Abstract: The conventional unit of measurement for software size is the point. Unfortunately, the point-based measurement system fails to account for many of the complexities of software development. This paper proposes software size units (SSUs) as an alternative to points, defines their component elements, and explains how to use SSUs for more accurate software estimations and easier productivity assessments.

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: The specialized material resource planning module for cut-to-size/shape industries must be able to recognize when current demand cannot be satisfied by the in stock inventory due to dimensional issues, and include that unsatisfied demand in its reorder messages.

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: With opportunities in the large enterprise marketplace shrinking due to increased penetration, small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) are starting to receive more attention and scrutiny. This article explores the special needs of the SMEs and asks, from a software standpoint, what companies can to do survive in this unique marketplace and what vendors can do to service them. Read on for the answers.

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: To store its wealth of transactional data, Trail Operations employs an ERP solution comprised of JDEdwards, Process Data Historian (PDH) and EtQ systems. To ensure proactive rather than reactive business decisions, it is imperative that management at Trail Operations have reliable and timely access to this data. While their ERP solution met all of management’s data capture requirements, its cumbersome reporting capabilities proved inhibitive to providing the key performance indicator (KPI) information necessary for quickly recognizing trends and driving improvements.

Abstract: Smaller manufacturing enterprises are often more comfortable dealing with a vendor of a size and corporate culture similar to theirs. Examples of these markets can be e.g., fresh meats, dairy producers, Tier 2/3 automotive suppliers, etc. Some of these thriving Boutique Vendors will actually be conglomerates of smaller divisions or vendors with a common owner. These might even be a current mid-range vendor who specializes in a series of smaller markets or even a sub-segment of a Big Five vendor

Abstract: At the macro level, the fibre channel storage systems market is mature and slow-growing. However, the market is actually undergoing tremendous architectural and technological transition. This report provides a quantitative market-sizing analysis based on the direction and scope of the overall fibre channel storage systems market, and analyzes next-generation fibre channel storage systems segments and their growth prospects.

Abstract: Due to ever-changing business, market, and economic conditions, shippers cannot afford to rely solely on a certain size of carrier—and often it’s the smaller regional or family-owned carriers that can fill the unique needs of a shipper. But can those smaller carriers provide the level of communication you expect and get from larger carriers? Learn about a solution that offers integrated communication for any size carrier.

Abstract: The BI market is ripe for consolidation, but not necessarily for the reason of capturing the scarce remaining market share like in the ERP case, but more likely for the reasons of garnering the most complete CPM portfolio.

Abstract: Tier2/Tier 3 vendors are prepared to endure the onslaught of the likes of SAP, Oracle, and PeopleSoft, as well as of proverbial mid-market leaders such as J.D. Edwards, Baan, Intentia, QAD, IFS and Epicor, and newly formed mid-market juggernauts like Microsoft Great Plains, Best Software (formerly Sage Software), and Navision, to name some. Frontstep and the Syspro Group lead the way.

Abstract: In today’s market, customers have no patience for companies that let their size and complex product lines slow them down. The challenge for communication service providers (CSPs) is to leverage their size and complex service offerings to keep pace with competitors. Discover how a next-generation configuration solution can provide you with the tools and the service agility you need to meet and exceed customer expectations.

Abstract: New developments in telephony solutions have left some small businesses reeling; smaller organizations incorrectly assume there’s a steep learning curve for new products. However, there is no real reason for any business to be left behind. One-size-fits-all telephony is a thing of the past, and new flexibility can level the playing field for any size of business.

Abstract: Primarily due to rapid development of technology in the past thirty years, the market structure throughout the world has changed considerably. Local markets have become accessible to foreign manufacturers, who are able to perform well in their newly established territories in part due to their superior application of technology. In this light, most companies, including small and medium size, have embedded globalization in their expansion strategies, consistently seeking for new markets abroad. Consequently, local manufacturing companies are facing global competition, forcing them to adopt new concepts with respect to people, process and technologies. This document describes these approaches to production planning in detail as well outlines a software solution. The software solution (Production/3) combines both pull and push techniques and enables small to medium size organizations to fully automate their production system while retaining their investment in their legacy enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

Abstract: On June 27, Great Plains Software, Inc., a leading mid-market provider of back-office and e-business solutions, announced financial results for the fiscal quarter and fiscal year ended May 31, 2000. Despite continued growth and profitability, the market reacted to the company’s results that were below analysts’ expectations by almost halving its market capitalization in a day!

Abstract: Microsoft's foray into the CRM arena has not been a bed of roses, despite its indisputably large marketing muscle and R&D investment, its strong channel, traditionally attractive pricing policies, and the aura and experience within the market segment. Microsoft CRM remains both a threat and an opportunity for the most nimble mid-market CRM vendors. Microsoft’s entry with CRM evangelism through an array of seminars nationwide has bolstered the market’s awareness of the need for CRM applications.

Abstract: In continuing our first-time ever questions-and-answers series for software applications vendors, Infor and IFS, two upper mid-market, stalwart vendors, express their views on market trends, platform approaches, and mid-market issues.