Abstract: Customer relationship management (CRM) issues can often be traced to ineffective processes involving human communication. But you can overcome the limitations of marketing, sales, and service processes. With communication-enabled business processes—powered by communications systems integrated with business applications—you can have more visibility into interactions and improve your end-to-end performance. Learn more.

Abstract: Project portfolio management (PPM), once a solution only larger organizations could afford, enables companies to analyze, recommend, authorize, activate, expedite, and monitor projects. In recent years, however, small to medium businesses have been able to benefit from PPM too, through software-as-a-service models of this tool.

Abstract: There are two types of project portfolio management (PPM) solutions for professional services organizations (PSO). For smaller PSOs, best-of-breed vendors provide hosted solutions with out-of-the-box integrations, while integrated PPM solutions provide the complete back-office systems preferred by many larger PSOs.

Abstract: Many companies recognize the need for project portfolio management (PPM) and implement a solution, but encounter cultural resistance to the initiative. Yet other companies can integrate PPM with virtually no resistance. The difference is the readiness for and acceptance of change in the company. Learn how to avoid the pitfalls, adhere to proven best practices, and realize the benefits and huge return on investment (ROI).

Abstract: Project portfolio management (PPM) software can provide a dynamic decision-making process for assessing projects such as portfolios, prioritizing projects, and allocating limited resources to meet key organizational objectives. Using PPM can also help you better align and manage your people, projects, and processes—giving you the ability to react quickly to change and minimize risk in the current declining market.

Abstract: Research shows that companies implementing product portfolio management (PPM) solutions achieve greater success in profitability because of their ability to monitor product value throughout the product selection and development processes. With the ability to evaluate this information through PPM capabilities, companies can take corrective action to maximize product value during new development—or kill projects that won’t deliver sufficient returns.

Abstract: Project portfolio management (PPM) is a hot topic, and there’s no shortage of related advice. However, much of the current advice is incomplete—or flat-out wrong. Before purchasing a tool, buyers should familiarize themselves with established theories for valuing projects. Armed with understanding, they can avoid getting 'burned' by the unsuitable PPM tools that are being pushed in the marketplace.

Abstract: Project portfolio management (PPM) has become a critical component in the IT business lexicon. It provides structure and consistency to the process associated with the planning, prioritization, management, and control of project portfolios. By using PPM, IT departments can align their IT and business strategies and improve performance in project-based work, and enhanced corporate governance.

Abstract: To adapt your supply chain communication process to the demands posed by changing customer expectations, volume increases, and multiple communication formats, automating your supply chain is essential. Business community management (BCM) integrates the technology, business processes, and communication of the entire trading community to create end-to-end supply chain visibility. Learn how to use BCM for your enterprise.

Abstract: The key to plant efficiency and profitability is open communication between those who design industrial facilities and those who operate and maintain them. Communication between these entities has been lacking, however. Companies that use design, operate, and maintain (DOM) concepts can facilitate and standardize their proactive approaches to this open communication—whether collaboration takes place internally, or with outside designers.

Abstract: Effective communication uses many senses, but visual communication provides huge amounts of information, and can convey all sorts of meanings. Face to face, we can rely on visual cues; however, the amount of information transmitted via distant communication is limited by cost and complexity. And when the costs of transportation rise, broader use of remote visual communications becomes increasingly practical.

Abstract: In today’s market, customers have no patience for companies that let their size and complex product lines slow them down. The challenge for communication service providers (CSPs) is to leverage their size and complex service offerings to keep pace with competitors. Discover how a next-generation configuration solution can provide you with the tools and the service agility you need to meet and exceed customer expectations.

Abstract: This white paper describes how interdomain federation happens with the Jabber Extensible Communications Platform (Jabber XCP). If you’re a service operator, line-of-business manager, security professional, or application developer, we’ll help you understand the benefits and challenges involved in building communication 'clouds' using real-time technologies such as extensible messaging and presence protocol (XMPP).

Abstract: Statistics show that nearly one-fifth of IT projects make it to the finish line—so project planners need to be aware of the primary factors that can ruin a project, and how to prevent them from happening. One of the biggest obstacles is poor team communication, even when you have the best talent and a good work environment. Learn about the top three techniques that can help you get your people working together as a team.

Abstract: As with all things, there’s a good side and a bad side—the Internet is no different. Although it improves communication between businesses and customers, it can also overwhelm customers that are bombarded with marketing e-mails on a daily basis. Customers want more convenient contact channels. Smart companies understand this and are responding by adopting a multichannel approach to customer relationship management (CRM).

Abstract: While it’s great to find ways to keep up with mountains of e-mail, organizations must remember that e-mail is not a lightweight communication tool anymore. For people and organizations swamped by critical information, throwing messages away is just not an answer. Increasingly, knowledge workers are turning to searching to manage the volume and value of information sitting in their in-boxes.

Abstract: The pharmaceutical industry is highly competitive, regulated, and in a permanent state of change. Customers demand instant attention, while suppliers require comprehensive leading edge services with regard to their products. Regulatory authorities require that the industry keep up to date with regulations, following them to the letter. Competitors are always inventing new ways to gain market share, while e-business presents new opportunities and challenges. All the while the pressure to reduce prices and to shorten order cycles is high. Pharmaceutical wholesalers comprise the lifeline within the pharmaceutical industry, providing continuity of supply and facilities for storage. They also offer a range of supporting services, such as information technology systems and product withdrawal notifications, which form an essential part of the total healthcare package. These companies and institutions all operate in an environment where speed and efficiency may mean the difference between life and death. However, the industry has a number of specific requirements that are critical for achieving success in the distribution sector.

Abstract: The challenges that face the manufacturing industry today are also opportunities. Manufacturing is being revolutionized in its processes, routines, and ways of doing business through the growing emergence of order driven production methods. This shift towards demand driven manufacturing is emerging in tandem with the larger currents caused by globalization. This cross industry brief focuses on the manufacturing industry from the standpoint of a demand driven IT solution and is aimed at manufacturing and distribution businesses. It describes some major market trends and issues, provides an overview of IBS supply chain solution, and offers details on how the IBS solution for demand driven manufacturing can address current needs of the industry.