Abstract: Recently, the traditional method of selecting software based on functions and features has come under scrutiny. Some even suggest that this method is unduly drawn out and fails to focus on the critical processes of business. As you might expect, vendors would rather sell you out-of-the-box business processes and solutions that would improve efficiency, increase yields, and drive their costs down. A third alternative for selecting software, which will be discussed in this article, attempts to provide the assurances needed by the buyer and the efficiency desired by the vendor.

Abstract: Smart companies are investigating all possible software support and maintenance (S&M) options. Alternative software S&M is not for all businesses, but it seems a logical option for technologically conservative (and savvy) companies that do not need all the available upgrades.

Abstract: There are two prevailing approaches for selecting enterprise-wide software: the functions and features approach and the business processes approach. Yet a third alternative does exist—one that takes the best aspects of these two to provide the assurances needed by the buyer and the efficiency desired by the vendor.

Abstract: European nearshore locations are viewed as a complementary and alternative sourcing option to onshore and offshore locations. It offers a language and culture fit, and in some cases enjoys certain international trade agreements with the client's residing countries. Malta is an ideal nearshore location because it offers significant reduced development and implementation risks and lower hidden costs.

Abstract: SAP may benefit the most during Oracle's merger transition. Unlike most migration programs, SAP is offering to be responsible for maintaining the competitions implementation, as users transition to SAP alternatives, offering the stability that some will likely crave.

Abstract: Replacing an aging enterprise resource planning/manufacturing resource planning (ERP/MRP) system to stay competitive brings with it a host of questions.

Abstract: Your web site can be your best marketing and sales tool in a global market. Stale content, however, isn't useful to visitors—so you have to make sure your site is constantly updated. How can you reduce the time and financial expense of using multiple systems and multiple forms of content to revise your site? A software-as-a-service (SaaS) content management system (CMS) might be the solution you're looking for. Read more.

Abstract: How can a budget administrator, burdened with the task of gathering data from hundreds of spreadsheets from all over the organization, manage this monumental undertaking? Additionally, how to avoid using a costly packaged budget application that doesn’t take the organization’s business rules into consideration? The solution: a spreadsheet automation tool that easily adapts to the organization’s unique corporate processes.

Abstract: This white paper features insight from the UNIT4 group about issues facing companies that need an adaptable financial system but not necessarily a full-blown enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. Also included are TEC’s suggestions for identifying financial system functionality that supports your organization’s changing processes, and a checklist for soliciting such information about enterprise software solutions.

Abstract: While on the surface, there are few economic or strategic reasons for organizations to persist with electronic data interchange (EDI), many seem reluctant to adopt the alternative at this stage. In fact, there has been almost negligible growth in the number of organizations replacing their EDI-based systems with XML.

Abstract: Many companies are looking to outsource development and maintenance of their application software. Common reasons that companies outsource application software are to reduce their costs, improve quality, obtain flexible staffing levels, and obtain improved service and support so they can focus on their core competence such as, designing clothes, managing equity portfolios, or running hospitals. Choosing whether to outsource or not is a strategic decision for a company. Once a company has decided to outsource, however, it must still choose an outsourcing approach that best fits it needs. This paper will describe the many different options for application software outsourcing, including the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative.

Abstract: When companies create or change trading relationships or when they swap out business application systems, information systems professionals are required to build application system interfaces and alter transaction processing models. Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) Tools have matured nicely and continue to evolve making the job not only more simple but actually offering a preferred alternative to code-data-level integration alternatives. Selection of EAI tools must be based on technical capabilities that support the entire life-cycle of usage.

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: IBM has recently reenergized its incursion into the mid-market gold rush with a new program carrying the 'Express' brand, which targets companies with less than 1,000 employees with a bundle of hardware, software infrastructure, professional services, and financing. IBM hopes to ride on the mid-market forays of a plethora of its enterprise application partner providers, while also providing some real alternative for Microsoft at the low end of the application market.

Abstract: As organizations face a pressing need to rationalize the cost of enterprise software, open source business intelligence (BI) is fast becoming a viable alternative. Learn about the current state of open source BI, with particular focus on one vendor's products.

Abstract: In today's cutthroat business environment, value-added reseller aspirants are seeing the need for faster deployment, improved systems quality, better cost control and resource utilization, and more flexibility to change requirements on short notice. The alternative? To disappear altogether.

Abstract: Everything in the computer industry seems to be going off-shore, why not software implementations? This article looks at reasons why remote implementation of software packages can make both logical and fiscal sense, particularly in the United States. Read on to learn why your organization may want to look at this implementation alternative more closely and not be so quick to dismiss it as a passing fad.

Abstract: Finding out the true facts about what makes CRM tick and how fast it circles the ROI clock—if it indeed reaches ROI-has long frustrated potential CRM implementers looking for answers. And getting good answers really matters, because their only alternative to being forewarned may be leaping into enterprise-wide, mega-bucks, change management-laden CRM implementations—and testing the depth of the water with both feet. For the first time, there are statistically-based, substantive answers to many questions about CRM.