Abstract: Because product lifecycle management (PLM) offers a host of benefits to manufacturers, it has become one of the fastest growing categories of enterprise applications. But a PLM system needs to work hand-in-hand with an enterprise resource planning system, so how can an organization integrate these two enterprise applications, which

Abstract: On one hand, some archrivals (e.g., Microsoft, IBM, and Oracle) are becoming strange bedfellows, while, on the other hand, the others (e.g., Microsoft and Sun) remain set on irreconcilable differences between their technology camps. What are users to do when torn between the hype/promise of Web services and the fear of being outrun by events?

Abstract: If your company believes that success goes hand in hand with social responsibility, you'll want to learn more about the experience of seventh gener...

Abstract: If you’re dealing with increasing demands on your server storage by adding servers one at a time, the number of servers is growing hand in hand with management complexity, while stretching your IT budget. Make sure your data assets are covered—find out how server and storage consolidation storage systems can simplify storage management, increase flexibility, and advance data protection and disaster recovery.

Abstract: Enabling lean manufacturing and six sigma principles to improve operations requires a nontraditional approach. The old idea that lean manufacturing and six sigma principles don’t require IT isn’t valid anymore. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) and supply chain management (SCM) applications are critical for enabling holistic, lean manufacturing operations, and work hand-in-hand to better enable consumption—not forecasts—to drive replenishment.

Abstract: Process improvement efforts often go hand in hand with a balanced scorecard (BSC). A BSC provides management with a set of key result indicators (KRI) to assess how the company is progressing toward strategic goals, such as “increase customer base.” For this type of goal, the KRI are tied to key performance indicators (KPIs). Explore how an application intelligence platform (AIP) can support a process improvement program.

Abstract: In our new “wired” world, software is no less important than other products and services in our everyday lives. But people are generally more used to buying other products and services than software. In many ways, however, selecting software is similar to selecting other products and services. Find out the key factors and criteria you should include—and what you should leave out—when you’re in the market for a new software solution.

Abstract: Predictions of the death of software are overstated. In reality, businesses are becoming more reliant on technology, not less. What’s changing, however, is the number of options available for managing, delivering, and paying for software applications. Many independent software vendors recognize the benefits of offering software as a service--a delivery alternative that can present long-term benefits for all parties.

Abstract: After dealing with the over-hype of Y2K, companies have started to reconsider the best of breed as a viable solution to satisfy their software needs. This comes as a shock to the corporate systems culture when user communities were told that fully integrated software such as ERP, SCM, and EAM were the only way to meet their software needs. After developing a level playing field, this article examines the pro’s and con’s of one alternative over the other. Read on to see if you agree with the merits of the best of breed or fully integrated software approach to software selection.

Abstract: The Delphi technique—drawing wise counsel from senior and experienced software developers—can help you prepare estimates for software development projects. With this method of software estimation, project specifications are given to a few experts, depending on their availability. Learn about the essential steps involved in this software estimation methodology for more accurate estimates of software development effort.

Abstract: Software developers need a powerful tool to control and plan the quality of their software applications. With a solution that offers project analysis, testing, and bug administration, you have options that can help increase the quality of your software products. Read about a software test tool that has administrative functions to help you more effectively plan, control, and evaluate your software as it’s developed.

Abstract: The requirement that enterprise software vendors deliver a measurable return on investment (ROI) has never been greater than right now. Customers are demanding that ROI analysis be a critical factor in their decisions to acquire new enterprise software. Without a demonstrable return, few customers are willing to invest scarce capital and human resources in new enterprirse software. A more complete analysis of return can be had by looking at the overall payback that enterprise software can offer to a company. Enterprise software payback includes not only quantifiable improvements in bottom and top line functionality, but also more qualitative measures-—such as new business opportunities, improved customer and partner relations, and improved time to market—-that contribute significantly to the success of a company's enterprise software implementation and use.

Abstract: Not all integrated accounting and point of sale (POS) systems are created equal. If sales prices aren’t updated, or if on-hand stock isn’t managed properly, you will be at a major competitive disadvantage. Fully integrated accounting systems move information smoothly from one module to another—but what does integration as it applies to accounting and POS software really mean?

Abstract: Having just completed implementing your enterprise-wide software, you are about lean back, put your feet up on the desk, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Not so fast! While you were completing your implementation project, a new release of the software may have already hit the street or, for sure, there is one in the pipeline. Now you are faced with the decision as to if and when to take on the new release. Maybe now is the time to look at how a new class of software tools, enterprise process improvement (EPI), can assist you in the upgrade decision.

Abstract: Project portfolio management (PPM), once a solution only larger organizations could afford, enables companies to analyze, recommend, authorize, activate, expedite, and monitor projects. In recent years, however, small to medium businesses have been able to benefit from PPM too, through software-as-a-service models of this tool.

Abstract: Palm Computing to offer software to allow Palm devices to network with enterprise systems and applications.

Abstract: The conventional unit of measurement for software size is the point. Unfortunately, the point-based measurement system fails to account for many of the complexities of software development. This paper proposes software size units (SSUs) as an alternative to points, defines their component elements, and explains how to use SSUs for more accurate software estimations and easier productivity assessments.

Abstract: Engineer-to-order (ETO) and project-based companies look to information technology (IT) to improve processes and gain a competitive edge. However, building complex products to exact customer specifications requires unique software. But what exactly are the software requirements of ETO and project-based manufacturers? Remember, the wrong software can cost about the same as the right software—until you try to use it!