Abstract: The reality of today’s application environment is that no single application meets all of the needs of a business, or frequently even the needs of a single business process, so multiple applications must work together to support business processes.

Abstract: This document explains Ultimate Software’s Intersourcing application and how it will benefit the company using it. Intersourcing is a hosting solution; this means the application is managed, supported and upgraded by an application service provider (ASP). Learn why application hosting makes sense for your organization.

Abstract: While concerns regarding open source are still being debated, many companies are experimenting with and deploying open source application servers in their data centers. While some are attracted to the ability to modify source code as needed, many are attracted to the perceived cost savings of open source. This white paper compares the total cost of ownership (TCO) of one open source and one commercial application server.

Abstract: Many companies are looking to outsource development and maintenance of their application software. Common reasons that companies outsource application software are to reduce their costs, improve quality, obtain flexible staffing levels, and obtain improved service and support so they can focus on their core competence such as, designing clothes, managing equity portfolios, or running hospitals. Choosing whether to outsource or not is a strategic decision for a company. Once a company has decided to outsource, however, it must still choose an outsourcing approach that best fits it needs. This paper will describe the many different options for application software outsourcing, including the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative.

Abstract: At the macro level, the fibre channel storage systems market is mature and slow-growing. However, the market is actually undergoing tremendous architectural and technological transition. This report provides a quantitative market-sizing analysis based on the direction and scope of the overall fibre channel storage systems market, and analyzes next-generation fibre channel storage systems segments and their growth prospects.

Abstract: Custom application development is a trusted, tested strategy to ensure effective application of resources for business advancement and continuity, with minimal risk and solid return on investment (ROI). What’s that, you say? High cost? Low dependability? Long timelines? The custom application development model is plagued by myths. Find out why they’re all wrong.

Abstract: IT organizations can no longer manage networks in isolation from the applications they support, requiring a shift from focusing on devices to a focus on performance. But a number of factors complicate the task of ensuring acceptable application performance, including the lack of visibility into application performance. Learn tips to plan, optimize, manage, and control your application performance and improve delivery.

Abstract: Web 2.0 applications, perceived by many software users as better looking and easier to use than traditional apps, can provide many benefits to your company. However, building Web 2.0 apps adds development burdens of security, transaction management, and a variety of user interface features. To conquer these issues, you might consider an application generator to eliminate hand-coding infrastructure programming. Learn more.

Abstract: The network attached storage (NAS) model, based on network file systems (NFSs), creates a number of issues for high-performance computing clusters (HPCC) systems. NFS is oriented toward access, not performance—which means that it does not scale as needed for growing HPCC systems. It also adds another layer of latency between the storage and the computing systems. In this white paper, we outline a new model for storage.

Abstract: Most large organizations zealously protect their networks and host operating systems. But enterprise-class applications receive comparatively little attention, on the assumption that they are protected by defenses at the network perimeter. Yet these applications and databases are the major reason enterprises invest in IT in the first place—and the data they contain are often the enterprise’s most valuable assets.

Abstract: Persistent delivered web-based sales support and customer service solutions to a broadband data and VOIP provider. We helped our client rapidly build and deploy web front end systems for order entry, self-care, and customer care and also integrated these systems with their fulfillment, inventory, and billing systems using service oriented architecture (SOA). This resulted in improved end customer acquisition and satisfaction and improved time to market and significantly reduced total development costs.

Abstract: Packaged enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems can be expensive and resource-intensive to implement, but they are critical to business. Disruptions due to application failures, performance problems, or unavailability come at a high price. ERP systems are highly change-oriented and must adapt; as a result, ERP teams are struggling to keep up. This white paper focuses on the issues surrounding the automation of the application life cycle for ERP systems. IDC conducted in-depth interviews with fifteen large PeopleSoft customers to better understand their challenges and needs.

Abstract: Today’s technology and application leaders are pressured to deliver functionality that drives efficiency, innovation, and growth—while reducing costs. As a result, technology and application portfolio management (APM) are top business priorities. Learn about a framework for implementing an APM program that can enable your company to monitor and analyze the impact of application changes and reduce portfolio complexity.

Abstract: The idea that tier-one systems are difficult to maintain and upgrade is based on outdated notions about their complexity and flexibility. Although tier-one systems are more complex internally than tier-two or tier-three systems, tier-one systems are often easier to maintain: for one thing, one enterprise system is easier to maintain than several. Learn more about this and other reasons for upgrading to a tier-one system.

Abstract: When Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) was created, the Internet was still mainly a vehicle for scientific collaboration. Indeed, the need for security has grown out of the increased use of the Internet as a commercial medium. That’s why new DHCP issues have come to the forefront that were simply not explored in the early days of the Internet.

Abstract: In the automotive industry, purchasing has become a critical business component. Some experts estimate that a 4 percent reduction in sourcing costs can add as much to profits as a 10 percent increase in sales. With intense global competition putting constant pressure on vehicle prices, many companies see improved sourcing and procurement as key to increasing margins, profits, and competitiveness.

Abstract: The global automotive and wholesale distribution industry moves more than 50 million motor vehicles from factory floor to dealer to customer every year. Companies that operate in this market sector perform a difficult balancing act between the vehicle makers on the one side and the dealers and the consumers on the other. However by leveraging IT strategies, their goals are attainable.

Abstract: Inventory optimization is a proven vehicle to gain competitive value through reduced inventory, freed-up working capital, and improved service levels. But leading the inventory innovation initiative in your organization requires more than an understanding of its enormous cost savings and customer service improvements. Discover the six most common factors that can make or break your inventory optimization projects.