Abstract: This white paper introduces customer self-service and how using Surado Web Self-Service can increase customer satisfaction, reduce costs, and increase return on investments (ROI). The key is to understand your customer, your products and services, and the tools available to deliver service to maximize customer satisfaction and reduce customer service costs. This paper will discuss the various self-service options available, how to utilize best practices, delivery technology and how customer self-service is tied to the 'big picture' of customer relationship management (CRM).

Abstract: IT organizations today are faced with the constant pressure of reducing costs at the service desk, while at the same time ensuring optimal customer service. To accelerate their IT infrastructure library (ITIL) initiatives, many are implementing service resolution management (SRM) systems. With the addition of SRM, these organizations can address the core issues required to operate an efficient and strategic service desk.

Abstract: This article describes the unique challenges of the service supply chain, provides a framework for understanding the service management decision hierarchy, and highlights the dramatic value proposition available to companies that deploy advanced service strategies and decision-support tools to address these challenges. Brief case studies from leading service organizations Cisco and KLA-Tencor show examples of successful deployments of service supply chain strategies.

Abstract: Written for the IT outsourcing community, this document describes an approach for measuring the business value of IT in order to focus service provision activities on areas that are of priority to the client. It introduces a quality improvement process that can decrease the cost of service provisioning without impairing service quality. The intended audience includes those responsible for designing a solution, managers of an existing service, and people bidding for new business looking to differentiate their services. By measuring and reporting on the business value of an IT service, outsourcers' clients see the contribution being made to the success of their clients' business ventures. As a result, the outsourcers' relationships will transition from supplier to partner, they become better placed to exploit new business opportunities, and save money by focusing efforts on areas that are important to their clients.

Abstract: Networked printers and multifunction peripherals often require a high level of support and manual intervention. Secure remote monitoring platforms reduce device downtime by automating service alerts and meter reading, and providing proactive toner replenishment. Users benefit from improved device uptime, and manufacturers and their service partners can build proactive service relationships that can drive customer loyalty.

Abstract: Today’s leading-edge business applications go beyond mere Web enablement, where publishing information to the Web is the primary motive (referred to nowadays as Web 1.0 applications). State-of-the-art enterprise software must also incorporate a single, integrated interface that links applications instantly to business processes and collaborative technologies. However, developing Web 2.0 applications is anything but trivial.

Abstract: With the resurgence of the service market sector, the need for value-added and cost effective delivery of services to create competitive advantage has become more important. Professional and embedded service firms are turning to technology in order to stay ahead and grow their business. This white paper provides a comprehensive market analysis developed through a survey of technology decision makers in service-based organizations.

Abstract: Improved service management boosts revenue from both service offerings and new product sales, while improved customer service and enhanced offerings increase customer retention, and draw new service business, providing an additional, low risk and likely repeated revenue stream over a long period of ownership.

Abstract: Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is enabling service organizations to streamline service delivery, optimize operations, and improve customer satisfaction. In this podcast, TEC analyst Neil Stolovitsky sits down with Oracle's Ted Kempf for his take on the unique implementation requirements of ERP systems for professional service organizations, as well as the role technology plays in running a successful service business.

Abstract: Great service is the number one reason customers are loyal and recommend companies to friends and colleagues. But on the flip side, 80 percent of customers say they stop doing business with a company because of a bad service experience—and that they’ll never do business with the company again. Find out how you can gain the essential service capabilities, both online and at the service center, to keep your customers loyal.

Abstract: Countless customers are engaging in self-service, in the process helping companies save millions by deflecting service interactions to cheaper channels. At many organizations, just the cost savings make the investment in self-service worthwhile. But the self-service business case isn’t built on cost savings alone. There’s a bigger, more customer-focused picture to consider, where the customer experience plays the key role.

Abstract: On September 27, Oracle took a major step towards providing a fully integrated front and back office applications suite by launching Oracle Applications 11i at its Applications' User Group conference in Orlando, Florida.

Abstract: It is startling how much has changed in Oracle’s applications business during the last two years. Oracle is indisputably the most reformed applications vendor, having achieved significant growth in total revenue, license revenue and net income. Oracle has a head start on most of its competition pertaining to Internet applications, and the Company still leads the ERP pack both on product technology vision and execution. However, the future will by no means be without serious challenges.

Abstract: Business intelligence (BI), reporting, and analysis make your business applications more intelligent, more robust, more usable, and ultimately more valuable to you and your end users. Read this white paper to learn about the far-reaching value that BI reporting and analysis can quickly bring to your business applications—and learn how to add more power and overall impact to your business applications.

Abstract: Rich Internet applications (RIAs) represent the next wave in the evolution of web applications, as they promise the richness, interactivity, and usability lacking in many of today’s web applications. However, as with any technological innovation, with the new opportunities come new challenges to be negotiated. What are the business benefits of adopting RIA, and what are the risks?

Abstract: Even though business operations have consistently moved towards packaged applications, some still consider building their own solutions. This is sometimes the case even for such standard operations as sales commission calculations. But it is clear that in the case of most applications—and sales commission applications in particular—buying a packaged application is a much better decision than the alternative.

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: This is a complete service management system that is comprised of four specific applications to help companies manage service contracts, track service histories and required preventive maintenance for each piece of equipment under service contract, daily planning and dispatch, and service invoicing.