broad and deep capabilities—more than their larger competitors. This briefing provides insight into why and how emerging companies are deploying top-tier ERP. Included are examples from customers that chose to implement top-tier ERP while they were in early phases of growth.http://whitepapers.technologyevaluation.com/view_document/27004/modernizing-enterprise-applications-with-strategic-deployment-options-an-oracle-accelerate-for-midsize-companies-briefing.html5/8/2012 4:38:00 PM Business process management (BPM) software vendor W4’s philosophy is to mix the best of BPM tools and applications with its model-driven application development framework. Download this report to find out how this philosophy has shaped W4's flagship platform BUSINESS FIRST, along with an analysis of BUSINESS FIRST's features and functionality from TEC BI Analyst Jorge García.http://www.technologyevaluation.com/view_document/report/26986/vendor-spotlight-report-w4.html5/4/2012 1:17:00 PM Newly available software platforms known as governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) technologies can help your business stay on top of the myriad procedures, tasks, and behaviors that bear upon compliance. This paper discusses the drivers behind the growing awareness of GRC information technology, introduces the elements of an effective automated GRC system, and suggests a low-risk, high-impact approach to launching GRC automation.http://whitepapers.technologyevaluation.com/view_document/26958/achieving-efficient-governance-risk-and-compliance-grc-through-process-and-automation.html4/25/2012 5:01:00 PM Businesses have a variety of strategies to select from when implementing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems across their global organizations. The choice of configuration can have a profound impact on visibility across the organization, as well the cost and complexity of implementing and supporting the solution. This white paper describes the three principal choices.http://whitepapers.technologyevaluation.com/view_document/26957/choosing-the-right-erp-solution-to-support-a-global-business.html4/25/2012 4:47:00 PM Companies today are challenged to maintain their data safe and secure from hackers and others with unauthorized access. In his article, TEC business intelligence (BI) analyst Jorge García looks the risks and issues that companies face with securing their data, the importance and advantages of data security, and outlines a path that companies can follow to achieve data security as part of an overall data governance initiative.http://www.technologyevaluation.com/research/articles/the-path-to-healthy-data-governance-through-data-security-26944/4/24/2012 11:17:00 AM Today, TEC Research Analyst Gabriel Gheorghiu focuses on business process simulation software provider Lanner Group. Gabriel looks at Lanner's history, products, and market position—and explains the pros and cons of using software to simulate your business processes.http://www.technologyevaluation.com/research/articles/business-process-simulation-technology-from-lanner-26937/4/20/2012 11:19:00 AM Social media is adding new value to cloud-based supply chain management for companies of all sizes. Internal social media (via Intranet) and external sites like Facebook and Twitter are being increasingly used in a new, flexible supply chain cycle. Read this article to learn how two very different companies are taking advantage of the unique contribution social media can make to the dynamic supply and demand loop.http://www.technologyevaluation.com/research/articles/social-media-in-your-supply-chain-keeps-everyone-in-the-loop-26900/4/11/2012 4:09:00 PM Now that phone systems can be delivered over a network, even smaller companies can have access to enterprise-grade calling features. Like any business-critical system, a telephony system is a major deployment that should be undertaken only after a thorough discovery of both your existing infrastructure and users’ needs. This checklist offers 10 rules to help you choose a new telephony system for your organization.http://whitepapers.technologyevaluation.com/view_document/26895/10-golden-rules-for-choosing-a-telephony-system.html4/11/2012 11:19:00 AM When it’s time to expand your business network, you must consider the current and future needs of your organization and assess the technologies that will provide the best performance for mission-critical applications. This checklist offers 10 rules for building a network that will reliably support your business as it grows. http://whitepapers.technologyevaluation.com/view_document/26892/10-golden-rules-for-building-out-your-network-infrastructure.html4/10/2012 5:29:00 PM With mobile device use fast growing, 2012 seems to be the ‘year of the mobile.’ As companies embrace mobility, a key issue is the mobile versus app debate, and whether there is an argument for producing a mobile application over a mobile site. This white paper looks at the pros and cons of both native apps and mobile Web, and dives into the things that companies should consider before making a choice between mobile app and Web. http://whitepapers.technologyevaluation.com/view_document/26883/choosing-between-mobile-apps-and-mobile-web.html4/7/2012 12:13:00 PM The HireIQ product HireIQ Hiring Optimization Suite is now TEC Certified for online evaluation of recruitment and staffing solutions in TEC's Human Capital Management Evaluation Center. The certification seal is a valuable indicator for organizations relying on the integrity of TEC research for assistance with their software selection projects. Download this report for product highlights, competitive analysis, product analysis, and in-depth analyst commentary.http://www.technologyevaluation.com/view_document/report/26860/hireiq-hiring-optimization-suite-recruitment-and-staffing-certification-report.html3/30/2012 9:05:00 AM As organizations get larger and expand into new markets and territories they may find it more difficult to meet their talent management needs. Outsourcing is one option, but is your organization ready to hand over its entire recruitment process to an RPO provider? TEC analyst Sherry Fox looks at some factors to consider when working with an RPO and what your company can do to reap the benefits of recruitment outsourcing. http://www.technologyevaluation.com/research/articles/thinking-of-outsourcing-your-entire-recruitment-process-here-s-what-you-need-to-know-26857/3/28/2012 10:55:00 AM Businesses looking to gain an advantage over their competitors need much more than just better products—they need to be able to manage the complexity of their supply chain network and collaborate throughout the chain to promptly address major unexpected issues. In addition to an analysis of the state of the market, this buyer’s guide offers a special report on global trade management (GTM) as well as product comparisons. http://www.technologyevaluation.com/view_document/report/26849/tec-2012-supply-chain-management-buyer-s-guide.html3/23/2012 4:39:00 PM Educational institutions are being driven by new technologies and changing student demographics to dramatically change the way they deliver their services. And growth in enrolment requires the proper management of student information, curricula, finances, and human resources. TEC product manager Rahim Kaba reviews TEC market data for a glimpse into the types of enterprise software systems that educational institutions are considering, and the top functional priorities they seek.http://www.technologyevaluation.com/research/articles/a-portrait-of-the-enterprise-software-user-in-the-education-industry-26840/3/21/2012 2:45:00 PM What does BPM have to do with CRM? Sword Ciboodle can tell you. The vendor delivers process-based customer interaction solutions to contact centers to improve the customer experience by improving customer-facing processes. TEC principal analyst P.J. Jakovljevic reviews the vendor’s key offerings and sits down with Ciboodle’s VP of product and market strategy to discuss the company’s challenges, strategies, and technologies.http://www.technologyevaluation.com/research/articles/sword-ciboodle-one-more-bpm%2dcentric-crm-provider-26835/3/20/2012 10:50:00 AM