Abstract: To boot or pre-boot, that is the question. There’s no doubt that operating systems (OSs) are complicated given the sheer amount of code that must be flawlessly interfaced and the potential vulnerabilities that can ensue. While full disk encryption (FDE) is one step closer to a more secure OS, encryption without strong authentication isn’t enough. For security-conscious users, pre-boot authentication is the only way to go.

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: Returns fraud is perpetrated by petty thieves and organized crime syndicates alike, and comes in many forms—including stolen merchandise returns, fraudulent tenders, and “wardrobing.” Returns management doesn t have to be a trade-off between customer service and effective fraud reduction. But if you haven’t got the right returns management solution, resign yourself to losses coming directly off the bottom line.

Abstract: We all know about the three monkeys: See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. But as project managers, we need to control our projects. In order to do this, we must ignore the advice of the three monkeys. We need to see the potential for cost overruns, hear about the risks, and speak about the likelihood of failure.

Abstract: Large companies can afford to develop their own budget and forecast systems, but for small businesses, there’s only one choice—the spreadsheet. But spreadsheet financial plans are all over the map—no rules, no procedures, no consistent formatting, and minimal GAAP accounting. This white paper proposes standards that can help entrepreneurs and small business owners create, format,and manage financial plans.

Abstract: A no-bid letter is sent to the organization that invited you to bid or submit a proposal, notifying them that you will not do so. FREE Template Sample

Abstract: When you upgrade enterprise application software, you want to realize expected benefits as quickly as possible and minimize costs, disruption, and risk. In tough economic times, there is absolutely no room for budget overruns and the potential disruption to business operations—which are always risks of an application upgrade. An end-user management solution can help you realize return on investment (ROI). Find out how.

Abstract: As the economic downturn deepens, there’s no shortage of advice on how your company is to survive—where to cut costs and how to retrench the business. But despite the natural inclination to spend as little as possible, a recession might actually be a great time to use market conditions to your advantage. Find out why now is the time to invest in talent, increase your market presence, perk up your processes, and more.

Abstract: Oracle remains a true IT powerhouse with fingers in many pies other than databases, such as application servers, and development tools, which ranks it as an enterprise infrastructure provider, together with SAP, IBM at a higher and, and Microsoft at the lower end of the market. However, Oracle may be getting very uncomfortable with how its protracted disappointing revenue results (possible the worst in a decade) jeopardizes its No. 2 position in the applications market. It seemed all but inconceivable over a year ago that PeopleSoft could be so close to snatching the No. 2 position from Oracle.

Abstract: In today’s Web-connected era of business, the quest for new ideas that boost competitive edge and deliver new sources of profitability is no longer a solitary activity. The Web has become a source of breakthrough innovation—enterprises no longer have to invest in expensive tools and skills to spark and manage innovation. Get tips on how you can best deploy the Web for better innovation management and profit enhancement.

Abstract: It’s no secret that winning and retaining customers is the key to growth and success. But that’s no small feat, with ever-increasing customer demands, as well as the difficulty of implementing and enforcing processes to support your interactions with prospects, customers, and partners. Eight proven customer relationship management (CRM) best practices can help you create a customer retention strategy. Learn more.

Abstract: Process industries (chemicals, food and beverage, oil and gas, etc.) face rising manufacturing and logistics costs. And they’re finding that the old strategies for cost containment no longer pack the same punch. Some surveys show that 75 percent of all respondents are redesigning their supply chains to keep these costs in check. Are you one of them? No? You’ve got a lot of catching up to do—and very little time to do it.

Abstract: As a business employing IT, you may have encountered situations where the software application you purchased didn’t come with a help file. With no time to write complete documentation yourself and no budget to hire a professional technical writer to do it for you, what do you do? By applying the basic principles of cost-effective documentation, your business can develop impressive documentation quickly—for a minimal cost.

Abstract: Novell has made it clear to its NetWare customers that they must begin planning for transition. However, there is no guarantee that its customers will stay the Novell course. Few observers would disagree that many of those transitioning from NetWare will be moving to Microsoft. But operating system platform changes are no picnic—even in the most standard of environments.

Abstract: Many technology sales cycles get bogged down in the IT department. But while it is unlikely that a sale will get anywhere without IT management buy-in, IT approval is no guarantee of success. Getting a “yes” requires accessing and influencing other decision-makers, especially in the finance department. And along the way, there are plenty of others who can say “no.”

Abstract: Companies are successfully realizing benefits from their procurement initiatives, and viewing procurement as an integral part of their overall corporate strategy. They no longer perceive procurement as a cost center, but rather as a strategic lever for improving profits or funding new initiatives. Procurement opportunities are significant—translating directly, with no dilution, into measurable, hard dollar profit increases.

Abstract: Maintaining a competitive advantage is paramount, no matter what business you operate within. Engineer-to-order (ETO) companies that produce complex products, usually in low volumes, and with project control techniques, are no exception. A lean enterprise involves the reduction or elimination of any activity that does not add value to a customer. In order to effectively utilize lean, lean concepts must be taken from the manufacturing floor and used thorough the ETO enterprise. This paper demonstrates how IFS applications supports the principles of developing a lean enterprise for ETO organizations. It demonstrates how process improvements apply equally to office-based functions, manufacturing, installation, and service activities.

Abstract: Deutsche Woolworth has been in business for over 75 years. After splitting off from its American parent company, the company’s restructuring efforts focused on purchasing processes. It was discovered that there was no purchase planning in place, and no visibility into shipments and goods en route from suppliers. The company deployed a solution that reduced inventory levels by up to 90 percent. Find out how.