Abstract: Today's usage of Decision Support Systems (DSS), combined with vetted SCM knowledge bases, allows organizations to save time and money, achieving better and more reliable/fully-documented decisions, a quantum improvement over the widely-used subjective process of selecting complex enterprise software...

Abstract: SSI shows deep understanding of the requirements for chemical, drug, and mill-based industries. Consequently, it has developed such must-have capabilities as potency controls, container movements, top-down and bottom-up traceability, and controls for customs and excise, shelf life, and location validation.

Abstract: At the macro level, the fibre channel storage systems market is mature and slow-growing. However, the market is actually undergoing tremendous architectural and technological transition. This report provides a quantitative market-sizing analysis based on the direction and scope of the overall fibre channel storage systems market, and analyzes next-generation fibre channel storage systems segments and their growth prospects.

Abstract: The network attached storage (NAS) model, based on network file systems (NFSs), creates a number of issues for high-performance computing clusters (HPCC) systems. NFS is oriented toward access, not performance—which means that it does not scale as needed for growing HPCC systems. It also adds another layer of latency between the storage and the computing systems. In this white paper, we outline a new model for storage.

Abstract: Persistent delivered web-based sales support and customer service solutions to a broadband data and VOIP provider. We helped our client rapidly build and deploy web front end systems for order entry, self-care, and customer care and also integrated these systems with their fulfillment, inventory, and billing systems using service oriented architecture (SOA). This resulted in improved end customer acquisition and satisfaction and improved time to market and significantly reduced total development costs.

Abstract: The idea that tier-one systems are difficult to maintain and upgrade is based on outdated notions about their complexity and flexibility. Although tier-one systems are more complex internally than tier-two or tier-three systems, tier-one systems are often easier to maintain: for one thing, one enterprise system is easier to maintain than several. Learn more about this and other reasons for upgrading to a tier-one system.

Abstract: Traditional enterprise systems have proven difficult to change and extend. The inherent problem of old core code and business logic duplication is part of the reason traditional enterprise resource planning systems have not readily taken to e-commerce.

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: 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: Knowledge Based Selections allow companies to truly reach an optimum and justifiable technology decision. Knowledge Based Selections have several unique characteristics that enable a company to rapidly and effectively marry internal business requirements with a myriad of vendor attributes that relate to both product performance and long-term value to clients.

Abstract: Monitoring servers, environments, platforms, applications, and services have become key ingredients for building successful IT departments. However, it can be a daunting task to find the right solution to accomplish these critical needs with a limited budget and tight timelines. Learn about the differences between agent-based and agentless monitoring, so you can make the right decision based on your company’s needs.

Abstract: Learn how an Eclipse-based IDE can be used to improve the productivity and quality of various Java projects when compared with using baseline Eclipse distribution. This comprehensive study, conducted by one of the top experts in the field of software development cost analysis, objectively measures the benefits of using commercial Eclipse-based Java IDE products from IBM, Genuitec, and CodeGear.

Abstract: Along with positive technological changes inevitably come the negative (spam 2.0, anyone?). Today's e-mail spam is increasingly image-based and harder to detect. Fingerprinting and optical character recognition (OCR) help identify some spam, but are less and less effective. Find out how a solution that creates real-time, behavior-based rules for new spam campaigns can put spam in its proper place—outside your system.

Abstract: Disappearing network perimeters highlight the need for identity-based security. Open networks, mobile systems, and unmanaged endpoints have become overwhelming obstacles—and cash drains. However, enforced identity-based policies within identity-blind systems have proven futile. Is there a solution? Yes. Make your policy enforcement layer identity-aware—build user identity knowledge directly into your network fabric.

Abstract: Line managers and finance staff are frustrated by the inability of spreadsheet-based planning systems to deliver useful budgets and rolling forecasts. A major problem is the disconnect between the operational elements of business and financial plans. What's missing is driver-based planning, a best-practice methodology where financial plans incorporate assumptions about business activities modeled to drive financial data.

Abstract: While service oriented architecture (SOA)-based systems are great for re-using the existing IT infrastructure to implement newer business processes, they only help IT professionals. Thus, an SOA-based system is a technical answer to a business challenge—but in order to help businesses react to business changes, existing business rules management system (BRMS) technology should be included in the mix.

Abstract: Web-based business intelligence (BI) is no longer an anomaly: organizations are ready for BI solutions that go beyond Web portals. However, when selecting Web-based BI applications, organizations must evaluate architecture, rather than features or functions. What differentiators do you need to look for before embarking on a full-scale BI implementation? And which vendors offer the solution your organization truly needs?

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: On July 25, Made2Manage Systems, Inc., a provider of enterprise business systems for small and midsize manufacturers, and Click Commerce, Inc., the provider of Enterprise Channel Management software and services, announced a new offering to enable small and mid-sized manufacturers to leverage the Internet to support their sales, inventory and service networks. Earlier, on July 19, Made2Manage Systems, Inc. reported second quarter 2000 results.