Abstract: Effective CRM deployment can bring many productivity gains. And although free customer relationship management (CRM) tools may sound great to overburdened company directors, there are five reasons why free CRM tools should be avoided. For one, free isn’t always free, as hidden costs can undermine your budget. Find out about the other reasons why it’s better to tighten your CRM budget now, rather than go bust later.

Abstract: Microsoft announces it is buying nearly 25% of the common shares of archrival Corel. Aside from giving Corel a much-needed infusion of funds, what does it mean?

Abstract: Portable document format (PDF) files are used by businesses worldwide to streamline business processes and secure archives. In order to comply with ever-changing government rules and regulations, many companies have come to rely on the security and ease of use that PDF formats provide. With Print2PDF 7.0 Server Edition, documents are easily converted into secure, industry-standard PDF files that can be viewed by anyone.

Abstract: Why would a company choose to migrate its development tools? And if the migration is decided upon, how can this be done easily and effectively? Get answers to these questions, and explore the concerns and issues surrounding migration of your development environment, using IBM’s Rational Application Developer (RAD) as an example of a current tool and MyEclipse Blue Edition from Genuitec as an example of a new tool.

Abstract: If you’re considering investing in business intelligence (BI) software, you need to know about the features and functionalities BI solutions offer, and how to use them to improve your business performance. The Oracle Business Intelligence Suite Enterprise Edition Plus (OBIEE Plus) is a suite of BI products with a range of capabilities. Find out if OBIEE Plus offers your company the BI tools you need.

Abstract: Procurement Outsourcing: The 10 Things Companies Really Want to Know draws upon recent discussions with dozens of companies that are exploring outsourcing services. Jason Gilroy and colleagues draw upon their years of procurement expertise to provide answers to common questions surrounding the outsourcing of procurement services.

Abstract: Since the late nineties, enterprise resource planning (ERP) vendors have developed functionality for vertical markets in the service industry. Simultaneously, professional services automation (PSA) became a viable software category. Consequently, deciphering the difference between ERP and PSA remains a challenge.

Abstract: Free list of 47 affidavit form samples, examples, and templates. Free affidavit definition, affidavit format template. Read most famous affidavits. In federal procurement context, the soliciting organization may require bidders to sign a specific affidavit, like the following: affidavit of publication, affidavit of individual surety form (SF28), appointment affidavit form (SF61), affidavit of mailing, non-collusion affidavit, sworn affidavit of authenticity of documents, contract affidavit form, bid/proposal affidavit form, contract assignment affidavit form, emergency purchase affidavit form, trade secret confidentiality affidavit form, or financial affidavit form.

Abstract: A no-bid letter is a written statement expressing the sender's intention, not to bid or submit a proposal to the organization that sent an invitation to do so. Read tips on how to write a professional, effective no-bid letter. FREE template, sample, and tips. Get your FREE RFP Letters Toolkit, 2008 Edition

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: Engineer-to-order (ETO) and project-based companies look to information technology (IT) to improve processes and gain a competitive edge. However, building complex products to exact customer specifications requires unique software. But what exactly are the software requirements of ETO and project-based manufacturers? Remember, the wrong software can cost about the same as the right software—until you try to use it!

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: On December 16, Oracle Corporation announced lower software and support prices for the Oracle8i database. Specifically, the price of Oracle8i Standard Edition was lowered 40% from $25 per power unit to $15 per power unit, while Oracle8i Enterprise Edition was cut 50% from $200 per power unit to $100 per power unit.

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: X1 Enterprise Edition lets users search enterprise data with desktop, mobile, or browser clients. Thus, when integrating X1 Enterprise Edition security with an existing Microsoft network installation, it’s important to understand how X1 security features are configured and deployed (including web server security), and how X1 and Microsoft Windows security layers work together at runtime.

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.