Abstract: Strategic cost reduction has been a focus area for financial institutions (FIs), with outsourcing emerging as a very attractive option lately. But outsourcing is fraught with risks. This article examines risks associated with outsourcing and offers perspectives on managing these risks.

Abstract: Whatever you offer as a service provider, success depends on how well you manage key accounts to ensure long-term relationships and the highest possible margins. But with today’s challenges, it’s difficult to maintain market share, let alone grow. SAP’s All-in-One fast-start program offers a solution that can help you maximize client and service-line profitability by supporting industry best practices. Learn more.

Abstract: It’s not easy for manufacturing companies to improve operating efficiency while responding to market changes. Improving productivity across business processes requires visibility, speed, and automation. The SAP Business All-in-One fast-start program can tailor SAP manufacturing software to your needs and roll it out quickly—and, it can be adapted to changing requirements. Find out how it can grow with your company.

Abstract: Enterprises of all sizes today face common problems dealing with handling increasing business complexity while reducing costs. The solution continues to be the automation of business processes. SAP is an established leader in addressing the needs of large enterprises. Building on that performance and identified best practices, SAP built and launched SAP Business One. SAP Business One was designed to offer small and medium businesses the same business streamlining and efficiencies at a scale and scope appropriate to their needs. IDC recently interviewed a number of companies that have successfully deployed SAP Business One. The purpose of our interviews was to determine what impact the software had on their productivity and cost reduction.

Abstract: As a midsize wholesale distributor, you need to stand out from your competition while improving efficiency. SAP Business All-in-One Solutions offer software designed to help you with your current needs, while remaining capable of supporting future growth. Find out how this solution can help you improve transparency and coordination between the warehouse and the executive suite, but also streamline inventory management.

Abstract: As more business processes exist in an electronic universe, the need to manage the IT services that enable these processes increases. Business service management does this and achieves the IT alignment with the business necessary to ensure service improvement activities are prioritized with business objectives. Business service management applies the adage that if you improve IT, you improve the business. This paper presents an overview of business service management concepts and describes how Proxima Centauri provides a solution for this. It also describes how Six Sigma can be used as an underlying quality improvement process to eliminate the associated costs of poor quality.

Abstract: Aspen Technology recently announced its e-commerce initiative, Aspen e-Business, which is the first in a planned series of business-to-business e-commerce applications. As part of the initiative, AspenTech will partner with business-to-business application vendor Extricity Software, Inc. to deliver e-commerce solutions. Though Aspen lags behind other enterprise application software vendors in e-commerce offerings, recent business restructuring efforts and its hold on the process manufacturing segment may lead to success.

Abstract: Your Challenge: Get Decision Makers' Approval For Flexible Solutions for Faster Value. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound.

Abstract: Sun Microsystems and Gateway have announced initiatives designed to make their products and services more appealing to start-up companies, especially those where cash may be a little tight.

Abstract: But, there are ways you can succeed, and you can find out about them in the sap white paper, giving service companies a fast start.

Abstract: Cisco Systems said it has agreed to buy start-up Tasmania Network Systems in a stock deal worth $25 million.

Abstract: Hosted customer relationship management (CRM) offers the same benefits as other forms of outsourcing—removing from under the in-house umbrella costs of services that can be obtained more efficiently via outside contract. Pretty picture, right? Well, yes, but there are also some key risks. Find out what they are.

Abstract: Structured planning can make all the difference to your business’s growth. But are you using the right tools? Spreadsheets may not be meeting your financial management and budget planning needs. Find out the risks of using spreadsheets as a planning tool, and how enterprise performance management can help consolidate your departments’ financial information and budgets to give you real-time views of business performance.

Abstract: In recent years, increasing numbers of businesses have chosen to outsource their application development overseas for smaller, defined projects, or through a long-term outsourcing partnership model. The main reasons for outsourcing include a desire to increase company productivity and efficiency, while simultaneously lowering operating costs in an increasingly competitive economy. But outsourcing, whether overseas or locally, comes with severe risks.

Abstract: In this white paper we describe the steps you can take to mitigate risks uncovered during the weather and terrorist related events that occurred in 2005. We also provide a quick self-assessment tool you can use to gauge your current level of disaster readiness.

Abstract: For over a decade, organizations have struggled with a gap between IT and business due to shifts in perceptions of what business intelligence (BI) should be. Often, skilled IT workers get stuck in low-level reporting roles, while business workers can’t access and analyze information fast enough to make strategic decisions. This discussion with an industry technologist offers some ideas for bridging the IT/business gap.

Abstract: Nowadays, it’s easy to spend nearly as much time trying to make the pieces of your supply chain work together as you actually spend working. Managing disparate systems and solving communication issues create challenges that keep your business-to-business (B2B) solutions from working in sync. Find out how integrating the technology, business processes, and communication of your entire business community can help.

Abstract: RFPs and selection tools typically focus on features and functions. The business process protagonists consider this focus old fashioned. However, users want and need an inventory or check lists of the functions to understand if the business process will work. One always has to start from somewhere, and there is no better place to start researching enterprise software than from its functional and technical capabilities.