Abstract: In a move which will challenge other database vendors to open-source their SQL databases, Inprise/Borland Corporation has announced it is releasing the source code for its InterBase 6 cross-platform SQL database. It will provide the database on multiple platforms, including Linux, Windows NT, and Sun Solaris, make the database available at no charge, and spin the InterBase division off into a separate company.

Abstract: Oracle Database 11g is a database platform for data warehousing and business intelligence (BI) that includes integrated analytics, and embedded integration and data-quality. Get an overview of Oracle Database 11g’s capabilities for data warehousing, and learn how Oracle-based BI and data warehouse systems can integrate information, perform fast queries, scale to very large data volumes, and analyze any data.

Abstract: Oracle’s focus on software application markets is impacting its Database business. Recently SAP AG and Siebel Systems, i2 Technologies, Inc., and PeopleSoft have also chosen IBM’s DB2 Universal Database as their preferred database for developing current and future applications, and as their preferred backend database for customer deployment. In addition, IFS AB, one of the top 10 ERP vendors, which was previously Oracle-centric, has announced an agreement with IBM to add DB2 support.

Abstract: With the help of On-Line CRM Solutions, a Certified Maximizer Business Partner, GrowthWorks upgraded from Maximizer to Maximizer Enterprise 7 running on a SQL database. This enabled the company to integrate the customer database with the transaction database.

Abstract: Lawson Software, a major privately held provider of enterprise resource planning software, today announced the delivery of its enterprise software applications for IBM's DB2 Universal Database. This availability extends Lawson's support of the IBM DB2 Universal Database to encompass IBM Netfinity, RS/6000 and S/390 servers. Support for IBM DB2 on Hewlett Packard and Sun Microsystems server platforms is scheduled for May 2000.

Abstract: Growing demands on storage management system requirements can run counter to your need to lower costs. With Database 10g, Oracle introduced new features that can simplify database storage management to offer significant savings in both deployment cost and ongoing management overhead. Find out about best practices for deploying Oracle with Pillar’s Axiom storage system, with benefits to performance and management.

Abstract: During the course of product evaluations for a customer, the Technology Evaluation Center has uncovered a potential security hole in SAP R/3's three-tier architecture. SAP has revealed that they expect the database or third party products to handle security between the application server and the database server. If the client does not take these extra measures, the master password for the SAP database instance travels over the network in the clear, and can be captured. PeopleSoft has the same issue.

Abstract: SAP AG has chosen SQL Server 7.0 as its strategic database for the Windows platform. The companies also will cooperate to make the Windows 2000 OS available as a platform choice for customers wishing to implement mySAP.com solutions. On the heels of the agreement to use IBM DB2 as a preferred backend database, Oracle continues to lose market share as a database in the ERP arena.

Abstract: The contact database sits at the heart of any successful customer relationship management (CRM) program. Indeed, most CRM efforts aim at improving revenues based on the contact database. But what about the information that never made it into the database at all? The investment in these leads will often be lost—and the sales may go straight to the competition.

Abstract: In our new “wired” world, software is no less important than other products and services in our everyday lives. But people are generally more used to buying other products and services than software. In many ways, however, selecting software is similar to selecting other products and services. Find out the key factors and criteria you should include—and what you should leave out—when you’re in the market for a new software solution.

Abstract: Predictions of the death of software are overstated. In reality, businesses are becoming more reliant on technology, not less. What’s changing, however, is the number of options available for managing, delivering, and paying for software applications. Many independent software vendors recognize the benefits of offering software as a service--a delivery alternative that can present long-term benefits for all parties.

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: The Delphi technique—drawing wise counsel from senior and experienced software developers—can help you prepare estimates for software development projects. With this method of software estimation, project specifications are given to a few experts, depending on their availability. Learn about the essential steps involved in this software estimation methodology for more accurate estimates of software development effort.

Abstract: Software developers need a powerful tool to control and plan the quality of their software applications. With a solution that offers project analysis, testing, and bug administration, you have options that can help increase the quality of your software products. Read about a software test tool that has administrative functions to help you more effectively plan, control, and evaluate your software as it’s developed.

Abstract: The requirement that enterprise software vendors deliver a measurable return on investment (ROI) has never been greater than right now. Customers are demanding that ROI analysis be a critical factor in their decisions to acquire new enterprise software. Without a demonstrable return, few customers are willing to invest scarce capital and human resources in new enterprirse software. A more complete analysis of return can be had by looking at the overall payback that enterprise software can offer to a company. Enterprise software payback includes not only quantifiable improvements in bottom and top line functionality, but also more qualitative measures-—such as new business opportunities, improved customer and partner relations, and improved time to market—-that contribute significantly to the success of a company's enterprise software implementation and use.

Abstract: Syncsort, a software vendor with years of experience in the sorting of data, has released a new product called Sigma™, which is designed to produce aggregated data within data warehouses to improve response time and reduce database load. The importance of aggregation in a data warehouse cannot be underestimated.

Abstract: IBM (NYSE: IBM) has announced the release of DB2 Universal Database Version 7, with a new pricing structure for application service providers (ASPs), support for customer relationship management (CRM), and an incubator program for e-business applications to help emerging companies get up and running on the Web.

Abstract: IQMS appears to be raising the competitive bar for quality management among its ERP competition with a single database software solution and seamless ERP systems access.