Abstract: A recent survey of chief executive officers has found that growth is again the number one priority, overtaking cost-cutting as their previous top concern. Can enterprise application providers to take advantage of this new focus?

Abstract: Most project-oriented businesses are faced with poorly designed, archaic computer systems that have inadequate project reporting and accounting structures. This can limit the information provided to project managers for project reporting. However, properly designed work breakdown structure (WBS) systems give cost and general accounting the ability to rely on a simpler chart of accounts, while providing more project management flexibility.

Abstract: The 802.11n standard promises to extend today’s most popular wireless local area network (WLAN) standard by increasing reach, reliability, and throughput. The final standard, predicted to be ratified later this year, is expected to trigger broad-scale deployment of bigger and faster networks. Find out about the essential new technologies used by 802.11n, and their impact on network planning, installation, and operation.

Abstract: The UN Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC), the global product and services classification standard, has been revolutionizing purchasing and supply management across the world. Whether you’re deliberating on the need for a common product and classification standard for your company, or an advanced UNSPSC adopter, revisiting the basics can help you improve your purchasing and supply management processes.

Abstract: In August 2006, Microsoft conducted a Microsoft Dynamics AX 4.0 standard distribution benchmark to measure the performance and scalability characteristics of the application in a simulated distribution scenario. This benchmark exercised core accounts receivables scenarios around order entry through invoicing, in addition to procure-to-pay processes around purchase order creation through receiving of goods. We look at the methodology and results.

Abstract: Due to security vulnerabilities in Standard & Poor's Comstock product, their customer sites throughout the world have been exposed to extensive security holes.

Abstract: Informatica Corporation (Nasdaq: INFA), a major extract/transform/load tool vendor, today announced the general availability of MX2 1.6, the latest version of its Metadata Exchange (MX2) application programming interface (API). Informatica bills MX2 1.6 as the first object-oriented metadata exchange facility to support XML, a text-based programming language standard for integrating and managing bi-directional metadata exchange.

Abstract: The payment card industry data security standard (PCI DSS) defines a comprehensive set of requirements to enhance and enforce payment account data security in a proactive rather than passive way. These include security management, policies, procedures, network architectures, software design, and other protective measures. Get a better understanding of the PCC DSS and learn the costs and benefits of compliance.

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: While an increasing demand for services and incremental purchases of new extended-ERP functionality from existing client base, with a modest ooze of new accounts and even a notable influx of new accounts for distinguished some, may not put the revitalized former ERP losers back on top of the enterprise applications charts, they will likely remain around and not necessarily just to impede mid-market forays of both Tier 1 brethren and the likes of Microsoft.

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: A company with a global presence can easily face “double trouble” with regard to financial reporting. Each division needs to keep books, pay employees, manage accounts, and pay taxes in the currency of its region. But all accounts must be consolidated, which involves processes that can cause inaccuracies and use up valuable time. Find out how to more effectively close your books, and manage your disparate sales teams.

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: Since its inception in 2005, digital services provider Acceller had been using the same system to manage accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR). But when business began to increase, the lack of sophisticated financial reporting and the need for improved financial controls became significant issues. Find out how the company chose a solution that provided the needed control and reporting capabilities.

Abstract: In a recession, accounts payable (AP) departments need to process more invoices and pay them faster—all with a smaller staff. Perhaps the biggest challenge stems from the continued reliance on paper-based invoices and people-based processes. Discover solutions that address the most common accounts-payable problem areas, including liabilities, process control and visibility, approvals, exceptions, and manual processing.