Abstract: At any given time, one in four mortgage providers is looking to upgrade its loan origination system. The reason: its current system provides low rates of automation—including some processing functions that are not automated at all. Using people to process loan applications decreases profitability of a company in several ways, but by automating more processes, profitability can be improved—and the hidden costs eliminated.

Abstract: Today, 70 to 80 percent of costs for processing loan applications are people-related. From a mortgage company’s perspective, this results in increased costs and decreased revenues. With ever-changing loan products, enterprises are forced to build or buy new loan origination systems periodically. And to meet these challenges, they’re choosing technology that focuses on solving business problems, not technical problems.

Abstract: EMC announced its latest high-end Symmetrix models, capable of scaling up to 19.2 terabytes of disk space. Perhaps they should name it the BASS (Big-Advanced Storage System, for the more refined among you), since they’re trying to sink IBM’s “Shark”.

Abstract: Compiere project leader, Jorg Janke, reveals to TEC the advantages and difficulties in developing an ERP solution as Open Source software. Jorg explains some of the intricacies in modeling a business around servicing mature Open Source software.

Abstract: Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) addresses the full lifecycle of a product. The focus of most of the current PLM solutions, however, does not make the most of the value available from servicing products after they have been sold. Service Lifecycle Management (SLM) promises valuable business benefits after a product has been shipped to the customer, tapping into the value of the product aftermarket.

Abstract: Given the competition for retail customers and wholesale orders is intense, retailers, including software vendors, must be able to meet consumer demand quickly, accurately and at the most competitive price. Despite its failed QRS acquisition, which promised to expand JDA's retail demand chain optimization applications, JDA Portfolio may be able to help retailers if it can overcome the challenges of servicing a fragmented sector and withstand the increasing competition.

Abstract: The recent merger of Lawson Software and Intentia, two vendors of similar size, but servicing different markets, will complement each other to become the largest enterprise applications supplier that is dedicated to the mid-market customer segment.

Abstract: Supply chain systems to date have represented the back-end of that process of servicing markets and have taken us a long way in replacing assets with information. But the fact is, building products still takes a long time. Contrastingly, markets require short response times--days. For the last few years, we have begun the process of trying to understand the unplanned event. The first and second paradigm systems deal in knowns--this is what I think I need and therefore this is what I will buy. The Third Paradigm focuses on the uncertainty elements to understand risk. This is the key. Isolate, understand and organize the chaos—creating an operational and financial model.

Abstract: Acts of cyber aggression could lead to a cyber war or worse. Capitol Hill is giving attention to this security issue, and vendors are creating new offerings and expanding existing programs—creating new opportunities in the defense industry and opening doors for new players. Learn more about the blurring between information security vendors servicing the private sector and those in the defense and intelligence industry.

Abstract: Sun has launched an attempt to break into the ranks of large-scale and enterprise storage system vendors like EMC, IBM, and Compaq.

Abstract: In evaluating the relative merits of storage vendors, one important consideration is system availability in the event of a drive failure. And because of the potential for data loss, the time during which a drive is being rebuilt onto a hot spare is critical. Demartek compared drive rebuild times for the Pillar Data Systems Axiom 500, EMC CX3-40, and Network Appliance FAS3050c. Find out which product performed the fastest.

Abstract: Arrow Electronics, Inc., a leading distributor of electronic components and computer products, supports more than 600 suppliers and 150,000 OEM and commercial customers with 200 sales offices and 18 distribution centers in 41 countries. Employees at Arrow were using spreadsheets and manual processes which made it difficult to support its large original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners (HP, IBM, EMC, Sun) and 1,500 member reseller network. Arrow worked with Click Commerce to build and implement Information Support Services, a centralized, easy-to-use platform that creates a company-wide view for Arrow to manage multiple channels and business units. It also enables OEM and reseller partners to work together on customer solutions.

Abstract: Five criteria usually dominate storage purchase decisions in the small and midsized enterprise (SME) marketplace: product features and functions; cost; reliability; service; and support. Using these criteria, SMEs often find that their final shortlists of vendors include storage products from EMC and IBM. Find out what criteria your SME should use to choose between these two vendor’s offerings.