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: IFS Applications is built using the same principles employed by successful manufacturers—the production and assembly of components. This allows change and evolution within a component without affecting other components. With a proven track record of building for change, IFS provides step-by-step, non-disruptive introduction of new technologies into operational systems.

Abstract: As a consequence of the acquisition of Business Objects, SAP has shifted its SAP business warehouse (BW) strategy to a more open data warehousing approach and is now focusing on the former Business Objects portfolio. This guide is designed to help existing SAP BW customers to plan to move to the new business intelligence (BI) environment, and outlines most important architecture options for a data warehouse strategy.

Abstract: IFS invested heavily in both product development and worldwide growth infrastructure for a few years, now with that infrastructure in place, the company’s financial position has improved. This balancing of expenditures to promote global growth and improved cash flow has long been IFS’ mixed blessing conundrum. As the bigger vendors will intensify their mid-market aspirations, IFS continues to increase its marketshare worldwide, particularly in mid-market.

Abstract: TIBCO Software is the latest software vendor to report that they are following a new trend in the stock market: reporting results that exceed lowered analyst expectations. Other vendors have also had a problem with missed numbers and there can be a great opportunity here for savvy customers.

Abstract: Tibco Software and Cisco Systems have co-designed a network delivery method called the PGM (Pragmatic General Multicast) protocol. PGM allows a server to transmit a multicast message only once. The PGM software will then ensure delivery to all of the intended recipients. This is a much-awaited improvement on the existing multicast protocol, where the server has to transmit the message to each client individually, which increases the load on the network.

Abstract: In the relentless pursuit of profitability and competitiveness, more and more companies are turning to lean manufacturing to reduce or eliminate waste in their production processes. Once confined to the automotive industry, lean principles are becoming standard operating procedure in many industries today. The reason is simple: When implemented with a good performance management system, lean principles have a proven track record of operational and strategic success, which ultimately translates into increased value to the end customer. This paper illustrates how IFS Applications supports lean principles, particularly in the many manufacturing environments that require both rate-based (takt-driven) and order-based shop-floor execution.

Abstract: By continuing to grow faster than many others, and by even reverting to profits, IFS has been defending the pride of quite beleaguered Tier 2 & 3 applications vendors. However, the bigger vendors will sell their aspirations dearly, and IFS still has a long way to go to achieve full-fledged credibility in the global market.

Abstract: Having traditionally done implementations via their product delivery organization, IFS and Intentia also have long exhibited a focus on product quality and customer satisfaction, which manifests into a lasting relationship with each client. However like other enterprise resource planning (ERP) and supply chain management (SCM) software vendors, Intentia and IFS need to string together several quarters of profitability to restore consumer confidence and long-term stability.

Abstract: In November, IFS, a business applications vendor with headquarters in Linkoping, Sweden, reported results for Q3 2000. IFS will enter 2001 with a new product portfolio and a rapid increase in license revenue. However, profitability does not seem to be in the offing.

Abstract: In August, IFS Industrial & Financial Systems, a business applications vendor with main headquarters in Linkoping, Sweden, reported results for Q2 2000. License sales rose by 85% during the first half of 2000, with a total revenue increase of 94% during the second quarter. However, IFS reported yet another loss.

Abstract: IFS needs to bolster its brand awareness, and let the world know that they are, in fact, a real contender in the Collaborative Commerce space. Once companies get IFS in-house and get to touch and feel it - to really understand its user interface and ease of use advantages over many of its rivals - it often wins.

Abstract: Despite intensifying competition in the enterprise applications market, IFS likes its chances. IFS has released the seventh generation of its component-based applications, while competitors are still on their first, or second at best. Nevertheless, IFS has a tough road ahead.

Abstract: IFS has much to offer customers. Its IFS Applications suite now boasts an asset lifecycle management module for quick data retrieval. IFS also has a strong commitment to international standards, and with its acquisition of iSC, expertise in naval and marine operations.

Abstract: IFS Defence Ltd., a joint venture between BAE Systems and IFS, recently acquired iSC, a British custom software firm. However, some product integration issues and questions about long-term benefits for IFS customers outside the defense sector should be monitored.

Abstract: Look for IFS’ increased visibility within its market segments of focus, as shown by its continued growth. The company with its broadened product offering and anticipation of recent market trends, is now in the rear mirror of Tier 1 vendors.

Abstract: In May, IFS reported results for Q1 2000. It generated revenue of $57.0 million, a 21% increase compared to a year ago. License revenue grew 73% quarter over quarter to $18.6 million, while net income was $6.0 million.

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: Using our EAM Evaluation Center, we compared Mincom Ellipse, CHAMPS, and IFS head-on. For the overall rankings, we looked at the vendors in two basic configurations: with back-office (HR and financials) functionality, for a total of eight main modules, and without, for a total of six main modules. To eliminate any chance of bias, and to ensure a level playing field, all 3,146 criteria comprising the modules and submodules in the EAM request for information (RFI) were given equal weight and priority.