Abstract: Technology can be used to achieve competitive advantages, increase customer service and loyalty, and increase efficiency, but technology can also cause vendor lock-in and escalating costs. Learn how the object orientation, and service oriented architecture features in IFS Service-Oriented Component Architecture can help develop agile business software.

Abstract: SAS Institute, a vendor of integrated data warehousing, decision support and information delivery software, has announced the production availability of SAS/Warehouse Administrator® software, Version 2.1. With an open component-based architecture, improved data access and management capabilities, thin-client interfaces, and other enhancements, it is an important component of the new SAS® software V8.1.

Abstract: SAP's decision to be more open and flexible was both wise and pragmatic. SAP now can afford to compete on a component per component basis, having basically reached its limit in capturing most of large customers in the market with an integrated product suite.

Abstract: When it comes to Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, most IT organizations do not lack measurement data—in fact, they’re buried in it! What they need are effective ways to put these measurements into the context of critical business services, establish baselines for every layer of every component, and proactively communicate which layer of which component is the root cause of any abnormality.

Abstract: Pulse is a global leader in the design and manufacture of electronic components. With its far-flung design centers, manufacturing facilities, and customer care centers, Pulse sought to adopt a global supply chain management strategy, integrated with demand planning and manufacturing operations. The benefits, Pulse reasoned, would include faster order response time, lower inventory costs, and more intelligent planning and scheduling.

Abstract: Many organizations don’t follow formalized processes for technical support evaluation. However, technical support is a vital component of any enterprise software solution. The fact is, poor technical support can have a severe impact on a solution’s total cost of ownership.

Abstract: Despite intensifying competition in the enterprise applications market, IFS likes its chances. IFS has released the seventh generation of its component-based applications, while competitors are still on their first, or second at best. Nevertheless, IFS has a tough road ahead.

Abstract: Today, globalization is becoming a way of business. With big-box retailers, supplier relationship management (SRM) has become an important component in how organizations conduct business. In this podcast, Rodney Winger from Epicor discusses ERP - distribution software and SRM solutions.

Abstract: The human resources (HR) department can—and should—deliver contributions to the organization's bottom line. Through technologies and service providers, HR can move from being merely a cost center to being an essential component for achieving corporate objectives.

Abstract: ROI Systems continues its disciplined new technology adoption. The moderation component of its strategy has been paying off, which proves crucial these days when many of its peers that have traditionally had more exciting and flashy products are facing the crunch.

Abstract: I'm Larry Blitz, editor of Technology Evaluation Centers’ (TEC) Vendor Showdown series. Welcome to our latest: ERP - Distribution Showdown. You’ll notice this one has a broader focus than Showdowns we’ve done in the past. Again we’ll be comparing three vendor solutions head-to-head, but not just on functionality. This time we’ll also look at the industries these solutions support, how well they cover different portions of the mid-market segment, and how their installed bases break out geographically. Of course, functionality is again a key component of this Showdown, broken down into four main distribution areas and 13 subareas. We hope you find today’s Showdown helpful and informative, and invite your comments and questions at showdown@technologyevaluation.com.

Abstract: Microsoft released a new version of OLE DB (Object Linking and Embedding Database, based on Microsoft’s Component Object Model or COM) which supports a proprietary data mining specification. It is purported to extend the Structured Query Language (SQL) to allow easier and faster incorporation of data mining queries into existing data warehouse solutions.

Abstract: USWEB/CKS has announced it fourth quarter results. Its performance is on the money, and continues to drive forward as it goes through expansion by mergers and organic growth. The expansion is directed at providing end-to-end services, for which the merger with Whittman-Hart is a key component. For users, this means that USWEB/CKS can address high-end projects and leverage its position as a leading internet creative services provider. However, it faces issues of staff retention and retaining its technology agnostic stance.

Abstract: JuxtaComm Technologies has announced a relationship with IBM to provide a “universal adapter” capability by implementing the IBM MQSeries Integrator as a component of its Integration Broker Solution. What business value will this provide to customers?

Abstract: Total cost of ownership (TCO) is a key component of the

Abstract: While Ramco System’s combination of experienced offshore application developers, the best practices of component-based applications development and code generation, and strategic partnerships is possibly a unique value proposition, it will still take some doing for a full-blown expansion worldwide.

Abstract: IFS was one of the first ERP vendors to incorporate concepts of component technology and a high-level of integration with both its own and other vendors' components, all providing for flexibility, modularity and ongoing post-implementation system agility and incremental deployment. The Company supports most of the IT industry-accepted middleware standards and is well poised for future technological developments and requirements.

Abstract: As Inovis and QRS now review the prospects for their combined business, they might acknowledge expecting continued decline in the existing EDI-VAN component of the QRS business, which represents roughly $66 million (USD) in revenues over the past twelve months.