Abstract: Testing a system well is harder than building it. In the face of new risks introduced by the ever-increasing complexity of software and hardware, test tools may be your only practical way to be confident that you've got just what you paid for. From gathering the initial requirements to supporting the system after it has been deployed, test tools are available to support all phases of a project. This article looks at the ways that test tools can be used to design, code, and (of course) test a system.

Abstract: Decison support systems range from simple electronic filing cabinets to complex data intensive and analytically sophisticated executive information systems. This primer provides an overview with real case studies.

Abstract: Commerce One has partnered with Sagent Technology to add analytic tools to its enterprise e-purchasing application. Also, Ariba has partnered with Informatica to add analytic tools to its enterprise e-purchasing application.

Abstract: Tools under the business intelligence (BI) umbrella combine to convert data into information, and information into decisions for action. Dashboards and scorecards are two such tools. Though often confused, they have functional difference, especially in modern BI suites.

Abstract: This tutorial, part 2 of a two part series on Knowledge Based Selection, demonstrates the selection processes and capabilities of Knowledge Based Selection Methods and Tools. These tools, integrated with business decision making procedures, can arguably reduce selection risk and improve chances for success in IT projects. Given the appalling rate of IT project failures, selection can potentially help reduce risk in some 30% of cases, with an associated estimated cost of about $30B annually to industry according to some sources. In this tutorial, we illustrate a number of the procedures for rapid decision processing through the real-life selection of a PDA device. The process gave confidence to the argument to wait for the solution, while weighing risk against return.

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: This article continues the examination of tools that a vendor may supply that can make the implementation of an ERP package easier for your project team, end users, and IT department. Read on to see what tools you may want to have in your toolbox before proceeding with the implementation.

Abstract: Microsoft development tools will help developers and independent Microsoft software vendors integrate Microsoft Dynamics GP with existing applications. This accounting and business management system includes many features and benefits, as well as guidelines to help developers choose the right tools for various development tasks and create custom applications that integrate with Microsoft Dynamics GP.

Abstract: Conventional business intelligence (BI) tools are often not available to decision makers and are typically designed for use by trained business analysts. Learn about software-as-a-service (SaaS) BI tools designed to help non-IT people who struggle with the task of mining Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and other unstructured data sources to make sales forecasts, plan for resource utilization, or service customer accounts.

Abstract: Workers spend on average close to 80 percent of their workday with some combination of enterprise applications and desktop tools. Best-in-class companies have already found ways to improve productivity. Learn more about the convergence of enterprise applications with desktop tools, and the role it plays in providing visibility to enterprise data, improving communication, and facilitating real-time decision making.

Abstract: Two recent studies on the growth of business over the Internet agree that growth is still strong. The studies contain information about infrastructure growth and development costs as well as E-commerce revenues.

Abstract: Making a robust business case to convince management how a software solution can make a valuable contribution to your business isn’t easy. To build a successful case, you need a set of practical examples of what the software does and the benefits it can provide. Examine the strategies and problems associated with achieving your manufacturing objectives, and what the Lighthouse Systems’ solution can do to address them.

Abstract: Many companies don’t place a high enough value on the importance of learning and development. How can you convince the rest of your organization to get on board? You need to build a business case that involves more than a return on investment (ROI) document or static business plan. Find out ten steps that can help you address immediate problems, build alliances throughout the company, and make a successful business case.

Abstract: Whether it’s for an in-house delivery model or an on-demand model, a business case needs to justify the total value of a solution. This ensures that the selected delivery model will help reduce operational costs and drive continuous value from IT investments. Learn how to properly prepare a business case that includes a total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis to assess both cost impacts and line-of-business impacts.

Abstract: When a technology vendor focuses on a tightly defined market of, the value received by its customers is typically greater. Stratyc seems to be the case in point.

Abstract: There is much discussion in the marketplace about outsourcing management and governance (OM/G). Many organizations mistakenly assume they understand the science of effective OM/G, but that’s often not the case. OM/G is a critical discipline enabling companies to achieve the intent of their outsourcing deal. In fact, without it, value leakage of 15 percent or greater is the typical result.

Abstract: Demand for instant access to dispersed information is being met by vendors offering enterprise business intelligence tools and suites. Portlet standardization, enterprise information integration, and corporate performance management are among the proposed solutions, but do they really deliver real time information?

Abstract: SCO introduces Tarantella ASP edition and ASP Connect as tools for the Application Service Provider market.