Abstract: An integrated steel plant’s manufacturing processes typically encompass three distinct types of manufacturing—flow manufacturing, process manufacturing, and mill manufacturing—making such a plant a mixed-mode manufacturer. Software systems that address the diverse needs these manufacturers have cannot be emphasized more.

Abstract: When one company acquires another, who benefits? It seems PSI’s recent acquisition of AIS will benefit both—as well as their clients and the steel industry as a whole. The combined solution offering will address APS, MES, SCM, and more.

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: This document explains Ultimate Software’s Intersourcing application and how it will benefit the company using it. Intersourcing is a hosting solution; this means the application is managed, supported and upgraded by an application service provider (ASP). Learn why application hosting makes sense for your organization.

Abstract: While concerns regarding open source are still being debated, many companies are experimenting with and deploying open source application servers in their data centers. While some are attracted to the ability to modify source code as needed, many are attracted to the perceived cost savings of open source. This white paper compares the total cost of ownership (TCO) of one open source and one commercial application server.

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: Custom application development is a trusted, tested strategy to ensure effective application of resources for business advancement and continuity, with minimal risk and solid return on investment (ROI). What’s that, you say? High cost? Low dependability? Long timelines? The custom application development model is plagued by myths. Find out why they’re all wrong.

Abstract: IT organizations can no longer manage networks in isolation from the applications they support, requiring a shift from focusing on devices to a focus on performance. But a number of factors complicate the task of ensuring acceptable application performance, including the lack of visibility into application performance. Learn tips to plan, optimize, manage, and control your application performance and improve delivery.

Abstract: Web 2.0 applications, perceived by many software users as better looking and easier to use than traditional apps, can provide many benefits to your company. However, building Web 2.0 apps adds development burdens of security, transaction management, and a variety of user interface features. To conquer these issues, you might consider an application generator to eliminate hand-coding infrastructure programming. Learn more.

Abstract: Today’s technology and application leaders are pressured to deliver functionality that drives efficiency, innovation, and growth—while reducing costs. As a result, technology and application portfolio management (APM) are top business priorities. Learn about a framework for implementing an APM program that can enable your company to monitor and analyze the impact of application changes and reduce portfolio complexity.

Abstract: SAP announced its involvement in XML-based Internet content standards initiatives, detailing its involvement with standards committees, acceptance of XML, integration with their products, the creation of an XML interface repository and a partner certification program. What does it amount to?

Abstract: This document provides a general overview of multiprotocol label switching (MPLS), detailing the architecture and technology benefits of implementation. MPLS greatly enhances the performance of internet protocol (IP) network traffic by allowing operators to engineer their IP backbones based on their unique data and voice transport requirements for improved network performance and sustainable profitability for packetbased services.

Abstract: As has been proven time and again by successful companies, the correct technology, deployed in a well-managed organization with clearly defined estimating, procurement, fabrication, and shipping processes, is more likely to consistently meet customer requirements on schedule and on budget. Learn more about the importance of identifying the correct technology to produce the benefits you need.

Abstract: Since January 2000 when TEC last addressed the trends in Enterprise Application, there have been massive changes in the overall direction of Application Integration in general and EAI in particular.

Abstract: Enterprise applications become easier to use with the addition of powerful search capabilities. There is a distinction to be made, however, between stand-alone search tools and true enterprise application search that is built into and tightly integrated within an application.

Abstract: Business changes constantly in small ways and large. It is rare to find an application product that can change once it is implemented. This gap is a reality leading to dissatisfaction and the application being a drag on the business. This gap, the lack of the ability to change, costs the business dearly. Software needs to be the agent of change, not the enemy of change.

Abstract: Information technology organizations are faced with the challenge of managing a host of diverse enterprise applications, and the need to evaluate application metrics and performance. To address this challenge, it is worth considering application portfolio management solutions.

Abstract: As you implement a virtualized environment, knowing how to monitor and maintain them becomes yet another challenge. Monitoring network and application traffic in an environment containing one-to-many relationships between physical hardware devices and virtual application servers presents a number of concerns. Learn about the traffic flow in virtual environments, and the various visibility options and their ramifications.