Abstract: Business process automation is all very well and good. After all, nothing succeeds like success, especially automated success. But what is the effect of automation on the consumer, that most unpredictable of systems?

Abstract: Sales force automation makes it possible, and you can learn how in the sales force automation buyer's guide.

Abstract: Maybe you’re considering software test tools for the first time. Or maybe you have experience but think your existing software test automation process needs retooling. Whatever your perspective, there are tips and tricks you may not know about test design and development. These 10 steps to building software test automation can help you shorten your time to market, improve the quality of your products, and save you money.

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: Senior finance executives in all industries recognize the long-term benefits of transaction-processing automation on resource allocation. Transaction automation frees time and resources that can be allocated for decision support and financial planning and analysis. The result: sustained, profitable top-line growth and risk reduction. Find out other benefits of improving your back-office processes through automation.

Abstract: Managing growth is a monumental undertaking—and one that Valero Energy Corporation has mastered. But as one of the largest oil refinery companies in North America, with revenues exceeding $90 billion (USD), the company needed to find a way to fit new applications into its existing infrastructure in a quick and cost-effective manner. By switching to SAP’s NetWeaver platform, Valero saved $480,000 (USD) in the first month.

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: Unica's possibly unique set of broad and astute functional footprint and geographic coverage, easily-deployable product with proven quick payback may prove the fact that the marketing automation point providers with a differentiating value proposition and with immaculate execution may prevail the onslaught of larger packaged suite providers.

Abstract: Many organizations find it challenging to adopt sales force automation and customer relationship management solutions. Formal sales training and the related reinforcement tools can make the difference. We examine the key challenges and propose some solutions.

Abstract: Marketing is possibly the only remaining major business function yet to revise its core processes to take advantage of IT that can cut time, costs, and improve the quality of its operation. Nevertheless with marketing automation there are huge untapped opportunities for business improvement, given marketing has a unique vantage point in any enterprise to understand the customer needs, buying behavior, and value perception.

Abstract: Since the late nineties, enterprise resource planning (ERP) vendors have developed functionality for vertical markets in the service industry. Simultaneously, professional services automation (PSA) became a viable software category. Consequently, deciphering the difference between ERP and PSA remains a challenge.

Abstract: The sales force automation buyer's guide will help you find the ideal sfa system for your company.

Abstract: In the short term, Microsoft Dynamics SL will likely follow the professional services automation (PSA) trend of extending functionality to the Web. In the long term, its eventual absorption into the Microsoft Dynamics product line may affect Microsoft's strategy in the project portfolio management marketplace.

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: Even if your company is facing budget cutbacks in other areas, you should consider how a well -implemented sales force automation (SFA) suite can significantly improve both customer satisfaction and your revenues. When looking to update your SFA suite, focus on five critical areas of functionality, including workflows, communication tools, and storage capacity. Find out how to reduce your SFA total cost of ownership (TCO).