Abstract: The new focus for business leaders is customer advocacy, soon to become the most important strategic initiative for cutting-edge, forward-thinking companies. A crucial department in the company is thus the customer contact center, as it plays a pinnacle role in branding, corporate image, and customer lifetime value. Adopting a customer-centric culture has a direct impact on corporate financial viability.

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: Most service delivery managers and executives quickly realize that there are a number of 'pain points' involved in trying to manage service delivery efficiently, which can lead to a complete inability to manage business. However, the Service Network Optimization (SNO) model from ServicePower is a set of service offerings and technology designed to help service organizations make the right decisions.

Abstract: Enterprises of all sizes today face common problems dealing with handling increasing business complexity while reducing costs. The solution continues to be the automation of business processes. SAP is an established leader in addressing the needs of large enterprises. Building on that performance and identified best practices, SAP built and launched SAP Business One. SAP Business One was designed to offer small and medium businesses the same business streamlining and efficiencies at a scale and scope appropriate to their needs. IDC recently interviewed a number of companies that have successfully deployed SAP Business One. The purpose of our interviews was to determine what impact the software had on their productivity and cost reduction.

Abstract: As more business processes exist in an electronic universe, the need to manage the IT services that enable these processes increases. Business service management does this and achieves the IT alignment with the business necessary to ensure service improvement activities are prioritized with business objectives. Business service management applies the adage that if you improve IT, you improve the business. This paper presents an overview of business service management concepts and describes how Proxima Centauri provides a solution for this. It also describes how Six Sigma can be used as an underlying quality improvement process to eliminate the associated costs of poor quality.

Abstract: To ensure a positive customer experience, companies must first learn what their customer values, and then determine how they are measuring up to those values. Obtaining and taking action on customer feedback is what customer experience management is all about.

Abstract: With its recent rapid growth, Bank of Choice found that paper-based loan approval processes were standing in the way of providing the fastest and most effective customer service. The bank decided to adopt a document management system (DMS) based on software from a Microsoft® Gold Certified Partner. Find out how the bank improved customer service, reduced the costs associated with meeting regulatory compliance, and more.

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: Aspen Technology recently announced its e-commerce initiative, Aspen e-Business, which is the first in a planned series of business-to-business e-commerce applications. As part of the initiative, AspenTech will partner with business-to-business application vendor Extricity Software, Inc. to deliver e-commerce solutions. Though Aspen lags behind other enterprise application software vendors in e-commerce offerings, recent business restructuring efforts and its hold on the process manufacturing segment may lead to success.

Abstract: Collaboration and interoperability are critical where multiple business units reside under one larger corporation, or where there is a requirement to integrate the system into a disparate system when a business-to-business or business-to-consumer extension is part of the business model.

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: It’s never been more important to create and sustain mutually valuable customer relationships. How can your company improve execution of customer-centric business management and drive total customer value? Learn about four best practices for better customer experience management, including building genuine relationships through collaboration. Explore the next frontier in achieving genuine customer relationships.

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: Customer service means being aware of needs, problems, and fears. Studies have shown that the cost of acquiring a customer is seven to ten times that of retaining a current customer. And according to The Harvard School of Business, even a 5 percent improvement in customer retention can boost profits up to 85 percent. How do companies retain a loyal and consistent customer base? They listen, learn, and adapt—find out more.

Abstract: Being number two in the advanced planning and scheduling (APS) software market is becoming a coveted prize for old guard ERP vendors.

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: As one-to-one marketing begins to permeate mainstream business practices, organizations in highly competitive markets struggle to gain an advantage. Thus, as part of an ongoing effort to differentiate products and services, best-in-breed organizations are now using a tool called “customer lifetime value,” a metric that projects a customer’s value over the entire span of that customer s relationship with a company.

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.