Abstract: Informix, a leader in data warehousing and business intelligence software, has developed an application named i. Decide Web Success that promises to provide dot-coms and clicks-and-mortar organizations with a database independent platform for analyzing their web data.

Abstract: MAPICS remains a stable company, with a strong financial position, depth of manufacturing knowledge, a strong customer service record, and a developed affiliate channel, which has also broadened its product offering. Combined respective MAPICS and Frontstep customers and partners should be encouraged by the progress of Frontstep’s assimilation. However, there will ultimately be inevitable rationalization within the maze of likely redundant product sets.

Abstract: While competitive costs (low and flexible software license pricing and implementation costs) and outstanding global service (proven fast implementations and customer loyalty) will remain important requirements for success, particularly in the lower end of the market, vertical focus will be the key factor for survival.

Abstract: Much has changed, while much has remained the same at MAPICS during 2003. With the February finalization of the Frontstep acquisition, MAPICS has become quite a large enterprise applications provider, which positions the vendor near (if not at) the top among vendors that focus on the mid-size discrete manufacturing market.

Abstract: MAPICS remains a customer-focused organization with the mantra of helping customers in select verticals become world-class manufacturers.

Abstract: The former staunch IBM AS/400-based ERP supplier to mid-market manufacturing companies, MAPICS, has become quite a larger vendor and with a wider choice of products due to the recent acquisition of Frontstep and its entire product line, which included ERP, CRM, and SCM, on a single Microsoft .NET-based technology platform. However, as the customers from both camps have been uncertain of their provider's strategy, given that a bigger size brings about the need to rationalize multiple products within the same marketplace, after a few months long period of buried heads and brainstorming sessions, MAPICS has lately been engaged in explaining its rationale, as to set many customers' minds at ease.

Abstract: Whether you’re monitoring networks for security threats, or capturing and decoding packets while troubleshooting, you need reliable ways to see the network traffic. Traffic levels on the given segment, coupled with the visibility level you require, will suggest the most economical solution. Of the three most common ways for analysis devices to capture network traffic, which is right for you?

Abstract: In conversation with the Open For Business (OFBiz) project leader, David Jones, TEC discovers some of the challenges in raising an open source enterprise software solution. Mr. Jones explains his vision in this first part of three articles on maintaining a business centered around Free and open source software for the enterprise.

Abstract: The star above small and medium businesses (SMB) has never been so bright. CRM solution vendors are courting this market segment extensively. This is the second of a series of articles that look at strategies deployed by major enterprise solution vendors to attract the SMB decision makers and whether those vendors are ''dumbing down'' their enterprise software for the mid-market. This article evaluates SAP's mid-market solutions and its implementation approach.

Abstract: As the market shifts from sophisticated enterprise CRM implementations to the more competitive and overcrowded mid-market-large enterprise vendors tend to step on mid-market vendor's toes. The real concern is to determine whether the mid-market cultural and functional differences are well understood and acted upon or do the large players simply offer a smaller mockup of their existing enterprise solutions. This article, which evaluates the PeopleSoft mid-market CRM solution, is the first of a series of research articles that focus on the mid-market applications provided by large CRM vendors.

Abstract: There is a method to take you through the positioning process, where success depends on understanding three Cs--your Customer, your Competition, and your Channel. This series of articles will explain how to use them to gather intelligence, challenge assumptions, and test your positioning.

Abstract: When buying a job scheduling solution, you should gather as much information as possible to make an objective comparison of competitive products’ key capabilities. Seek out customer references, analyst recommendations, and press articles to supplement vendor marketing materials. And to make sure you don’t miss any important evaluation criteria, benchmark the functions of job-scheduling software with a detailed checklist.

Abstract: You can’t pick up a business or IT magazine today without seeing numerous articles about the growth of mobile and wireless technologies. Why are these technologies so trendy? The answer is simple: developments in mobile computing, wireless communication, bar codes, and other data collection and communications technologies help businesses extend visibility and control over the operations that really matter to them.

Abstract: Most articles about the pitfalls of software implementation projects highlight the mistakes made during implementation. Examples include poor project management, scope creep, uncommitted users, or lack of an executive sponsor. All of these areas of focus are valid, but often we forget that before starting the implementation, somehow we had to choose a package and sign a contract.

Abstract: Anyone even peripherally exposed to business media that touch on enterprise application technology has seen the term service-oriented architecture (SOA) bandied about in advertisements and articles. Given the central role of SOA in information technology, it is important to get beyond a buzzword level understanding. There are three key concepts surrounding SOA: granularity, Web services, and change management.

Abstract: Business intelligence (BI) is a priority for many organizations, promising enhanced visibility and improved efficiencies. But for those with existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, implementing or updating a BI program raises especially interesting challenges. This set of vendor-neutral articles outlines best practices for creating or optimizing BI programs that effectively leverage existing ERP investments.

Abstract: Learn more about SAP BusinessObjects in this special report, featuring three SAP Insider articles about business intelligence (BI). Part one explains how better interaction with your business data yields better answers to your questions; part two examines whether BI is ready for a broader audience; and part three sheds some light on how decision makers in four different industries are using BusinessObjects.

Abstract: Earlier-generation spam systems all share a common weakness—they rely heavily on analyzing content that can easily be manipulated by spammers. As such, state-of-the-art antispam systems must go beyond content examination by analyzing messages in the full context in which they are sent. Find out how using a multilayer defense approach can help you successfully eliminate spam and blended threats in your enterprise.