Abstract: This white paper presents the results of a commissioned study conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Microsoft Corporation to help IT organizations considering adopting the 2007 Microsoft® Office system anticipate the impact of the new Microsoft Office Fluent™ user interface on their end users. The results are based on an online survey of 749 IT decision makers from companies piloting or deploying the 2007 Office system.

Abstract: The term program management office (PMO) has been around for some time. Its core concepts, methods, and benefits have remained constant, while resources and tools have changed somewhat over the years. But not understanding what a program office is and when it should be leveraged is a common pitfall and reason for failure. Find out more about the program office, and its roles, processes, and responsibilities.

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: There is no one correct answer, both desktop office suites excel in specific areas and pale in others. The contents of this note target the generic corporate office employee who makes heavy use of a word processor, medium use of spreadsheets, and limited database and/or web development.

Abstract: The concept of the paperless office has been around for many years, but only recently has this concept been turned into reality. This article analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of having a paperless office.

Abstract: PurchasePro and Office Depot have begun a strategic relationship that will make the PurchasePro marketplace available to customers from within Office Depot stores.

Abstract: Lean manufacturing practices are employed to some degree on almost every manufacturing floor, but many companies aren't realizing the real benefits of lean by bringing lean to their front-office operations. Here are a few tips on lean office operations.

Abstract: Research shows that back-office connectivity is not addressed by many customer relationship management (CRM) solutions—meaning, customer data cannot be shared effectively and companies are prone to errors, delays, and needless paperwork. In the long run, this negatively impacts overall customer satisfaction in small to medium businesses (SMBS). Learn how front-to-back-office integration can help you address these issues.

Abstract: To address the needs of customers as well as emerging workplace trends, Microsoft focused the design of Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2007 around four key goals. They are: working more efficiently with better results, collaborating with others across boundaries, making better use of information, and streamlining processes and controlling content. These goals correspond to long-term investment areas that Microsoft began with Microsoft Office 2003 and continues to focus on today.

Abstract: This white paper highlights key challenges facing the professional services industry, and discusses how the 2007 Microsoft® Office system can help professional services firms enhance business performance by maximizing employee contributions. It also offers examples of firms realizing business impact from their early use of the 2007 Office system, which provides innovative and powerful enterprise-scale capabilities that extend far beyond improving personal productivity.

Abstract: Before you begin implementing Microsoft® Office SharePoint® Server 2007, familiarize yourself with the product’s design and features. This guide walks you through key feature areas, highlighting additions and improvements to portal, search, content management, business forms and integration, and business intelligence (BI). It also includes resources for evaluating Microsoft® Office SharePoint® Server 2007, as well as implementation considerations for administrators and developers.

Abstract: Before any medium-to-large company implements Microsoft® Office SharePoint® Server 2007, it’s important to become familiar with the process that may occur. Included in this practical scenario, using a fictional company, are typical approach and implementation techniques that may come up when planning, customizing, and deploying Microsoft® Office SharePoint® Server 2007. Learn more about the features and functionality available.

Abstract: In spite of the evidence that paper-based office processes are slower, more expensive, and far worse for the environment than digital processes, US workers are now generating over twice the volume of paper they were in 1975. But striving for a paperless office isn’t impossible. Learn about three factors that contribute to paper reliance, and how to address these challenges in your company’s paperless initiative.

Abstract: Business management solution users spend most of their time “heads down” in the business application, but they also need to use communication and desktop productivity tools. Thus, business solutions need familiar, easy-to-learn user interfaces. They need to be “process-centric” and role-based. And they need to provide a bridge between the worlds of structured business applications and unstructured desktop productivity software.

Abstract: Office supply companies face stiff competition and know that on-time, next-day delivery is imperative to survival. Distributors of any size need accurate inventory data, but when the firm is a large office supplier offering 50,000 items, this need becomes non-negotiable. Find out how one company overcame such challenges as maintaining inventory, tracking sales and commissions, and guaranteeing next-day delivery.

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: Microsoft Dynamics is a business management solution designed to allow your employees to customize and automate their Microsoft Office system user interface according to their preferences and work styles. Microsoft Dynamics helps your employees and your business work more efficiently—giving you a faster return on investment and an effective and profitable business.