Abstract: Traditionally, software is packaged as a product with rigid functionality with change only possible through the vendor s release plans, or by developing custom solutions from the ground-up. This results in high lead times, high total cost of ownership, and challenging maintenance issues. However, software assembly allows solutions to be constructed from a mix of existing and newly built components that are stored in a repository or library.

Abstract: Today’s methods for reusing design can add needed speed to the entire product development process. By using the design of an existing part or assembly as a starting point for a newer part or assembly, you can save time while reducing the risk of making fundamental design errors. Learn how to overcome the challenges of optimizing design reuse, by building a reuse library of metadata that automates information retrieval.

Abstract: Peerless Pump has been designing, engineering, and manufacturing pumps for more than 80 years. The company was basing component stock levels on historical data, as it did not have the ability to accurately forecast customer demand. But with forecasting and demand planning software that increased forecast accuracy, the company has nearly doubled its sales over the past four years, while keeping inventory levels constant.

Abstract: Model-based architectures are conceptually superior on all fronts to conventional approaches to development. So far, they have not yet attained high levels of maturity and robustness and hence most organizations are living with conventional approaches. This paper compares the next generation of architectures, called model-based architectures, with current generation architectures from these perspectives. The extent of improvements in model-based architectures over current generations of applications is evaluated based on the above listed criteria for sustainable competitive advantage.

Abstract: SSI shows deep understanding of the requirements for chemical, drug, and mill-based industries. Consequently, it has developed such must-have capabilities as potency controls, container movements, top-down and bottom-up traceability, and controls for customs and excise, shelf life, and location validation.

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: Network Appliance, the current Web caching market leader, announced its first under-$10,000 caching appliance.

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: Knowledge Based Selections allow companies to truly reach an optimum and justifiable technology decision. Knowledge Based Selections have several unique characteristics that enable a company to rapidly and effectively marry internal business requirements with a myriad of vendor attributes that relate to both product performance and long-term value to clients.

Abstract: Monitoring servers, environments, platforms, applications, and services have become key ingredients for building successful IT departments. However, it can be a daunting task to find the right solution to accomplish these critical needs with a limited budget and tight timelines. Learn about the differences between agent-based and agentless monitoring, so you can make the right decision based on your company’s needs.

Abstract: Learn how an Eclipse-based IDE can be used to improve the productivity and quality of various Java projects when compared with using baseline Eclipse distribution. This comprehensive study, conducted by one of the top experts in the field of software development cost analysis, objectively measures the benefits of using commercial Eclipse-based Java IDE products from IBM, Genuitec, and CodeGear.

Abstract: Along with positive technological changes inevitably come the negative (spam 2.0, anyone?). Today's e-mail spam is increasingly image-based and harder to detect. Fingerprinting and optical character recognition (OCR) help identify some spam, but are less and less effective. Find out how a solution that creates real-time, behavior-based rules for new spam campaigns can put spam in its proper place—outside your system.

Abstract: Disappearing network perimeters highlight the need for identity-based security. Open networks, mobile systems, and unmanaged endpoints have become overwhelming obstacles—and cash drains. However, enforced identity-based policies within identity-blind systems have proven futile. Is there a solution? Yes. Make your policy enforcement layer identity-aware—build user identity knowledge directly into your network fabric.

Abstract: Line managers and finance staff are frustrated by the inability of spreadsheet-based planning systems to deliver useful budgets and rolling forecasts. A major problem is the disconnect between the operational elements of business and financial plans. What's missing is driver-based planning, a best-practice methodology where financial plans incorporate assumptions about business activities modeled to drive financial data.

Abstract: While service oriented architecture (SOA)-based systems are great for re-using the existing IT infrastructure to implement newer business processes, they only help IT professionals. Thus, an SOA-based system is a technical answer to a business challenge—but in order to help businesses react to business changes, existing business rules management system (BRMS) technology should be included in the mix.

Abstract: Web-based business intelligence (BI) is no longer an anomaly: organizations are ready for BI solutions that go beyond Web portals. However, when selecting Web-based BI applications, organizations must evaluate architecture, rather than features or functions. What differentiators do you need to look for before embarking on a full-scale BI implementation? And which vendors offer the solution your organization truly needs?

Abstract: Engineer-to-order (ETO) and project-based companies look to information technology (IT) to improve processes and gain a competitive edge. However, building complex products to exact customer specifications requires unique software. But what exactly are the software requirements of ETO and project-based manufacturers? Remember, the wrong software can cost about the same as the right software—until you try to use it!

Abstract: Smaller manufacturing enterprises are often more comfortable dealing with a vendor of a size and corporate culture similar to theirs. Examples of these markets can be e.g., fresh meats, dairy producers, Tier 2/3 automotive suppliers, etc. Some of these thriving Boutique Vendors will actually be conglomerates of smaller divisions or vendors with a common owner. These might even be a current mid-range vendor who specializes in a series of smaller markets or even a sub-segment of a Big Five vendor