Abstract: Just uttering the term 'blade server' creates confusion and spawns many questions. That’s because the term is applied to a wide range of hardware and software products that can vary greatly in terms of value, functionality, and fit in the enterprise. This is akin to using the term 'automobile' to describe everything from a three-cylinder compact car to an eight-passenger SUV. In this buying guide, we’ll sort out the confusion and provide you with a practical checklist for evaluating current market offerings. There is a place for blade servers in your enterprise, but not every enterprise needs every offering available.

Abstract: Hydrocontrol, manufacturer of hydraulic components for mobile applications, grew from its founding offices in Italy to being a leading player in the global market. Needing to gather the knowledge of its specialist staff and make it available throughout the company, Hydrocontrol decided to look for a solution that would automate its processes and reduce costs. Discover the product configurator solution it implemented.

Abstract: In February, NavisionDamgaard, a recently merger-formed Danish provider of enterprise business solutions for mid-sized companies, released its first semi-annual report. While the merger has produced satisfactory initial results, the future nevertheless bears challenges.

Abstract: As a contract manufacturer, Western Electronics makes assemblies for its customers. This translates into a huge volume of data being exchanged—and an exponentially greater number of engineering changes to manage. The company was challenged to take control over its processes—especially bill of materials (BOM) management—and lead its customers into following best practices. With its new change management solution, the company is confident it has an accurate history and the latest revisions.

Abstract: Since 1996, Air International US (AIUS) has used an outsourced manufacturing strategy instead of maintaining its own facilities. For the first few years, communication between AIUS and its outsourced partners was manual, which formed a barrier preventing the company from maximizing its contract manufacturing strategy. To improve outsourcing processes, AIUS chose a change management solution with bill of materials (BOM) management and a software-as-a-service architecture. Learn more.

Abstract: Pixel Velocity, provider of video automation systems to governments and other organizations, grew from having one supplier to having dozens with which they needed to collaborate and source hundreds of components. Knowing operations were becoming too complex to be supported on spreadsheets, the company decided that using a dedicated collaborative bill of materials (BOM) and change management solution would be the smartest choice. Learn about the on-demand solution Pixel now uses.

Abstract: As the battle for the mid-market intensifies, each Tier 1 vendor is exhibiting its bag of tricks for small-to-medium enterprises. While PeopleSoft is refining its fixed-price & time proposition to the upper-end of the mid-market, SAP is trying a twofold strategy of promulgating its mySAP All-in-One similar offering for the higher-end of the mid-market, while offering SAP Business One product to appeal to complexity-adverse smaller enterprises. Oracle seems to be dabbling with both approaches…

Abstract: As the battle for the mid-market intensifies and each Tier 1 vendor is exhibiting its bag of tricks for small-to-medium enterprises, SAP is trying a twofold strategy of promulgating its mySAP.com offering for the higher-end of the mid-market, while offering a recently acquired product to appeal to complexity-adverse smaller enterprises.

Abstract: Oracle will not rest until it comes close (or even overtakes) Siebel in the CRM market. Its latest gimmick from its bag of tricks was the recent launch of the OracleSalesOnline.com system, which allows businesses to use Oracle's SFA software for free. However, any additional CRM components users might need will not be free…

Abstract: IFS arrived over five years ago on U.S. shores, with a Christmas-bag full of software components that run from the front-office to back-office and back again. They’re here to play, to get recognized, and win some big Collaborative Commerce engagements. We’ll see if they’ve got the stuff to do it.

Abstract: Original News & Educational Review Course Summary Ernst & Young, has put together the quintessential course for security engineers looking to improve their ability to protect their organization's website, systems, and network. Dubbed eXtreme Hacking, and carrying a price tag of $5,000 a slot, this course is for anyone but hacks. With an impressive course book that fills a two-inch thick binder, leading Ernst & Young security engineers take you step-by-step through all the ways that bad guys try to subvert your mission critical servers and network configurations. Using dual-bootable NT-Linux laptops, and an accompanying network setup for practicing subversive attacks and exploits, attendees will leave the course with an entire new bag of tools and tricks that help them understand how bad guys identify target IP addresses, collect information about the systems they plan on compromising, and exploit weaknesses without being noticed. The idea is to learn how to figure out what the weaknesses are in your organization's network before the bad guys do.

Abstract: Although not quite yet out of the woods, by having product flexibility 'in the bag', and by providing now much more of its own 'must have' collaborative applications (e.g. SCM and CRM), J.D. Edwards might again start looking forward to the future.

Abstract: Make-to-order company Advanced Scientifics produces medical devices, including bag systems, tubing assemblies, and molded components. Manual paper-based systems severely hampered the company’s growth potential: it couldn’t effectively control production consistency, as its inventory control and job orders weren’t scalable. Learn how annual revenue by went up 20 percent with an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.

Abstract: Hirotec has been supplying and caring for the assets of some of Australia’s biggest industries for more than 30 years. In 2003, Hirotec was on a strong growth trajectory and realized its IT system couldn’t support its expansion—but that deploying an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system across the company would require staff buy-in. Now, with PRONTO-Xi, Hirotec has reduced invoice cycle time by 20 percent. Learn more.