Abstract: Companies that are not already offering the capabilities of meeting the exacting, stringent requirements of federal agencies will likely not be able to tap the recent surge in the federal and defense markets. Conversely, those vendors and their users--government contractors--who can deliver comprehensive solutions that satisfy the requirements of federal agencies are in the driver's seat to capture that market segment.

Abstract: In this economy, enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is a critical business asset and key driver of lean practices. According to Aberdeen Group, best-in-class manufacturing companies are 35 percent more likely than other companies to operate on a current version of ERP. Discover the key considerations?and the potential benefits?that you should keep top-of-mind as part of an overall application lifecycle strategy.

Abstract: Companies often overlook telesales as a vital source of core revenue. In fact, telesales can be a major driver of software sales and can make an impact far more quickly than field-based enterprise selling. Find out how IT telesales can assist with revenue growth, discover the keys to improving your IT telesales success, and learn why telesales usually involves identifying smaller, more product-focused opportunity.

Abstract: As a fast-growing company, you have the same objectives as any business. But you’re probably finding it challenging to gain the control you need to achieve these goals without sacrificing your IT budget. And when you try to achieve control, it’s often at the risk of slowing down your business. Find out how having enterprise-wide visibility of your business processes and activities can put you back in the driver’s seat.

Abstract: The critical difference between industry leaders and laggards is a focus on the consumer experience. Search is a fundamental bridge between an enterprise and its stakeholders, and the quality of the search experience is a core driver of experiential perceptions. Delivering a powerful search experience builds a brand perceived as responsive, empathetic, and knowledgeable. Sounds good, right? So where do you start?

Abstract: Do you spend all your time chasing new customers instead of taking care of the ones you already have? Most customer relationship management (CRM) projects focus on customer relationships but fail to address customer experience as a loyalty driver. In part two of a two-part series, learn about best practices recommended by customer experience management (CEM) experts, and how they can help you improve long-term loyalty.

Abstract: Since our research-driven beginnings, Johnson & Johnson Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP) has continually improved the new product development (NPD) process. Detailed process mapping has revealed three tiers of business metrics, starting with drivers and moving up through execution metrics to business performance metrics. When driver metrics improves, so does business performance. Six Sigma tools helps identify specific metrics at all tiers and the causality linkages among them. Each NPD process step at ASP results in a deliverable, and each deliverable relates to a trade-off triangle (cost-time-resources) and, ultimately, to investment dollars. To track performance, ASP calculates how actual NPD decisions and what-if scenarios affect deliverables, alter investment triangles, and thereby influence business results. ASP uses similar process and tools, including the investment triangles and Six Sigma QFD, to make idea management decisions. The IDweb real-time software environment enables both the NPD and idea management processes at ASP. By deploying the strategic planning, idea management, portfolio and pipeline management, process management, and resource management modules of IDweb, ASP has increased throughput by 20 percent and reduced cycle time by 40 percent.

Abstract: Contemporary firms must recognize a fundamental shift in the management of distribution activities as a strategic driver of their competitive success. Instead of the traditional focus on pushing products to customers through distribution channels, there is a need to migrate toward adaptive distribution networks. Such networks focus on managing the flow orders from customers by providing them with high levels of convenience while preserving attention to responsiveness and total distribution costs.

Abstract: Integrating actuals into the planning cycle is usually a zoo. Financial and operating results are spread across multiple databases. Actual results and plan details are at different levels. Lack of underlying volumes and rates makes meaningful causal analysis difficult. Discover financial planning and analysis software that lets you fully integrate actuals, and plan using driver-based planning and reporting.

Abstract: Compaq Computer Corp. this week laid off roughly 100 engineers responsible for developing Windows NT/2000 on the Alpha platform, several informed sources said. [Note: Compaq has only discussed the 32-bit version of NT, it is still unclear whether this announcement also affects 64-bit Windows.]

Abstract: Compaq's powerful Alpha processor is reaching a crucial juncture - will Compaq expend the effort necessary for it to challenge Intel's dominance, or is it destined to become another Betamax (great technology with no market)?

Abstract: Compaq Computer Corp. and South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. are planning to announce Monday a preliminary agreement to spend $500 million to advance the manufacturing and marketing of Compaq's 64-bit Alpha microprocessors and computer systems.

Abstract: Compaq Computer Corp. and Red Hat, Inc. announced that Compaq will provide call center support for the Red Hat Linux operating system.

Abstract: As rumored since last fall, Compaq Computer Corp. has announced its acquisition of Inacom Corp.'s distribution business for approximately $370 million in cash. The deal will let Compaq re-engineer its supply chain, while cutting off indirect rivals Hewlett-Packard and IBM from a major distributor.

Abstract: Compaq has jumped into the home Internet Appliance game with its latest iPAQ offering. Is this a continuation of computer manufacturers attempting to create a market?

Abstract: Compaq and Dell have announced eight-CPU Intel servers, shipping in late August/early September.

Abstract: Compaq started shipping its eight-CPU Intel servers, the ProLiant 8000 and 8500, in late August. These are the first true eight-way Intel servers to ship.

Abstract: Expect Compaq to vigorously market the iPAQ Blackberry device line along with its messaging based hardware. This new strategic relationship will bode well for price conscious consumers due to increased production and therefore reduced costs, to meet the existing (and growing) demand for wireless messaging.