Abstract: The latest iteration of PTC Windchill (v. 10) for product lifecycle management (PLM) has been described as ‘the most significant Windchill release in PTC’s history.’ In his article, TEC research analyst Gabriel Gheorghiu compares the last two versions of PTC Windchill, and outlines how the functionality enhancements in PTC Windchill 10 make the product suitable for product creation, development, and lifecycle management.
PubDate: 5/17/2013
Abstract: NCR Corporation announced it will support Microsoft Windows 2000 across its entire offering of products. In addition, NCR will present a full suite of consulting and support services to help businesses migrate to the Windows 2000 environment. The question is whether the power of Windows can keep up with Teradata.
Abstract: A major challenge for IT managers is that much of the data they need in Windows environments is stored in iSeries and Mainframe host systems. Traditionally, unlocking this data and making it available in Windows environments for further processing has involved major reprogram¬ming, and significant resource investments. There are, however, simple solutions that address the jump from host to Windows.
Abstract: End-user companies should track the financial health of their vendors to see if the vendor will be a collector or one of the collected. If the end-user company has a focused vendor, think of that vendor's health and help them become even better in your type of business. If your vendor is acquired, meet the new owners. The new owners motivation in buying your product and vendor was the install base and that's you. Showing interest is your part in keeping the relationship the way you want it.
Abstract: IT departments in midsize companies are expected to improve the service quality to PC users, cut IT support costs, and increase business flexibility. But midsize companies often worry about tight IT budgets and few IT resources. Deploying the Windows Vista operating system can help. Find out what 73 midsize companies have to say about how Windows Vista has offered not only cost savings, but security benefits and more.
Abstract: Customizing third-party “vendor” source code is becoming increasingly common. But managing the incorporation of vendor application releases alongside customizations requires an additional layer of software configuration management (SCM) to integrate subsequent vendor releases. Traditional branch-based SCM tools require an unnecessarily complex branch-and-merge process. However, there is a more intuitive and efficient parallel development model for managing customizations to vendor code.
Abstract: IT service transition is difficult to manage. But with the updated guidance found in ITIL Version 3, IT organizations can plan for a more successful transition, with a new perspective on all transition phases, including planning, configuration, and change management.
Abstract: IBM (NYSE: IBM) has announced the release of DB2 Universal Database Version 7, with a new pricing structure for application service providers (ASPs), support for customer relationship management (CRM), and an incubator program for e-business applications to help emerging companies get up and running on the Web.
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: Although end-user companies should continue to track the financial health of their vendors to possibly discern if the vendor will be a collector or one of the collected, the latest torrid 'love triangle' affair involving Oracle, PeopleSoft and J.D. Edwards may prove that even a seemingly stable vendor can involuntarily end up being acquired. If your vendor is acquired, do meet the new owners, given their motivation in buying your vendor was the install base and that is you. Showing interest is your part in keeping the relationship the way you want it.
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: 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: Data Protection Manager is designed to provide continuous data protection for servers. A virtual tape library solution with de-duplication complements Microsoft DPM 2007, and together they can meet the data protection and recovery challenges of both Windows and non-Windows environments. Find out how these technologies work together to provide continuous data protection and recovery for enterprises of all sizes.
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: For years, organizations have had to settle for inadequate approaches to front-office to back-office integration. However, with Scribe’s component architecture, when a new version of Dynamics GP or Salesforce comes out, you can plug in a new version of the Scribe Adapter for the upgraded application, and your existing Dynamics GP to Salesforce Template will experience little or no disruption.
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.