Abstract: Today's usage of Decision Support Systems (DSS), combined with vetted knowledge bases, allows organizations to save time and money, achieving better and more reliable/fully-documented decisions, a quantum improvement over the widely-used subjective process of selecting complex enterprise software...

Abstract: MAPICS, one of the leading mid-market ERP vendors, has significantly expanded its product offering during 2000. On June 15, MAPICS announced the release of XA 6.0, the latest version of its flagship AS/400-based Extended Enterprise Application (EEA). Earlier, on May 9, MAPICS announced the delivery of its second flagship product, the Point.Man Extended Enterprise Edition, which enables customers, suppliers, distributors and partners to collaborate via the Internet. We express our view regarding its latest announcements and strategic direction.

Abstract: Despite rapid industrialization in China and other developing countries, most manufacturing execution systems (MES) and warehouse management systems (WMS) are found in North America, Western Europe, and Japan. These systems have made extraordinary productivity gains possible in the West. However, Chinese manufacturers require a new generation of MES and WMS capabilities to boost their productivity.

Abstract: On August 23, MAPICS, Inc., one of the leading mid-market ERP vendors, announced that it is taking steps to reduce costs through a restructuring plan. Earlier, on July 27, MAPICS reported results for the third quarter of its fiscal 2000.

Abstract: The former die-hard IBM AS/400-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) supplier to mid-market manufacturing companies, MAPICS, seems to have found its soul after the recent acquisition of its former competitor Frontstep and Frontstep's extended-ERP product line on a Microsoft .NET-based technology platform. While another acquisition of an ERP competitor is not very likely, MAPICS seems to have rather opted for lateral acquisitions of strategic extension products, starting with the MAGIK! PLM product.

Abstract: In May MAPICS Inc. announced the controlled delivery of the Point.Man Extended Enterprise Edition. Earlier, on May 4, MAPICS Inc. reported results for the second quarter of its fiscal 2000.

Abstract: MAPICS XA expands its Business Intelligence (BI) offerings via a partnership with the Vanguard Solutions Group. With GPS, MAPICS has taken a critical step forward in creating value for its customers.

Abstract: MAPICS remains at a critical point in time, where immaculate execution without much space for missteps will determine its future. Despite notable functional and technological initiatives, the biggest challenge for MAPICS and its affiliate channel remains the management of still dual flagship ERP product lines.

Abstract: MAPICS remains a stable company, with a strong financial position, depth of manufacturing knowledge, a strong customer service record, and a developed affiliate channel, which has also broadened its product offering. Combined respective MAPICS and Frontstep customers and partners should be encouraged by the progress of Frontstep’s assimilation. However, there will ultimately be inevitable rationalization within the maze of likely redundant product sets.

Abstract: Much has changed, while much has remained the same at MAPICS during 2003. With the February finalization of the Frontstep acquisition, MAPICS has become quite a large enterprise applications provider, which positions the vendor near (if not at) the top among vendors that focus on the mid-size discrete manufacturing market.

Abstract: The former staunch IBM AS/400-based ERP supplier to mid-market manufacturing companies, MAPICS, has become quite a larger vendor and with a wider choice of products due to the recent acquisition of Frontstep and its entire product line, which included ERP, CRM, and SCM, on a single Microsoft .NET-based technology platform. However, as the customers from both camps have been uncertain of their provider's strategy, given that a bigger size brings about the need to rationalize multiple products within the same marketplace, after a few months long period of buried heads and brainstorming sessions, MAPICS has lately been engaged in explaining its rationale, as to set many customers' minds at ease.

Abstract: On December 15, MAPICS, Inc. a leading provider of enterprise business applications for mid-sized manufacturing companies, announced a definitive agreement to acquire Pivotpoint, Inc., a company whose proven technology and visionary e-business solutions place them at the forefront of the extended enterprise application space. With this aggressive move, MAPICS immediately expands its offerings across multiple platforms, including Windows NT, UNIX, Linux and AS/400.

Abstract: As the market shifts from sophisticated enterprise CRM implementations to the more competitive and overcrowded mid-market-large enterprise vendors tend to step on mid-market vendor's toes. The real concern is to determine whether the mid-market cultural and functional differences are well understood and acted upon or do the large players simply offer a smaller mockup of their existing enterprise solutions. This article, which evaluates the PeopleSoft mid-market CRM solution, is the first of a series of research articles that focus on the mid-market applications provided by large CRM vendors.

Abstract: MAPICS hereby joins the raft of enterprise resource planning (ERP) vendors that are making their way into the product lifecycle management (PLM) market by bundling or partnering strategically to embed PLM functions within their suites.

Abstract: During our recent briefing, MAPICS' executives acknowledged that almost all enterprise software companies are either

Abstract: The star above small and medium businesses (SMB) has never been so bright. CRM solution vendors are courting this market segment extensively. This is the second of a series of articles that look at strategies deployed by major enterprise solution vendors to attract the SMB decision makers and whether those vendors are ''dumbing down'' their enterprise software for the mid-market. This article evaluates SAP's mid-market solutions and its implementation approach.

Abstract: While the existing loyal client base remains MAPICS’ greatest trump for retaining its solid financial position, the company will have to figure out how to be more effective in selling beyond the existing base for the long-term success in the market.

Abstract: The firewall market is a mature and competitive segment of the information security market. With numerous vendors and firewalls in all price ranges choose from, IT decision makers should be especially selective. This report presents a market overview and some criteria for selecting products from the long list of contenders.

Abstract: While the benefit of obtaining .NET-based product is evident, the downside is also that due to the companies’ dissimilar technologies in the past, MAPICS will now be burdened to look after both its AS/400 and Frontstep’s Progress based old customers, whose only common trait at this stage might be anxiety.