Abstract: Too often, project-driven organizations are faced with a difficult choice: they can choose best-of-breed business applications and integrate them at great cost, or choose a fully integrated solution that lacks functional depth in key areas. Success management of your business and its projects requires integrated tools that also provide deep functionality.

Abstract: When selecting a CRM vendor should you go with a one-source solution, reducing the need for integration with other corporate data sources, or go with a best-of-breed approach, getting the best in each category but being left with standalone applications that must be integrated? This article compares the two approaches and offers some advice.

Abstract: The Microsoft .NET versus J2EE platform argument often takes on the vehemence of a religious debate. Choosing one may amount to

Abstract: A failed software implementation can cost companies millions in wasted time and money. To ensure your software selection project isn’t a sorry statistic, use the right metrics to gauge your success. Time, budget, and functionality aren’t enough—focus your efforts on requirements analysis and definition. Take measures to ensure your software meets your needs, and discover how to do accurate requirements analysis.

Abstract: Data de-duplication can be considered the next evolutionary step in backup technology, as it can reduce data volumes, slash storage needs, and minimize data protection costs and risks. But to separate the hype from reality, you must consider a number of key factors so you can select a data de-duplication solution that actually delivers cost-effective, high-performance, and scalable long-term data storage. Learn more.

Abstract: While virtually all hosted customer relationship management (CRM) applications support sales force automation, marketing campaign management, and customer service, providing front-to-back-office integration has become a clear differentiator for small to medium businesses (SMBs). Read this white paper—which includes a handy table of evaluation criteria—to find out how to select the right hosted CRM software for you.

Abstract: How can you get the most out of a customer relationship management (CRM) solution while reducing operating costs and increasing overall profitability? By purchasing a hosted CRM solution that’ll provide the benefits of an on-premise CRM solution without the need for a complex implementation or the assistance of an in-house IT team. Hosted CRM is a cost-effective solution that promises a quick return on investment (ROI).

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: Implementing the proper distribution system can be as important to your bottom line as expanding your warehouse or bringing on new product lines. After all, the right system provides immediate and long-term benefits that can impact your business processes across the board. That’s why it’s important to define business processes and objectives before you start the search for new software.

Abstract: If you’re not using a service and maintenance application, you may have reached the point where manual systems no longer support the pace of business. Where to start? You should know the five important questions to ask before implementing. The ten essential features to look for. How to prepare for product demonstrations. And the five most common mistakes people make.

Abstract: If you’ve worked for more than one manufacturing company, you know that each one is different. Different processes, systems, problems—all these variations mean you need a system tailored to your needs. And with so many available solutions, you could spend months looking at demos, and still not find it. However, you can start by asking yourself eight simple questions.

Abstract: XPS, Microsoft’s new document format, is bound to be a serious competitor to PDF. It has the advantage of having learned a lot from PDF, without having gone through multiple iterations throughout the years. However, PDF still has first-mover advantage. With the millions of PDF documents and hundreds of PDF tools available, PDF is not going to disappear anytime soon.

Abstract: When it comes to customer relationship management (CRM), it’s important to understand all the benefits of an integrated CRM system before beginning your selection process. This guide is designed to help you build the business case for a CRM system, form an effective project team, ask the right questions, identify the challenges involved and much more.

Abstract: The benefits of implementing a manufacturing system are well known and well documented, but there are many factors to consider when selecting a system. Companies seeking to automate their manufacturing systems, wanting to upgrade entry-level software, or seeking new technology need to ask themselves serious questions to determine if and what type of enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to get. Learn how to assess if you need a new ERP system for your process manufacturing environment.

Abstract: For over 15 years, short message service (SMS) has been a quick and reliable way to receive and deliver information—anytime, anywhere. Today, SMS helps provide dialogue with consumers. Inbound SMS, or mobile originated (MO), is an important tool to enhance customer interaction. Learn the most important factors to consider when choosing an SMS provider, including flexibility, price, international coverage, and reliability.

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: As the complexity of enterprise systems increases, users are often forced to remember more and more passwords. As the demand on users increases, many users choose to write down their passwords, and by doing so, jeopardize security.

Abstract: Today, the issue of regulatory compliance touches every enterprise, and process manufacturers are no exception. To answer the challenge of this new reality, vendors now offer enterprise resource planning systems with far more features and functionality than ever before. But how can an organization choose the right system to meet its business needs?