Abstract: Today’s
support organizations often face the challenge of providing efficient and effective customer service. Without the right tools, it can become an uphill battle. To gain true scale and effectiveness in service and
support, many organizations are now turning to knowledge management initiatives like knowledge-centered
support (KCS)—a business process that directly addresses the root causes of
support inefficiencies.
PubDate: 9/5/2007 4:01:00 PM
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: Mature systems in any enterprise require an approach different from newer implementations to software support—one that focuses on customization, interoperability, and performance support. Yet despite this fact, most vendors continue to offer the same one-size-fits-all models of support.
Abstract: Performance support helps keep workers on track. But truly effective performance support communicates company-specific “when, what, and how” information, in the fastest, clearest, and easiest way possible—like a GPS unit issuing personalized directions for the specific task at hand. Performance support won’t teach you how to drive, but it will help you get to where you want to go.
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: Your company has purchased a human resources (HR) software that will improve your business. But you’ve just learned that your software vendor has been acquired by a software giant. How will this affect your software implementation and vendor support? Get a behind-the-scenes look at what mergers and acquisitions means for you—the software buyer—and find out which questions you should ask if you are in this situation.
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: 'By itself, the Clientele support component was great; it had consistently done exactly what we wanted it to do over a significant period of time,' says Hooper. 'In choosing the new solution, we knew we needed to integrate it with our support group. Our support group was using a well-tested product that was essentially problem-free. We didn’t have to call Epicor’s support team frequently to help us fix issues, it ran well and we had a lot of confidence in the product.'
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: Many market observers might yawn at SAP's recent Premium Support announcement, but users increasingly appreciate more choice and certainty, and may take notice of what the market leader is trying to do with this middle-of-the-road support option.
Abstract: In going through a business decision process for complex technology selections, more and more use is being made of technologically driven processes using Decision support tools and captured knowledge. The use of these systems and the capability to drive a solution from them assumes an ability to accurately express business requirements and business value within these tools. In this article, we explore the marriage of knowledge management and decision support in forming knowledge based selection systems and procedures that can assist in reducing the current appalling record of IT project failures. This is illustrated by the process to select a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA).
Abstract: SAP is addressing the problem of customers wanting support that vendors are either not providing, or providing at unjustifiable prices. Support and maintenance customers are committed to service contracts, but only to a point. New options are thus available.
Abstract: Great Plains has expanded eSupport, its web-based technical support service. The new service promises to provide customers and partners with higher levels of service while increasing Great Plains’ operational efficiency. Here’s how Great Plains uses the web to augment its technical support services.
Abstract: The decision to support older releases is like any other business decision, it is all about the money and profitability. If the vendor can make money at providing support for older releases, it is good business for the vendor. The decision may be sugar-coated with pronouncements about doing what is good for the customer, but both the vendor and the customers know that the first consideration must be the money.
Abstract: In today’s fast-paced business environment, providing customers with timely support when problems occur is critical. But in order to do so, information must be readily available throughout the enterprise. By integrating your customer support, defect tracking development, and knowledge management systems, your business will benefit from improved customer satisfaction and retention, as well as increased staff productivity.
Abstract: As products become more complex and customer expectations continue to rise, service and support become increasingly difficult. So how can service and support managers transcend these problems and use each customer interaction to build customer loyalty and drive service leveraged revenue? By empowering customers with Web 2.0 technology and enabling users to manage their own experiences. Find out how.