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The article reports on the market strategy a company must adopt for their enterprise application. It mentions that enterprise software must be user-friendly, and offer transparency. Further it suggests the requirement for enterprise application that includes enterprise application must be appealing to attract customers. It also suggests to offer users more transparency about the product. INSETS: British Airways' iPad App Improves Customer Service;Three Warning Signs Of an Unfriendly App.

The article focuses on the initiative of businesses to use software-as-a-service (SaaS) offerings to improve customer relations. It indicates that businesses are pressured to offer faster and better service capabilities to its customers while maintaining capital costs. As a result, businesses are using SaaS from recruitment, hiring, workforce scheduling, and payroll applications to procurement management as well as enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

The article reports on various strategies used by companies in calculating the return of investment (ROI) of marketing via the social media. It offers discussion by Santucci and information technology (IT) vice president Beach Clark on the company's use of IT staff and infrastructure in assessing the value of social media tools. It explores the use of social media tools by some companies as exemplified by International Business Machines Corp's use of internal versions of Wikipedia and Twitter. INSET: Do the Math.

The article presents several ideas from information technology (IT) leaders on how to market IT. It suggests finding opportunities in corporate written communications such as in annual reports. It then mentions that creating customer touch points offers opportunities for communicating with business users that can lead to customer satisfaction. It further states that employing hallway marketing is important, staff needs to understand and accept that marketing is part of their job.

The article focuses on the importance of building relationships to achieve a successful enterprise architecture (EA) in information technology industry. It cites the emphasis given by California-based Con-way Inc. on strategic and tactical in dealing business operation, and notes the company's implementation of EA. It states that the implementation of EA team had aroused concerned from concerned individuals due to added cost and less improvement in the designated the company. However, some professionals including Michael Kim realized the good effect of EA in business operations.

The article reports on the approaches to effective pricing, which could help companies reduce costs and increase revenues through various information technology pricing software. The use of price optimization, contract management software and value pricing could help companies reduce costs and increase revenues. One example of a pricing software is Consumer Demand Management service from DemandTec Inc. It is used by Piggly Wiggly Carolina Co. and it has an objective, which is to increase sales, increase margins and maintain a positive price image for the company.

The article reports on the trend of incorporating environmentalism in the information technology industry in the U.S. According to the article, the move of Rent-A-Car Co. to use thin client has helped cut the internal energy consumption of the firm as well as reduced their carbon dioxide emission by up to 6.5 million pounds. In addition, it states that using the green computing tool has given IT companies a new way of making efficient upgrades on technologies, consolidating systems and virtualizing servers. Furthermore, it relates that various organizations have also dealt with using energy efficiency technologies as their primary tool in business. INSET: San Francisco Aims to Be Green IT City....

The author reflects on the information technology (IT) infrastructure in the emergence of Internet and world web. He believes the four technologies server virtualization, grid computing, service-oriented architecture, and software are facilitating the change in the IT industry and the economy of a country. However, he mentioned that the economy is unpredictable and some companies are learning to compete by being agile and responsive to the changing and evolution of needs from the customers.

The article focuses on the significance of search technology in business intelligence (BI) accessibility. The association of BI software and enterprise search technology is considered to be a powerful concept for a decentralized organization such as the National Education Association (NEA). It could be noted that NEA is establishing Fast Radar offering users access to financial, legal, research and membership information in four separate data silos. This project was proven to be beneficial though it is still in its pilot stage. Moreover, BI reports' creation remained an arcane specialty, though other information technology (IT) have become more user-friendly. INSET: Four Ways TO DO IT.

The article presents an author's view on the issues about information technology. The author provides a remark about the marketing strategies used by vendors in investing money and efforts for the success of the business enterprise. The relationship management among information technology shops had also been addressed.

The author reflects on the marketing messages of information technology (IT) managers when they communicate with business colleagues and clients in the U.S. He argues that IT managers are unaware about the impact of their messages when they communicate with their clients. He explains that those messages are part of the marketing strategy and that it affects the decisions of clients and customers. Several examples of situations in making transactions with clients were offered.

Assesses the impact of advertising during the Super Bowl telecast on the marketability of the Linux operating system from IBM. Description of the marketing strategy of IBM, according to marketing strategist Christopher Williams; Characterization of the Linux advertisements; Benefit of the strategy for IBM shareholders.

Reports on the per-employee software pricing model used by Sun Microsystems Inc. Purpose of offering the pricing scheme; Price per employee; Benefits of the pricing scheme of business enterprises.

In this article, the author presents his views on the products of Microsoft Corp. He mentions open-source software and Apple products are equally good but the Microsoft uses its prodigious market power and immense profits to promote its product. He also mentions that Microsoft has also started manufacturing better server and desktop operating systems and programs to maintain its position in the market.

The article reports on the uncertainty that the plan of Hewlett-Packard Co. (HP) to purchase Palm Inc. will bolster its smartphone business. According to Charles Golvin, analyst at Forrester Research Inc., the former needs a strong presence in mobile devices in order to gain profits and the latter does not have it. It notes that HP offered Palm with 1.2 billion dollars for its acquisition and the deal is expected to close by July 31, 2010.

The article reports on the agreement made by Sony Corp. to pre-install Google Inc.'s Chrome browser on its Vaio line of personal computers (PCs). It notes that the move comes about after the Chrome browser failed to meet the initial expectations of analysts. Moreover, according to analyst Ray Valdes, Google's move indicates its traditional strategy to market the browser.

The article focuses on the announcement made by Oracle Corp. to offer a short-term discount to their customers through its older versions of software. As part of the initiative, the company clarifies that the customer will be charged of about 10% increase in their transitioning fees which was drawn from the premier support program to the extended plan. The company adds that once the version of software is available customers will be moved to the latter plan.

The article focuses on the move by several technology vendors to lure enterprise users to buy or upgrade products through giving financing incentives in the U.S. One of these vendors is Hewlett-Packard Co. (HP), which announces that it will give users zero-percent financing for up to 36 months on leases of many of its enterprise software products. Another is Microsoft Corp. which also offers zero-percent financing for up to 36 months to qualifying buyers of its Dynamics ERP and CRM applications.

The author reflects on the significance of customer service in an industry. He narrates his personal experience of meeting a company that does not deal properly with its customers as well as its services offered. He stresses that poor customer service is extremely costly and usually, unhappy customers were going to tell his friends about their bad experiences. Moreover, he emphasizes that customer service has always been a valuable customer retention tool and is important in marketing.

The article offers news briefs related to information technology in the U.S. According to the author, an agreement between Microsoft Corp. and HCL Infosystems Ltd. has been signed to jointly develop frameworks for deploying Microsoft products at companies in India. Meanwhile, a draft of the Voluntary Information Guide has been released by Australian Privacy Commissioner Karen Curtis so that businesses can review the draft. On the other hand, Matthew Swindells has joined Tribal Group PLC.

The article reports on the turning of American Apparel Inc. to radio frequency identification technology to help shoppers find what they want it its stores in the U.S. The author stated that the RFID effort is designed to ensure that shelves are always fully stocked which will boost sales by 15% to 25% as stated by Zander Livingston, a research and development strategist. He added that the American Apparel's largescale rollout is a positive indicator for the RFID industry as stated by analyst at ABI Research Inc. Peter Poorman.

The article reports on the plans of the Sun Microsystems Inc. to push back the release of the MySQL 5.1 upgrade to fix some remaining bugs in the software in the U.S. According to the author, the upcoming online backup features of the product will be made available only to paying customers running MySQL Enterprise as stated by the officials of Sun. He added that former chief executive officer (CEO) of MySQL and is senior vice president of Sun's database group Marten Mickos has stated that the move is to ensure that there is a viable revenue-generating business around MySQL.

The article reports that Microsoft Corp. has expanded its health information technology (IT) efforts through distributing its Amalga health care software in Europe. Microsoft bought the health care software in 2006 from Datomics Licensing and General Datomics as part of its effort to enter new markets. Analyst Tola Sargeant of London, England-based Ovum Ltd. foresees the success of Microsoft's health care software in competing with products from European health care software makers. Sargeant also expects the software to have strong appeal to European health care providers.

The article offers information on the business proposal of Microsoft Corp. to Yahoo! Inc. in the U.S. According to the author, the $44.6 billion cash and stocks proposal aims to compete with the search and online marketing strategy of Google Inc. through the help of Yahoo. Moreover, Steven Anthony Ballmer, chief executive officer of Microsoft, stressed that their move has undergone difficult decision making just to contend with the advancement of the market as well as positions the company as leader in the industry. In addition, the author states that Yahoo had expressed that they are carefully studying the proposal of the company.

The article provides information on the New York Stock Exchange's (NYSE) marketing system using the Linux. It is reported that the merged company of NYSE and Euronext NV had bought the x86 based Linux servers for its hybrid marketing system launched in 2006. The system lets the company's traders to buy and sell its products in either way of electronic or on the NYSE's trading floor. Steve Rubinow, chief information officer (CIO) of the joined company added that investing on Linux is to lower its IT costs and likewise increases its technological marketing flexibility as well to take the technological advances.

Two letters to the editor are presented in response to articles "One View of EMC," by Don Tennant in the November 17, 2007 issue, and "Travelocity.com Dives Into Text Analytics to Boost Customer Service," in the November 14, 2007 Computerworld.com issue.

The article offers information on the corporate structure and performance of Quicken Loans Inc. in the information technology (IT) industry in the U.S. The company was hailed by the journal in the top rank of 100 best places to work in IT in 2007. Including this year's award, the company was honored to be the top-ranked firm for the third time. It is regarded that the company's privileges given to employees enable them to retain and appreciate their work. Among these include getting access to cutting-edge technology, daily opportunities to implement good ideas, a culture that encourages and rewards creativity and over-the-top holiday parties and trips to National Basketball Association (NBA) and concert trips.

The article reports on the plan of Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. to hire around 5,000 new employees for its global delivery center in Guadalajara, Mexico. The setting of new center in the city is relevant to the aim of getting closer with the company's U.S. customers and their time zones, as well as boost business in South America where information technology and relative services investment is growing. The company's spokesman Pradipta Bagchi clarrifies that the hiring of additional staff does not indicate a scaling back of operations in India.

An interview with ICEDR founder and chief executive officer (CEO) Douglas A. Ready is presented. When asked about the importance to focus both functionality and vitality in talent factories, he replies that these components are critical in strategic talent management process to ensure the effectivity of strategy and security that the initiative and commitment will not be duplicated. He also discloses that a system that enables to identify talented people makes a company emerged in the market.

The article focuses on Microsoft Corp.'s refusal to identify any of the patents it claims are being infringed by Linux and open-source technologies. According to several intellectual property (IP) attorneys, the refusal is a sign that Microsoft is looking for licensing deals and not legal battles. Mark Wine, a partner at McDermott Will & Emery LLP, sees the move as a marketing strategy. According to Paul Lesko, head of the IP litigation group at SimmonsCooper LLC, Microsoft's claims have helped draw the lines for any future patent infringement cases. Open-source and Linux evangelist Eric Raymond poses a dismissive stance on Microsoft's actions. Microsoft's IP vice president Horacio Gutierrez's comments are included.

The article reports on the completion of the handheld computer hardware and software upgrade of food company Lance Inc. for its snack-food delivery system and sales workers in the U.S. Lance vice president for strategic initiative Mark Carter stated that the company was able to finish its project upgrade early because they decided not to change the existing internal business process so that end users will not be affected with the changes. In addition, the company issued a ruggedized Motorola Inc. handhelds equipped with Windows Mobile 5.0 and a mobile sales and distribution application developed by Apacheta Corp. According to Carter, the company spent millions of dollars for the advancement of their business operation.

The author reflects on the misconception of companies toward customer services. He argues that businesses based their operation on the old 80-20 rule without considering if their applied strategies would please and attract the interest of their customers. He expresses that if special treatment are to be imposed they have to evaluate if it would bring a positive impact to their clients. He adds that how customers are treated affects the client's view on the services and image of the firm.

The article reports that Electronic Data Systems (EDS) Corp. has agreed on a deal to acquire RelQ Software Pvt. Ltd., a Bangalore, India-based software testing firm, for an undisclosed price. In its acquisition, EDS hopes that RelQ Software Pvt. Ltd. will improve its applications testing, validation and verification, as well as its quality assurance services. Following the acquisition, RelQ's 700 workers are expected to join the EDS global testing organization. The acquisition is part of the efforts made by EDS to strengthen its position in India.

The article reports that U.S.-based Microsoft Corp. is offering financial incentives to large corporate users of its Windows Live Search engine. Microsoft Corp. decided to offer incentives hoping that it will increase its disappointing share of the search market. At the Microsoft Corp.'s 2007 MVP Global Summit, Chairman Bill Gates told that the company is in rank 3 in the search market. Accordingly, the company is trying to reverse the trend through giving financial incentives to corporate customers. Meanwhile, Microsoft Corp. hopes to create mashup applications, the quickly assembled programs gluing together various data sources, for its Live Search and Virtual Earth mapping and location service.

The article reports that SAP AG is to market an online subscription service in order to attract software development companies. The said online subscription service is allegedly aimed at helping developers create applications using its NetWeaver. As announced during the company's TechEd'06 developers conference, the said subscription service will include development and composition tools and will be available through the SAP Developer Network. However, Rolf Schumann, director and chief technology officer in charge of NetWeaver solution sales in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, has not yet disclosed the pricing plan for the subscription service.

The article discusses the marketing strategy focusing on the younger generation called baby boomers. According to the analysts at Gartner Inc., younger generations are more open to changes, specially in adopting new technologies and processes for collaborating. The analysts also stressed that companies aiming for future growth need to be clued in to the so-called consumerization of information technology. However, Thomas Bittman, one of Gartner analysts, also commented that there is more to work for than the development of new technologies.

The article reports that Microsoft Corp. is aiming to provide easy navigation software applications. This simplicity concept in strategic marketing was revealed by the company's chief executive officer Steve Ballmer. According to Ballmer, the software vendor plans to give all its applications an Internet-style simplicity. This is part of the company's move to introduce the applications in hosted environment to corporate users. The software will be having click-to-run characteristics inside their firewalls.

The article reports that the BEA Systems Inc. has planned to make a worldwide hub for research and development in India. According to BEA Systems' chairman and CEO, Alfred Chuang, their company has expected to increase the number of software developers and support workers at its operations in Bangalore to about 550 as soon as possible. Chuang has added that the Bea Systems has currently employed 205 developers and 70 support staffers in the city. The company has opened a new 60,000 square-foot facility in Bangalore prior to announcing the workforce expansion plan.

The article reports on the competitive gains reaped by the large vendors of offshore information technology (IT) services in India. According to a study conducted by IDC and Forrester Research Inc., IT services vendors have continued to make competitive gains and have begun to pose a serious threat to the top global services providers in the country. The study has showed that the country's outsourcing firms will continue to grow at steady rates because of efforts to strengthen their onshore presence, develop relationships with top executives at their customers and invest in new hosting infrastructures.

The article offers tips to make Microsoft Corp. more competitive. The firm should abolish a centralized structure and Windows should be made more modular. Microsoft should create new markets but should not monopolize them. Proprietary protocols and formats as well as technical lock-in should be abolished since customers do not like them. It should embrace change instead of fearing it. Microsoft should be transparent with its customers. The firm should stop pretending that it is not engaged in the hardware business.

The author reflects on the advertisement by Oracle that made reference on the failure of its rival company, SAP AG. The advertisement was pertaining to the accounting difficulties suffered by Computer Associates (CA) Inc., which made use of SAP implementations. It is known that SAP poses a threat to Oracle in its quest for dominance in the enterprise resource planning market. The ploy was seen as a competitive strategy to earn the upper hand against SAP. Oracle however, has neglected to realize that CA runs Oracle systems as well. CA spokesman Bill Hughes expressed his disappointment on the advertisement. In defense of its action, Oracle vice president Bob Wynne, emphasized that the ad was intended to raise awareness on the complexity and costs associated with SAP implementations.

The article reflects on the author's view on the performance of Alienware Corp. and its effort to penetrate the corporate market. According to him, Alienware is one of the companies that provide the most pathetic support. Though it was acquired by Deli in March 2006, the company still operates as a wholly owned subsidiary. Yet, Alienware brand still enjoys substantial cachet among younger enthusiasts and could be a problem for many IT shops. He advises to be just be aware of the situation and steer clear of any company that finds doing the right thing which is a different concept from others.

The article presents the views of Thornton May who is a longtime industry observer, management consultant and commentator, regarding the insufficiency of technology, which is a necessary component of an information-enabled competitive advantage. The IT world has awakened to the fact that the true source of technology-enabled advantage is not the technology bought by the people, but the great technologists who guide the organizations in technology use. According to Tom Kasten, formerly the CIO at Levi Strauss and now the mayor of Hillsborough, California, in the end, the success of the enterprise is dependent upon the talent.

The article presents an interview with Lee Congdon, vice president of corporate technology at Capitol One Financial Corp., in the U.S. Congdon presented his opinion on the role of virtualization on Capital One's information technology strategy. When asked about the maturity of virtualization technologies, Congdon commented that though virtualization is getting better, it would need heterogeneous management and service-level tools. In addition, He discussed the ways in recruiting qualified professionals to build and run virtualized environments.

This article reports that Microsoft Corp. (MC) plans to deliver a new server software infrastructure package for midsize companies, plus role-based business applications that will be tailored to meet the needs of businesses with 50 to 1,000 employees. But the midmarket includes a wide variety of industries with different requirements. Illustrating the challenges that MC faces in trying to package software for such as broad customer base, some users expressed keen interest in the new and upcoming offerings, while others voiced doubts that the products will meet their specific needs.

This article reports the efforts undertaken by Sun Microsystems in an attempt to retake its traditional stronghold in the financial community in the U.S. at a banquet hall full of financial services executives, Sun President Jonathan Schwartz made the case that Solaris offers better computing performance and system management for less money than comparable Linux operating system.

Reports on the plans of Oracle Corp. to shell out annual funds in an effort to encourage software vendors to develop Linux applications for its Oracle 9i databases as of March 2003. Factors which inhibit customers of Oracle to develop Linux applications; Incentives for qualified software vendors; Aspect considered crucial to the Oracle strategy to use Linux to compete against the SQL Server database of Microsoft Corp.