Abstract: A company virtually unknown outside of the hospitality sector hits the ground running with a product, a marketplace, and a business model that might make some of the better-known e-procurement companies sit up and take notice.

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: 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: The notebook computer market has become one of the remaining battlegrounds for computer manufacturers. Our purpose here is to define the notebook market segments, describe what the general characteristics of each segment are, and to give users an idea of what features they can expect for each segment.

Abstract: Product lifecycle management (PLM) implementation brings its own set of challenges, whether considering vendor selection, employee perception management, or actual implementation. However, based on experience and study, it is possible to describe the best practices for overcoming these challenges.

Abstract: How can someone legitimately evaluate new software, improvements to a process, or

Abstract: Vendors love to quote benchmarks in their product literature, press releases, and any place they think someone will use the numbers to make a buying decision. But what do the benchmarks mean, and which ones really matter?

Abstract: You need conviction to skillfully handle the inevitable criticism during the positioning process. Otherwise, you're likely to try something different every time someone challenges you. This doesn't need to happen. Adopt a positioning process that includes an evaluation criterion.

Abstract: What does 3Com do now that Palm, Inc. is gone? Find someone else in the neighborhood to play with. Cisco is just next door.

Abstract: Most consultants agree that there are three stages that precede a software implementation project: research, evaluation, and selection. This three-part article will describe each of them, providing tips and real life examples that will help small businesses better understand what they need and how they can find the best product and vendor for them.

Abstract: In this article we describe author's experience with the distributed development of multi-lingual three-tier Java/ CORBA/database Internet applications. We believe that the described tips and tricks of trade may be of great use to readers who are involved with Java applications development.

Abstract: Data center electrical efficiency is rarely planned or managed. The unfortunate result is that most data centers waste substantial amounts of electricity. Today, it is both possible and prudent to plan and measure data center efficiency. In addition to reducing electrical consumption, efficiency improvements can bring higher IT power densities. Learn how to describe, measure, and evaluate data center efficiency.

Abstract: Want to really frighten someone? Invite the poor soul to a meeting titled “Marketing Integration Planning.” Because when marketers hear “integration” they imagine the goal is total, perfect integration, and lose heart—not realizing smaller victories can be achieved along the way with big payoffs. Demystify integration: discover what’s really achievable based on the needs and capabilities of your company and suppliers.

Abstract: Many of the mysteries of equipment failure, downtime, software, and data corruption are the result of a problematic power supply. Compounding the problem is that there is no standardized way to describe power problems. Learn more about common power disturbances, what can cause them, and how to safeguard your critical equipment—all described in Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard terms.

Abstract: Storage area network (SAN) administrators are under constant pressure to reduce costs, particularly in the area of storage systems. iSCSI technology offers an alternative to fibre channel for implementing SANs enabled by Ethernet at a significantly lower total cost of ownership. We contrast the options for connecting a system to an iSCSI SAN, and describe why a full iSCSI offload host bus adapter (HBA) is the best method.

Abstract: 'Wild West' is a metaphor often used to describe the wireless wide area network (WAN) business. But it s worse than that. In the Old West, everyone had a gun. In this business, customers are defenseless. What s going on? Well, for one, vendors are playing fast and loose with terminology that should mean something. Wireless is compelling, but how do you decide what s right for you—and who do you trust?

Abstract: The latest threat plaguing the corporate office is clipped to the belts and purses of your workforce—their mobile devices. And while employees have the ability to keep in touch, in real time, with their clients and the office, it also increases the risk of security breaches. Finding weaknesses and securing your mobile network should be one of your highest priorities—someone may be stealing your sensitive data right now.

Abstract: Ask 500 CEOs to define the word “customer,” and you’ll come up with 500 different answers—with a few common denominators. It turns out these denominators are the same ones used to describe an organization’s long-term strategic assets. Yet for many organizations, customers aren’t considered assets at all; and yet they’re expected to constitute the lifeblood of the business itself.