Abstract: As the market shifts from sophisticated enterprise CRM implementations to the more competitive and overcrowded mid-market-large enterprise vendors tend to step on mid-market vendor's toes. The real concern is to determine whether the mid-market cultural and functional differences are well understood and acted upon or do the large players simply offer a smaller mockup of their existing enterprise solutions. This article, which evaluates the PeopleSoft mid-market CRM solution, is the first of a series of research articles that focus on the mid-market applications provided by large CRM vendors.

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: The star above small and medium businesses (SMB) has never been so bright. CRM solution vendors are courting this market segment extensively. This is the second of a series of articles that look at strategies deployed by major enterprise solution vendors to attract the SMB decision makers and whether those vendors are ''dumbing down'' their enterprise software for the mid-market. This article evaluates SAP's mid-market solutions and its implementation approach.

Abstract: The firewall market is a mature and competitive segment of the information security market. With numerous vendors and firewalls in all price ranges choose from, IT decision makers should be especially selective. This report presents a market overview and some criteria for selecting products from the long list of contenders.

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: 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: The customer relationship management (CRM) market is changing. Over half the market is served by small vendors. Fully integrated business suites like NetSuite standalone solutions like salesforce.com, are heeding the demand for software as a service, but they are approaching the market with very different market strategies.

Abstract: At the macro level, the fibre channel storage systems market is mature and slow-growing. However, the market is actually undergoing tremendous architectural and technological transition. This report provides a quantitative market-sizing analysis based on the direction and scope of the overall fibre channel storage systems market, and analyzes next-generation fibre channel storage systems segments and their growth prospects.

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: The BI market is ripe for consolidation, but not necessarily for the reason of capturing the scarce remaining market share like in the ERP case, but more likely for the reasons of garnering the most complete CPM portfolio.

Abstract: Tier2/Tier 3 vendors are prepared to endure the onslaught of the likes of SAP, Oracle, and PeopleSoft, as well as of proverbial mid-market leaders such as J.D. Edwards, Baan, Intentia, QAD, IFS and Epicor, and newly formed mid-market juggernauts like Microsoft Great Plains, Best Software (formerly Sage Software), and Navision, to name some. Frontstep and the Syspro Group lead the way.

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.