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: Fourth Shift claims to have grasped the requirements of its target market (SMEs) that wish to acquire most of their business applications from a single source, even if they have to sacrifice some functionality. To that end, the company launched its Complete Care program. Complete Care is possibly the most comprehensive approach for small and midsize manufacturers to obtain needed business enterprise applications, backed by professional services and a long-term commitment to the customer's success. However, Fourth Shift’s future is not without significant challenges.

Abstract: About two-thirds of SoftBrands' revenue comes from its manufacturing division, which includes the Classic Fourth Shift solution and Fourth Shift Edition for SAP Business One, the result of a joint initiative to integrate Fourth Shift functionality with SAP Business One.

Abstract: Amdocs recently announced a complete revamp of its marketing philosophy and its offering to its customers, which it believes to be the most important shift since the company's initial public offering in 1998.

Abstract: As for the lower-end of the market, SAP has designed SAP Business One to meet the core management needs of dynamically growing small and midsize businesses, and is moving to better address the specific needs of small manufacturers through a planned strategic solution relationship with SoftBrands whereby the two vendors have initiated efforts to integrate SoftBrands' leading manufacturing software product Fourth Shift with SAP Business One.

Abstract: As the contest for the lower-end of the market intensifies, SAP is further honing a twofold strategy of promulgating its mySAP All-in-One vertical offerings for the higher-end of the mid-market, while offering the SAP Business One product to appeal to smaller enterprises with less complex processes. SoftBrands comes to help with its Fourth Shift product to bolster long-missing manufacturing capabilities of SAP Business One, but the benefits should go both ways, once the integration materializes.

Abstract: January has marked increased PR activity at Fourth Shift, with mixed, bittersweet announcements. While 2000 was a disappointing year, mostly owing to the 26.5% license revenue decline compared to a year ago, the latest product release and success in markets outside of the reach of bigger competitors, bodes well for a brighter future.

Abstract: Fourth Shift has been marking time. While Q3 2000 was almost breakeven due to a rigid cost curbing exercise, the unnerving fact is the 24% license revenue decline compared to a year ago.

Abstract: In addition to putting the problems of blending two former independent organizations together behind, the company is still entangled in figuring out how best to bring different technologies and industrial experiences to bear. Further, the new company is left with multiple products whose brand recognition is quite low given recent re-branding effort that may be even more impeded by SoftBrands/Fourth Shift/evolution brand confusion (not to mention the plethora of hospitality products).

Abstract: In our new “wired” world, software is no less important than other products and services in our everyday lives. But people are generally more used to buying other products and services than software. In many ways, however, selecting software is similar to selecting other products and services. Find out the key factors and criteria you should include—and what you should leave out—when you’re in the market for a new software solution.

Abstract: Predictions of the death of software are overstated. In reality, businesses are becoming more reliant on technology, not less. What’s changing, however, is the number of options available for managing, delivering, and paying for software applications. Many independent software vendors recognize the benefits of offering software as a service--a delivery alternative that can present long-term benefits for all parties.

Abstract: After dealing with the over-hype of Y2K, companies have started to reconsider the best of breed as a viable solution to satisfy their software needs. This comes as a shock to the corporate systems culture when user communities were told that fully integrated software such as ERP, SCM, and EAM were the only way to meet their software needs. After developing a level playing field, this article examines the pro’s and con’s of one alternative over the other. Read on to see if you agree with the merits of the best of breed or fully integrated software approach to software selection.

Abstract: The Delphi technique—drawing wise counsel from senior and experienced software developers—can help you prepare estimates for software development projects. With this method of software estimation, project specifications are given to a few experts, depending on their availability. Learn about the essential steps involved in this software estimation methodology for more accurate estimates of software development effort.

Abstract: Software developers need a powerful tool to control and plan the quality of their software applications. With a solution that offers project analysis, testing, and bug administration, you have options that can help increase the quality of your software products. Read about a software test tool that has administrative functions to help you more effectively plan, control, and evaluate your software as it’s developed.

Abstract: The requirement that enterprise software vendors deliver a measurable return on investment (ROI) has never been greater than right now. Customers are demanding that ROI analysis be a critical factor in their decisions to acquire new enterprise software. Without a demonstrable return, few customers are willing to invest scarce capital and human resources in new enterprirse software. A more complete analysis of return can be had by looking at the overall payback that enterprise software can offer to a company. Enterprise software payback includes not only quantifiable improvements in bottom and top line functionality, but also more qualitative measures-—such as new business opportunities, improved customer and partner relations, and improved time to market—-that contribute significantly to the success of a company's enterprise software implementation and use.

Abstract: Having just completed implementing your enterprise-wide software, you are about lean back, put your feet up on the desk, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Not so fast! While you were completing your implementation project, a new release of the software may have already hit the street or, for sure, there is one in the pipeline. Now you are faced with the decision as to if and when to take on the new release. Maybe now is the time to look at how a new class of software tools, enterprise process improvement (EPI), can assist you in the upgrade decision.

Abstract: The conventional unit of measurement for software size is the point. Unfortunately, the point-based measurement system fails to account for many of the complexities of software development. This paper proposes software size units (SSUs) as an alternative to points, defines their component elements, and explains how to use SSUs for more accurate software estimations and easier productivity assessments.

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: Application security is an important emerging requirement in software development. This article introduces CLASP, an application security process and plug-in to IBM 's Rational Unified Process environment. It was developed by Secure Software, and gives organizations a structured way to address security concerns during the software development lifecycle.