Abstract: Developers obviously need to leverage best techniques to migrate MS Access applications to the MS SQL Server and Oracle Client/Server database platforms. However, they can also benefit from a presentation of specific migration procedures; guidance on which migration path makes the most sense; and a list of criteria to assist with the decision on whether to migrate at all.

Abstract: This tutorial, part 2 of a two part series on Knowledge Based Selection, demonstrates the selection processes and capabilities of Knowledge Based Selection Methods and Tools. These tools, integrated with business decision making procedures, can arguably reduce selection risk and improve chances for success in IT projects. Given the appalling rate of IT project failures, selection can potentially help reduce risk in some 30% of cases, with an associated estimated cost of about $30B annually to industry according to some sources. In this tutorial, we illustrate a number of the procedures for rapid decision processing through the real-life selection of a PDA device. The process gave confidence to the argument to wait for the solution, while weighing risk against return.

Abstract: The main purpose of lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures is to prevent accidents, save lives, and protect equipment from extensive damage. But it’s important that these procedures don’t become routine—in fact, you should consider how you can improve work safety to prevent errors and eliminate accidents. Learn how an automated lockout and tag out solution can help improve processes, and provide business and financial benefits.

Abstract: The rise of electronic records is having a profound effect on business litigation. Electronic records are now so important that the litigation rules in US federal courts have been officially amended to give judges and litigants more guidance on coping with records. IT managers tasked with setting policies for e-mail retention should understand the amended rules before any lawsuit is started or anticipated. Learn more.

Abstract: Does your company have a simple way to publish and maintain internal documentation? If people are using workarounds instead of reading documents on the corporate intranet, it’s a warning sign that there’s no appropriate publishing system in place. But there are alternatives and practical tips that can help you choose a cost-effective solution, based on the familiar Lotus Domino platform.

Abstract: Phase one of the four phase approach to a successful radio frequency identification implementation consists of several essential steps, including the careful selection of business partners and the development of a test environment and corrective label placement procedures.

Abstract: With traffic being the lifeblood of an e-commerce site the Marketing crew knows that the traffic numbers are going to be audited. And they look to the CIO to make sure that the numbers will pass muster. If there’s a problem with the numbers, the CIO may be blamed. So it’s important to understand what auditors want to see, and to make sure that your collection and reporting procedures are appropriate. The greatest danger is having to restate numbers that you’ve already provided to advertisers.

Abstract: After testing procedures have been created and the type of test data has been determined, link or string testing, and system testing must be executed to ensure the job stream is correct and to locate errors before production. Backup and restart testing must be also be conducted to ensure that the restart points within the system are accurately defined. Finally, to demonstrate the benefits and functionality of the system, management and user approval should be received.

Abstract: Program testing and debugging is one of the most critical aspects of implementing a computer system. Without programs which properly work, the system will never process information and produce the output for which it was designed. Testing procedures should be established and testing roles should be demarcated between the programmer and the analyst. Once this is done, test data that can test the limits of the program should then be created.

Abstract: The right balance of automated processes with paper records and manual, human interaction is necessary to keep costs under control with a flexible yet controlled set of procedures. The strategic software category, governance, risk management, and compliance, is poised to help.

Abstract: In going through a business decision process for complex technology selections, more and more use is being made of technologically driven processes using Decision support tools and captured knowledge. The use of these systems and the capability to drive a solution from them assumes an ability to accurately express business requirements and business value within these tools. In this article, we explore the marriage of knowledge management and decision support in forming knowledge based selection systems and procedures that can assist in reducing the current appalling record of IT project failures. This is illustrated by the process to select a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA).

Abstract: To a large extent, software packages do work out of the box. Packages that do not perform perfectly or as users would expect is when dissatisfaction arises. These can be dealt with in a rational manner through the employment of effective project and change management procedures. However, an area that typically creates problems, whether expected or not, is the development of interfaces between proprietary software that cannot be replaced.

Abstract: Data quality has direct consequences on a company's bottom-line and its customer relationship management (CRM) strategy. Looking beyond general approaches and company policies that set expectations and establish data management procedures, we will explore applications and tools that help reduce the negative impact of poor data quality. Some CRM application providers like Interface Software have definitely taken data quality seriously and are contributing to solving some data quality issues.

Abstract: Discover what makes your procurement process provide for full and open competition. Learn what are the different competitive procurement methods. Get an introduction to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the official document setting forth procurement policies and procedures that US federal agencies should follow when soliciting offers (bids or proposals) for goods, products, services, or construction from qualified suppliers

Abstract: A request for proposal or RFP Protest Letter may be sent by a prospective provider who is aggrieved in connection with the RFP specifications, the solicitation process, or award of the contract and would like to file a protest. The scope of the grounds of the RFP protest letter is limited to errors related to proper proposal scoring, violation of law or procedures set forth in the RFP, conflict of interest, partiality or discrimination. No protest may be filed if the RFP is cancelled or if all proposals received in response to the RFP are rejected. It is highly recommended to read the recommendations on properly writing an RFP Protest Letter. The RFP Protest Letter is part of your FREE RFP Letters Toolkit, 2008 Edition

Abstract: Thanks, in part, to the fallout from the financial scandals of Enron, WorldCom, Tyco and others, the corporate spotlight is being refocused on the audit function. However, by waiting until systems are live and in production before applying an audit regimen, you may miss an excellent opportunity to establish effective controls at the outset, when the enterprise software is being implemented. Read on to learn where and how, as an executive sponsor, project manager, or team member, you can instill audit procedures that can continue throughout the life of the software.

Abstract: Components such as applications, databases, web servers, directories, and operating systems rely mostly on built-in security features. But passwords and privileges are hardly enough, considering that many users have elevated privileges and fail to follow established corporate procedures.

Abstract: Brazilian health care cooperative Assefaz wanted to change its health care plan administration system, as it didn’t offer enough options to create business rules and specific procedures. The new system it chose offers new modules, including Medical Audits. Find out how the co-op divided up the implementation, and how the new solution has streamlined numerous processes related to its administrative health care services.