Abstract: Virtual private networks (VPNs) are optimized to perform specific functions within the remote access architecture. But deploying the often complex mix of approaches for managed and unmanaged devices can affect your security. Blue Coat RA provides a new approach that bridges the gap between traditional and endpoint security technologies—helping businesses meet remote access requirements in a simple, cost effective manner.

Abstract: The new competitive differentiator in retail is the ability to effectively sense, shape, and fulfill customer demand through the customer’s channel of choice. The seamless shopping experience—providing what customers want, when they want it, in the way they want it—has come to the forefront. That’s why well-executed cross-channel retailing is essential to success, no matter what your vertical.

Abstract: The success of Kentucky (US)-based First Federal Savings Bank can largely be attributed to its sophisticated review process. The bank conducts an annual 360 review for each of its employees. Besides rating themselves, employees are also evaluated by peers, subordinates, and supervisors. To conduct these reviews, the bank uses Blue/360, a web-based multi-rater application designed specifically for conducting 360 reviews.

Abstract: The challenges that face the manufacturing industry today are also opportunities. Manufacturing is being revolutionized in its processes, routines, and ways of doing business through the growing emergence of order driven production methods. This shift towards demand driven manufacturing is emerging in tandem with the larger currents caused by globalization. This cross industry brief focuses on the manufacturing industry from the standpoint of a demand driven IT solution and is aimed at manufacturing and distribution businesses. It describes some major market trends and issues, provides an overview of IBS supply chain solution, and offers details on how the IBS solution for demand driven manufacturing can address current needs of the industry.

Abstract: Why would a company choose to migrate its development tools? And if the migration is decided upon, how can this be done easily and effectively? Get answers to these questions, and explore the concerns and issues surrounding migration of your development environment, using IBM’s Rational Application Developer (RAD) as an example of a current tool and MyEclipse Blue Edition from Genuitec as an example of a new tool.

Abstract: Fashion retailer Anchor Blue was looking for a way to increase supply chain visibility, reduce costs, and shorten the time required to get products onto store shelves. The company implemented the Inovis AS2 software solution to consolidate data from multiple partners into a single view. Learn how the new electronic data interchange (EDI) system helped reduce transaction costs and get merchandise into stores faster.

Abstract: According to Symantec, 40 percent of malicious attacks target your browser. With Web content threats quickly on the rise, there’s an opportunity for businesses to enhance their Web filtering strategies. Enforcing appropriate use policy and providing robust Web content security, however, requires a dynamic filtering solution that can mitigate a variety of content security threats—not only today but in the future as well.

Abstract: While firing people on TV seems to be fairly straightforward, terminating somebody for real can be one of the most difficult things a manager has to do. Dismissing an employee is never easy, but a few simple tips can make it go more smoothly—while at the same time helping to shield your organization from potential legal action.

Abstract: Since the license revenue plunge in the US, a likely cascading economic slowdown worldwide, and SAP’s high stakes in struggling Commerce One happened much before the fatal September 11, one is only to wonder why SAP’s management woke up to reality and revised its projections so belatedly.

Abstract: The reality of today’s application environment is that no single application meets all of the needs of a business, or frequently even the needs of a single business process, so multiple applications must work together to support business processes.

Abstract: Multichannel retailers need visibility into data metrics in order to bring all channels, products, and customer segments together. For true visibility, you need retail software that integrates all the information from disparate systems for the most detailed data analysis possible. Discover the top six factors to consider when evaluating multichannel business software, so you can optimize your business performance.

Abstract: By some estimates, there are over 8,000 sales taxing jurisdictions in the US—and they implement from 900 to more than 3,000 rate and tax-rule changes every year. Understandably, the accountants who try to guide small to medium businesses (SMBs) through the intricacies of tax compliance are having a hard time of it. However, solutions are emerging that are uniquely suited to SMB needs for sales tax compliance.

Abstract: Lucent NetworkCare Professional Services and IBM Global Services have announced an alliance to help emerging service providers. The two organizations have teamed up to provide network based services to enterprises and consumers. Lucent is also offering their CyberCarrier Reference Architecture as a blue print for the end-to-end network.

Abstract: Security technology stocks are burning rubber as they peel out in front of swaggering technology blue chips. Who are some of these security market leaders and what kinds of security products do they offer?

Abstract: Here we are in the New Year. So, what should the going forward picture be of the Supply Chain portfolio? Something old, something new, something from a service provider, something blue. OK, enough of that.

Abstract: Small and midsized companies may need help configuring Google Analytics installations to aid their clients in the real estate, vacation rental, and resort markets—and to measure and enhance the effectiveness of their online marketing programs. If you’re tired of being kept in the dark about the effectiveness of your Internet marketing programs, then it might be time to implement a comprehensive Google Analytics program.

Abstract: A non-profit hospital needed to protect its critical clinical systems without either interrupting system availability or overloading the small IT security team. The hospital had to overcome several vulnerabilities, such as the fact that some clinical systems could not be patched due to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. Find out how a server security solution helped the hospital address these challenges.

Abstract: Quantros, an application service provider (ASP), required a secure network and maximal uptime, but with a small IT department and a small budget. The challenges were to implement and enforce sound security policies and to keep up with the stream of vendor patches. A server solution that fixes vulnerabilities at the root cause and eliminates the need to hastily install patches increased server protection. Find out how.