Abstract: You’ve determined the business rationale for embracing Internet protocol (IP) telephony as a strategy. Now it’s worth investing time in the project definition phase, since this will result in a clear statement of requirements that are in line with your objectives. However, how you define the project will depend on the needs of your business and your plans for convergence.

Abstract: Can industry-leading practice be found in a commodity software package? If we accept that application software is a commodity, by definition, the answer is no. If a vendor claims industry-leading practice, then it is available to your competition. If we really want to have practices that lift us above the competition, it cannot be in a standard package. Where in the business do we need to be better than best practice?

Abstract: There is a great deal of confusion over the meaning of data warehousing. Simply defined, a data warehouse is a place for data, whereas data warehousing describes the process of defining, populating, and using a data warehouse. Creating, populating, and querying a data warehouse typically carries an extremely high price tag, but the return on investment can be substantial. Over 95% of the Fortune 1000 have a data warehouse initiative underway in some form.

Abstract: On July 25, Fourth Shift Corporation and SupplierMarket.com announced a partnership that will enable purchasing professionals to locate ideal trading partners, submit RFQs for new contracts, and receive the results of reverse auctions, all from their familiar Fourth Shift vendor operations, manufacturing planning and scheduling, and product definition screens. Earlier, on July 18, Fourth Shift Corporation reported a loss of $.37 per share for the second quarter ended June 30, 2000.

Abstract: Founded in 1981 as a developer of computer-aided chemical engineering software, Aspen's growth has resulted in a wide variety of applications for management and execution-level process manufacturing. Hit hard by flagging revenues, Aspen is distilling its product suite down to its most profitable elements in hopes of invigorating its business and capturing a share of the supply chain management market.

Abstract: System integration service provider selections and project planning should involve the same amount of due diligence as business IT strategy definition and software evaluation.

Abstract: Informix® Corporation, has announced an XML Document Type Definition (DTD) for Extraction, Transformation, and Transport (ETT) of metadata. The DTD is designed to allow metadata sharing between different vendors’ products using the open XML standard.

Abstract: Since supply chains, by definition, are about the end-to-end inter-enterprise process, we highlight the growing importance of looking outside your four walls when thinking about supply chain performance management. If you are overwhelmed by the number of supply chain measures you are tracking, it’s better to focus your energies on a few that can have a significant impact.

Abstract: Microsoft Convergence 2003 provided a perfect learning experience to appreciate the overall Microsoft Business solutions and the directions that Microsoft intends to take. To that end the word 'convergence' was not an element of pure fate but rather a portrayal of integration between Microsoft back and front office applications. The only discordance with this depiction we felt was the way Microsoft plans to enhance its product definition through a large number of independent software vendors (ISV).

Abstract: Jeffrey Hollender has a broader definition of the Value Chain that includes the true end-to-end responsibilities as well as sustainability, a term (if you are not familiar with) means, not only recognizing all the costs incurred in the chain-human, environmental etc.

Abstract: Defining a systematic and repeatable COTS acquisition process (CAP). COTS Acquisition Process Method and References. Siemens COTS Acquisition Process Case Study. This paper introduces and describes a well-defined, systematic, and repeatable COTS acquisition process (CAP) and experience of using a tailored version of the process in a Siemens Business Unit.

Abstract: Defining a systematic and repeatable COTS acquisition process (CAP)

Abstract: What is an Acquisition Plan (AP)? Acquisition Plan Definition: "An Acquisition plan (AP) is the comprehensive document that sets forth the acquisition strategy, defines the efforts required to implement it, and ensures coordination of all human and organizational resources involved in fulfilling the organization's needs in a timely manner and at a reasonable cost.". Who Should—or Shouldn't—Write the Acquisition Plan? When is a Written Acquisition Plan Required? Informal vs. Formal Acquisition Plan Template. How Does The Acquisition Plan Contribute to Acquisition Process Improvement? Writing an acquisition plan is a procedure referenced and defined by several software engineering (SE) standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 12207, IEEE 1062), software acquisition improvement models (e.g., CMMI for Acquisition [CMMI-ACQ]), and IT governance frameworks (e.g., CObIT) that organizations implement as part of their acquisition process improvement initiative. How to Write an Acquisition Plan? Acquisition Plan—Online Resources.

Abstract: The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is the present value of all costs incurred during the life of a product or service (source: "The Supply Chain Cost Management: The AIM & Drive Process for Achieving Extraordinary Results", by Jimmy Anklesaria). Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is a comprehensive set of methodologies, models and tools to help organizations better measure and manage their IT investments (source: Gartner).

Abstract: Software as a Service (SaaS) is a model of software deployment whereby a provider licenses an application to customers for use as a service on demand. SaaS software vendors may host the application on their own web servers or download the application to the consumer device, disabling it after use or after the on-demand contract expires. The on-demand function may be handled internally to share licenses within a firm or by a third-party application service provider (ASP) sharing licenses between firms (source: Wikipedia).

Abstract: Return on Investment (ROI) is the ultimate measure of accountability that answers the question: Is there a financial return for investing in a program, process, initiative, or performance improvement solution? (source: "Return on Investment (ROI) Basics", by Patricia Pulliam & Jack Phillips).

Abstract: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) represent a set of measures focusing on those aspects of organizational performance that are the most critical for the current and future success of the organization (source: "Key Performance Indicators [KPIs]: Developing, Implementing,and Using Winning KPIs", by David Parmenter).

Abstract: Information technology (IT) is the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware (source: Information Technology Association of America [ITAA]).