Abstract: SAP announced upbeat results for Q2 2001 and reconfirmed the positive outlook for the rest of the year amid the bloodbath of many of its competitors. However, negative license revenue growth in the US, a likely cascading economic slowdown from the US to other markets, and net profit restatement owing to the investment in money burning Commerce One, may give rise to a careful scrutiny and moderate caution.

Abstract: There are two major genres of PLM solution: CAD-PLM and ERP-PLM. These two types have different integration capabilities, but the gap between them is shrinking thanks to various factors driving the market. Currently, however, the difference still matters in the solution selection process.

Abstract: SAP has a new marketing campaign. What does this mean for competitors, prospective buyers, and business-to-business marketing professionals? This case study explains why it's important to dig deeper when a company of interest to you changes its marketing campaign.

Abstract: With the advances today in technology it has become obvious that there is a need for maintenance management theory and practice to catch up with the advances made in business management theory and practice generally. The current state of CMMS technology is at a very advanced level, in a lot of cases far more so than our ability to apply it. This tool has very strong and provable results.

Abstract: Although layer-two networks are a viable, cost-effective alternative to traditional wide area network (WAN) services, they have some major security deficiencies. One of the key drawbacks of layer two is its inability to handle identity authentication—which creates serious theft and vulnerability problems. With a layer-two data protection solution, however, you can mitigate these types of security issues.

Abstract: We take the liberty to expand further on the findings of a report, which was recently released by a renowned research organization, and which pinpoints enterprise applications implementations’ dissatisfactions in no uncertain terms. One may expect even more bad news in the future given the intricacy of collaborative inter-enterprise business.

Abstract: Everything in the computer industry seems to be going off-shore, why not software implementations? This article looks at reasons why remote implementation of software packages can make both logical and fiscal sense, particularly in the United States. Read on to learn why your organization may want to look at this implementation alternative more closely and not be so quick to dismiss it as a passing fad.

Abstract: Your competitors are adopting business rules management solutions (BRMS) to achieve agility and reduce maintenance costs. With enhanced ability to store all business rules in one central location, enterprises have a unique opportunity to use non-conventional methods to test these rules, as well as their interactions with each other—without tying up their mission-critical software.

Abstract: The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) provides a common process framework for driving service quality improvements and cost reductions. That’s why organizations must ensure they clearly understand the objectives of their ITIL implementations, while implementing robust governance processes to measure and report progress—or else risk implementations that fail to live up to stakeholder expectations.

Abstract: When it comes to software implementations, organizations large and small share the common goal of rapid deployment and return on investment. Small and medium businesses (SMB) however, face unique issues and challenges that might not be satisfied by vendors that typically serve the Fortune 1000 or tier one community. Such vendors may tout specialized 'SMB solutions', but many times they are nothing more than scaled-down versions of the larger enterprise suites that do not take into account SMB concerns. By following some fundamental concepts, smaller companies can make their technology investments pay off, with little disruption to the business. This paper discusses nine steps to easier ERP implementations and better profits.

Abstract: Infor and IFS, two upper mid-market, stalwart vendors, were the first to respond to our questions-and-answers series directed at software application vendors. Based on our questions, these two vendors share their views on market trends, platform approaches, and mid-market issues.

Abstract: Dillen Products, Inc. is a major supplier of plastic planters and trays to the grower segment of the horticultural market. Dillen needed a better way to manage its increasingly diverse inventory, meet the labeling and distribution demands of its major retailers, and integrate its warehouse management system (WMS) quickly and seamlessly into existing supply chain and financial systems. Dillen implemented Click Commerce’s WMS to offer customers a stable and reliable solution that is easy to install and support, while providing the flexibility and scalability necessary for future growth without the risk of major future investment.

Abstract: An earlier article, Audit Considerations for Enterprise Software Implementations, included a brief discussion of the use of computer-based tool sets and repositories to facilitate compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX). Here we examine this issue in more detail. Of particular interest are the key characteristics that you should look for when selecting such tool sets. Read on to see how these tool sets can assist your company in meeting the new audit challenges facing corporate America.

Abstract: Founded in 1990, RTI Software is an Illinois CRM application provider with a feature- rich Enterprise solution targeting the software and hardware industry and expanding to other industries with similar requirements in service, helpdesk, sales and marketing. Recently TEC interviewed Michel P.Mallen, RTI’s Executive Vice President to discuss RTI’s flagship products CustomerFirst and SalesFirst.

Abstract: While IFS has become a notable global competitor as witnessed in the Computerworld IT Company of the Year award in Brazil, it has been showing signs of stalling in the important North American market primarily owing to protracted losses and increased 'lobby talk' campaigns from incumbent mighty vendors.

Abstract: The recent merger of Oracle and PeopleSoft requires, among many other things, finding a perfect balance between cultivating the install base versus the zeal for snagging brand new customers.

Abstract: SAP and Microsoft have finally realized that their products will increasingly be evaluated by how well they interconnect, how flexible they are, and how intuitive their user interfaces are. However, these trends have already been incorporated by lesser-known vendors.

Abstract: Once again, Computer Associates is executing the largest software acquisition in history, eclipsing its Platinum Technology buyout of 1999, which was the previous record holder.