Abstract: This white paper highlights key challenges facing the professional services industry, and discusses how the 2007 Microsoft® Office system can help professional services firms enhance business performance by maximizing employee contributions. It also offers examples of firms realizing business impact from their early use of the 2007 Office system, which provides innovative and powerful enterprise-scale capabilities that extend far beyond improving personal productivity.

Abstract: Not so long ago, professional services were a predictable domain. However, the world has changed, and professional services firms must strive to understand the shifts that are driving their businesses now, especially the seven “MegaTrends.” This will provide a sound foundation for reacting strategically to these fundamental changes. But what are these MegaTrends, and how do we respond to them?

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: 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: Major vendors are entering the professional services software market and small niche vendors are repositioning themselves to compete. This changing market is conveying mixed messages; however, users can navigate this space by separating market messages from vendors' functional capabilities.

Abstract: Although technology is pivotal in maintaining a competitive edge, many smaller professional services organizations (PSOs) have limited time and resources to dedicate to their IT infrastructure. For this reason, the application service provider model can be a very attractive offering.

Abstract: The CRM market is shifting. Instead of looking for an all-purpose and horizontal oriented CRM application, customers are seeking a more specialized and industry specific tool. From the larger organization to the smallest customers, CRM buyers are expecting their applications to follow their business model with limited need for customization. Interface Software, which is focused on the professional services market, is an example.

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: FREE Professional RFP Letters Toolkit - Accept, disqualify, decline, reject responses to a Request for Proposal, protest against unfair contract award

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: Professional services organizations (PSOs) currently face a number of financial and resource management pain points. Discover the benchmarks PSOs can use to improve management capabilities and how business applications can help PSOs achieve their goals, including streamlining their businesses, increasing operating margins, and meeting the internal and external challenges posed by today’s fast-paced global marketplace.

Abstract: To address the needs of customers as well as emerging workplace trends, Microsoft focused the design of Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2007 around four key goals. They are: working more efficiently with better results, collaborating with others across boundaries, making better use of information, and streamlining processes and controlling content. These goals correspond to long-term investment areas that Microsoft began with Microsoft Office 2003 and continues to focus on today.

Abstract: Professional service providers are starting to apply supply chain management concepts to their strategies for hiring and retaining talent. Adapting to market demands such as globalization and a more sophisticated client base means human resources departments need a complete and integrated process of talent management. But hiring and keeping top talent can also help you increase revenues and increase client loyalty. Find out how.

Abstract: How can a professional services firm grow profitably while providing clients with the services and project pricing they demand? The firm must rely on best-practice solutions to gain control over every aspect of business—from business development to resource planning to billing. Firms that plan and staff projects by relying on combinations of spreadsheets and management instinct will fall behind.