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: Computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). Enterprise asset management (EAM) system. Computer-aided facilities management (CAFM) system. Integrated workplace management system (IWMS). Each type of facility management solution offers different functionalities and features, and one may be better than another for your company’s needs. Learn more about the differences and how an integrated solution is a “must have.”

Abstract: IT initiatives driven within silos, where each department maintain its own project management office, inhibits the overall cohesiveness and effectiveness of corporate strategy. This document outlines best practices to centralize and deliver a scalable and robust project management framework strategy.

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: Building replacement products on a new framework is a higher risk strategy. The product functionality still quite matters and, while it is important for enterprise applications providers to implement the latest computer science 'quantum leap', there is no guaranteed correlation between first-to-market and the ultimate success in the market (in fact, based on many experiences, one could even argue that the correlation might be inverse).

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: When The Clientele Group of Epicor Software Corporation was faced with scalability and performance limits in their CRM software, they redesigned their application around the Microsoft® .NET Framework. A server architecture based on SQL Server™ 2000 and XML Web services removes their scalability limits, and supports multiple client applications. A smart client built with Windows® Forms gives customer support personnel a responsive application that is easy to deploy and update. A Web portal built with ASP.NET Web Forms gives authorized customers access to the same records as customer support sees internally. The new architecture can support 500 users on a single dual-CPU server, and offers many ways to scale up and out.

Abstract: Learn how AVCOM Technologies, a provider of comprehensive information technology (IT) products and suites to high-growth middle market companies, integrated its business processes with Microsoft .NET Framework and 'e by Epicor' suite.

Abstract: Every company needs a clear set of goals and objectives to achieve maximum benefits from its business intelligence (BI) and planning projects. But a company must do more than state its goals to achieve its BI and planning objectives. It needs a working framework that provides a blueprint for success. Learn how a software solution can provide essential BI and planning functions while setting the stage for future growth.

Abstract: Today’s mobile software companies face a daunting challenge: How can they achieve quality while getting to market swiftly? After all, speed is king in the mobile market. The trade-off between speed and quality in mobile software development is an illusion—or should be. Get a closer look at the situation with a framework that presents a way to use quality assurance (QA) processes to accelerate development.

Abstract: The core components of a retail information system are inventory management, inventory optimization, revenue management, sales management, and reports and inquiries. Non-core components can include financial, supply chain management, enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management, and warehouse management systems.

Abstract: Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems are software systems that cover the range of interaction a company has with its current, or potential customers. Its functionality can include marketing automation, sales force automation, help desk, customer service and support, partner management, contract management and creation, project and team management, Internet sales, e-mail response management, analytics, and important technical criteria.

Abstract: Effective IP management requires proper allocation of address space for adequate address capacity as needed, as well as accurate configuration of DHCP and DNS servers. Along with flawless configuration and management of each of these foundational elements of Internet protocol (IP) address management, address managers must also integrate these management functions into the broader IT network management environment.

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: Since our research-driven beginnings, Johnson & Johnson Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP) has continually improved the new product development (NPD) process. Detailed process mapping has revealed three tiers of business metrics, starting with drivers and moving up through execution metrics to business performance metrics. When driver metrics improves, so does business performance. Six Sigma tools helps identify specific metrics at all tiers and the causality linkages among them. Each NPD process step at ASP results in a deliverable, and each deliverable relates to a trade-off triangle (cost-time-resources) and, ultimately, to investment dollars. To track performance, ASP calculates how actual NPD decisions and what-if scenarios affect deliverables, alter investment triangles, and thereby influence business results. ASP uses similar process and tools, including the investment triangles and Six Sigma QFD, to make idea management decisions. The IDweb real-time software environment enables both the NPD and idea management processes at ASP. By deploying the strategic planning, idea management, portfolio and pipeline management, process management, and resource management modules of IDweb, ASP has increased throughput by 20 percent and reduced cycle time by 40 percent.

Abstract: The key to enterprise performance management is to identity a company’s value drivers, focus on them, and align the company to drive results. But there are many management methodologies—such as the balanced scorecard, performance prism, and five forces. What is the right framework for your business? Find out about six management processes and the tools that can help you asses which metrics framework will work for you.

Abstract: Managing assets needs to be done in a truly proactive approach, one that ties the management of physical assets to the corporate objectives. The initial momentum to begin the sequence comes from the vision of a future state. This needs to clearly represent the corporate objectives and goals, and expressing how asset management can play a part in achieving these goals.

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.