Abstract: Small and medium businesses (SMB) generally purchase integration solutions that conform to plans of their larger business partners. Their decisions are reactive, rather than proactive. Understanding the SMB market can help integration solution providers better understand SMB needs. This white paper addresses integration in the SMB market in two parts: the first deals with understanding the nature of the SMB market; the second deals with what SMB integration solutions should address.

Abstract: Data integration is a key enabler for supply chain modernization. Competition is driving increased integration of the supply chain, both due to direct cost pressures and to increased globalization. There can be little doubt that well implemented supply chain integration saves labor costs and improves inventory control. This has often been a complex and costly proposition. Standards, improved products and a common understanding of best practices for distributed systems are reducing the price of entry to supply chain automation. This will, in turn drive broader integration of manufacturing and distribution endpoints.

Abstract: So, whether the need for integration arises from the proliferation of business applications within your own enterprise, the results of mergers and acquisitions, or from the demands of e-business, integration emerges as a significant challenge in responding to the demands of business today. What then constitutes integration and how do you go about meeting these challenges? This is an excerpt from the book ERP Optimization (Subtitle: Using Your Existing System to Support Profitable E-Business Initiatives).

Abstract: Integration of business processes between your enterprise and others presents unique challenges beyond the trials you face with enterprise application integration alone. And this 'B2B integration' becomes even more challenging as your trading partner community grows to include more partners and collaborative business processes. But what if we start over and take a fresh look at the problem?

Abstract: The potential value of centralized data integration is enormous. Once implemented, integration systems promise to deliver more accurate and higher quality data. However, for those who venture into the world of implementation, the promise rarely matches the reality. Avoiding the “data integration migraine” requires careful planning to reduce the risks associated with data relationship, transformation, and map discovery.

Abstract: 'I recently had lunch with a colleague from a major international consumer goods manufacturer and we looked at the results for his company. There were a handful of vendors touting solutions for his company s integration requirements. The colleague works right at the heart of these processes with good visibility into both the business side of the house and IT. And he was shocked at the results.'

Abstract: The IT field is littered with failed global software integration sagas. The many reasons for these failures include mismatched capabilities, geographical requirements, and project technical management deficiencies. Global software projects should start with in-depth analysis of features and functions, so the software’s capabilities meet corporate requirements. Find out how to avoid a failed software integration project.

Abstract: In our new “wired” world, software is no less important than other products and services in our everyday lives. But people are generally more used to buying other products and services than software. In many ways, however, selecting software is similar to selecting other products and services. Find out the key factors and criteria you should include—and what you should leave out—when you’re in the market for a new software solution.

Abstract: Predictions of the death of software are overstated. In reality, businesses are becoming more reliant on technology, not less. What’s changing, however, is the number of options available for managing, delivering, and paying for software applications. Many independent software vendors recognize the benefits of offering software as a service--a delivery alternative that can present long-term benefits for all parties.

Abstract: After dealing with the over-hype of Y2K, companies have started to reconsider the best of breed as a viable solution to satisfy their software needs. This comes as a shock to the corporate systems culture when user communities were told that fully integrated software such as ERP, SCM, and EAM were the only way to meet their software needs. After developing a level playing field, this article examines the pro’s and con’s of one alternative over the other. Read on to see if you agree with the merits of the best of breed or fully integrated software approach to software selection.

Abstract: Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions have to work with many other systems, not just ERP, so integration is not a new issue for PLM vendors. Most PLM vendors recognize the need for integration and have addressed the need in their toolkits. The additional work comes from integrating the concepts and semantics of one system to the next, if this business level integration has not already been provided between the two systems. This can be a big challenge for best of breed vendors, who may need to rely on systems integrators for much of this conceptual and semantic integration.

Abstract: The Delphi technique—drawing wise counsel from senior and experienced software developers—can help you prepare estimates for software development projects. With this method of software estimation, project specifications are given to a few experts, depending on their availability. Learn about the essential steps involved in this software estimation methodology for more accurate estimates of software development effort.

Abstract: Software developers need a powerful tool to control and plan the quality of their software applications. With a solution that offers project analysis, testing, and bug administration, you have options that can help increase the quality of your software products. Read about a software test tool that has administrative functions to help you more effectively plan, control, and evaluate your software as it’s developed.

Abstract: The requirement that enterprise software vendors deliver a measurable return on investment (ROI) has never been greater than right now. Customers are demanding that ROI analysis be a critical factor in their decisions to acquire new enterprise software. Without a demonstrable return, few customers are willing to invest scarce capital and human resources in new enterprirse software. A more complete analysis of return can be had by looking at the overall payback that enterprise software can offer to a company. Enterprise software payback includes not only quantifiable improvements in bottom and top line functionality, but also more qualitative measures-—such as new business opportunities, improved customer and partner relations, and improved time to market—-that contribute significantly to the success of a company's enterprise software implementation and use.

Abstract: Successful e-businesses of the future will be those who treat e-business as the collection of processes, which allow multiple companies to work cooperatively and collaboratively to produce a seemingly seamless integration of businesses operating as a virtually vertical enterprise. And with this integration of business processes comes the requirement to integrate disparate business applications. This is an excerpt from the book ERP Optimization (Subtitle: Using Your Existing System to Support Profitable E-Business Initiatives).

Abstract: Two ERP vendors recently signed agreements to resell integration software from Enterprise Applications Integration vendors.

Abstract: Mid-market companies can level the competitive playing field by using business integration technology. Integrated processes reduce costs by decreasing data entry errors, improving supply chain responsiveness, and increasing inventory accuracy—not to mention eliminating document processing fees and customer charge-backs. But how can mid-market companies leverage the capabilities of 'high-end' integration solutions?

Abstract: While the idea of enterprise-wide data management is conceptually simple, it is extremely difficult to implement in most organizations, due to differences between heterogeneous databases and applications. However, conventional integration software is not required to achieve consistent management of customer data. In fact, integration appliance technology can greatly simplify and reduce the cost of master data management (MDM).