Abstract: So you are looking for software to support the critical functions of your company. Unfortunately, you can't go to your local Software'R'Us. This article discusses several sources and methods for identifying potential software vendors. It also examines the pro's and con's of each method.

Abstract: I'm Dylan Persaud, senior analyst at Technology Evaluation Centers. Due to the overwhelming response to our first ERP Showdown, we're pleased to present another head-to-head discrete enterprise resource planning (ERP) comparison. Here, then, is ERP Showdown, Round 2!—featuring Exact Macola ES vs. Infor SyteLine vs. QAD MFG/PRO.

Abstract: Companies are going global because the risk of not doing so greatly outweighs the comfort that staying domestic brings. According to a World Trade Organization (WTO) report issued in October 2004, 'Despite the rise in oil prices the volume of world trade is likely to grow by 8.5% in real terms by the end of 2004.' The liberalization of trade, the reduction of tariffs, the elimination of quotas, the continued rise in China as an industrial force, and the rise of outsourcing as a cost reduction opportunity, all create an environment that is full of opportunity and fraught with hazards. The ability to effectively manage global commerce will be a key strategic competitive differentiator. Global commerce management (GCM) is what is required by companies to win in this tougher, more competitive environment.

Abstract: Here we are in the New Year. So, what should the going forward picture be of the Supply Chain portfolio? Something old, something new, something from a service provider, something blue. OK, enough of that.

Abstract: Data entry and error correction are key roadblocks to return on investment (ROI) from customer relationship management (CRM) software. Manual data entry is time-consuming, and reduces staff effectiveness by taking them away from potential sales opportunities. Automating data entry is one way to reduce missed contacts and incorrect details, and to increase the volume and accuracy of contact entry.

Abstract: True multi-service, multi-vendor global networks are the future of the telecommunications industry. However, mazes of international standards and protocols can create barriers rather than solutions. For service providers and system suppliers alike, implementing standards for interoperability is far from simple. The MultiService Switching Forum (MSF) fills the void by developing implementation agreements that take standards from theory into practice.

Abstract: In May, Access Commerce, a French CRM vendor, announced the opening of its first USA office in San Diego, California. During Explore 2000, QAD’s annual user conference, Access Commerce announced the release of eCameleon for MFG/PRO.

Abstract: ACCPAC continues to enhance the PRO series and Advantage series product lines.

Abstract: Over the last year, Ardent Software (NASDAQ: ARDT) has announced a number of initiatives to strengthen their DataStage data warehousing product, most recently a partnership with NEON Systems (NASDAQ: NESY), a provider of OS/390-MVS mainframe access through their NEON Shadow Direct middleware. On October 18, Ardent reported record financial results for their third quarter ended September 30, 1999. Pro forma earnings were reported to have increased 64%. Total revenues for the third quarter increased 53% to $45.3 million from $29.7 million in the same quarter of 1998.

Abstract: On December 30, QAD, a leading developer of industry-specific e-business solutions for manufacturers and distributors, announced the availability of improved versions of its B2B and B2C e-commerce applications for its core enterprise solution, MFG/PRO. These applications extend secure, scalable buying and selling functionality over the Web and also provide greater flexibility and customization capabilities.

Abstract: This case study shows how U.S. Tsubaki, a major producer and supplier of roller chain, engineering class chain, and other drive components, adopted the QAD MFG/PRO enterprise solution to address the ever increasing complexity of it’s inventory and supply chain.

Abstract: This case study shows how Cephalon, a biopharmaceutical company, adopted the QAD MFG/PRO enterprise solution to address the management problems for their global spread manufacturing sites, packaging site, and workers. Read how it improved visibility and synchronization across global operations, improved inventory tracking, and better leveraged knowledge of enterprise assets.

Abstract: Learn how Pro Pac Labs, a custom contract manufacturer of health food supplements used ProcessPro software to integrate its manufacturing and accounting systems in a process flow environment.

Abstract: In 2004, Best Software acquired ACCPAC through its parent company The Sage Group plc and has now released a new version of its CRM product: SalesLogix 6.2. Their objective is clearly to gain as much market share as possible in the growing small and medium sized enterprise market (SME). Acquiring additional market share is a clear objective when competing in a target market that houses players such as Microsoft CRM, Salesforce.com and the mid-sized Siebel offering. It will be interesting to watch how Best Software will position its new

Abstract: Yet another ERP doom saying. This time, a prediction was given that ERP systems will only host 40 percent of business applications by 2004 partly due to the rise of collaborative commerce.

Abstract: Business Objects and TopTier Software have teamed to provide a unified enterprise portal to unite ERP, CRM, and supply chain information with business intelligence. Given that the market for analytical applications is estimated to mushroom at a compound annual growth rate of 28 percent to more than $6 billion in 2004 (source: IDC), these vendors are in the right place at the right time (and so is everybody else).

Abstract: JDA Portfolio 2004.1products have been developed or acquired by JDA in order to present customers with an enterprise offering that might currently be the broadest, most functional set of industry leading retail demand chain software solutions available to retailers and their suppliers.

Abstract: Raining Rose, maker of body care products, started as a family hobby back in 1996. Since then, business has soared—making it one of the fastest growing companies in the US. In 2004, however, it faced serious challenges related to this rapid growth; poor inventory control was affecting customer service. But since deploying an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, it has seen vast improvements in inventory accuracy.