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The article discusses component-based development (CBD) methodologies, examining the manner in which component-based (CB) architecture will enable CB software development teams to create products with more agility. The study analyzes two CB project teams, located around the world, exploring how each team handled inter-site coordination and challenges to their communication. Other topics include building software systems by integrating pre-existing software components, shorter time-to-market periods, and reduced development costs.

In this age of information, growing businesses have the opportunity at a very early stage to computerize their operations. Today's entrepreneurs must choose what computer services to buy amid a bewildering variety of products and programs, each proclaimed, brassily, as the best, the latest, or the next generation. In this article, the author advises entrepreneurs and managers to make sure that the computer can handle everyday demands. He counsels that good software, service, and support are more important than the latest hardware. INSET: Selecting a vendor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When a computer system fails to perform, users may be tempted to throw out the installation and either absorb the loss or sue the vendor. This may not be the best solution, however. In most cases, the customer and the vendor have a strong service relationship, which can amount to complete dependence. In fact, the user-company's survival may hang on the proper functioning of its computer system. On the basis of a step-by-step negotiation, the company often can continue to use the system while the vendor improves it, thus preserving the original investment and avoiding an expensive lawsuit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid pace of the computer revolution may well be slowed by the lack of suitable software. Though computers should be increasing business efficiency and productivity, many companies do not have the software that would enable them to enjoy these benefits. Packaged software can close the gap for both large and small companies. Here are some guidelines for making the decision whether to buy a package and for avoiding trouble once the package is installed. The article also describes the features a company should look for in packaged software and the optimal provisions of a software contract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open source is most prominently about building software products for no financial compensation; the economic aspects are perhaps the most important to analyze and understand. Companies have sprung up, while not making money on open source products (which would be a violation of at least the spirit of the movement), making money on servicing those products. There is a faint whiff of communism about the concept of working for no financial gain. Open source is certainly not about "from each according to his ability to each according to his need," so that whiff is indeed faint. But the sense of nobility that open source proponents feel, in working for no financial gain, resonates with some of the other basic communist philosophies. The economic future of open source could range anywhere from "the inevitable future of the software field" to "it's only good for operating systems, nothing more" to "it's in all probability a passing fad."

The article reports on the developments of continuous data protection (CDP) systems. However, the article notes that CDP has fialed as a standalone product because most information technology (IT) managers were not willing to forgo their proven backup software and backup methods for a new and unproven technology. The article also discusses the uses and benefits of CDP in various industries. It also adds that despite its ominous start, CDP has been incorporated into data protection products and its role is likely to expand.

The article presents the steps of building a functional database that can improve the productivity and efficiency of a business. A well-planned database can almost manage itself once it is built. In the planning phase, make a list of tables and write out what data each table will contain. To start creating the database, open the OpenOffice.org Base application by double clicking the icon on the desktop or by selecting File>New>Database from within Writer or Calc or Impress. Select Tables from the Database column at the left of the screen to create tables.

The article focuses on three different computer systems that can provide the core functionality of a good social networking system. These include the SharePoint Server 2007 from Microsoft Corp., the highly flexible, open-source content management system called Plone, and WordPress, the most popular blogging platforms in use. SharePoint Server is designed to offer a platform for centralizing business data and integrating enterprise applications. Features needed to run a social networking site is available in Plone, including personal pages, discussion groups, wikis, tagging, and deep user collaboration. The development of the multiuser WordPress capable of being used as an enterprise social networking platform.

This article focuses on data access in a service-oriented architecture (SOA) and prescribes a way for architects to avoid performance compromises. It outlines a solution that injects high performance into data services using middle-tier caching technologies. Examples of caching options are presented. Necessary qualities of a middle-tier data management solution are identified. The article also discusses key issues that computer architects need to be aware of including real-time performance and scalability, direct access to data and client/server options.

This article reports on the features integrated into storage resource management (SRM) tools for mission-critical business applications as of January 2006. The Storage Command center business analytics component of the BrightStor r11.5 SRM tool from Computer Associates International Inc. takes raw technical information and presents it in a more readable format as a business dashboard. It allows executives to recognize how key storage assets are performing and supporting vital business processes. CommandCentral 4.2 from Symantec Corp./Veritas Software includes new metering functionality obtained as part of Veritas' acquisition of Ejasent.

This article features the ZENworks 6.5 desktop application management tool released by Novell in the summer of 2004. In the release, the company will allegedly provide the most reliable, tested and validated release, which is a complete ZENworks system that allows one to manage one's enterprise devices. Novell ZENworks, the technology foundation for the Novell Resource Management Solution, is a complete information technology management solution that helps one manage the entire lifecycle of desktops, laptops, servers and handheld devices. With ZENworks, one gets a complete, end-to-end directory-enabled network management solution that automates information technology management processes through one's network. The version of ZENworks allegedly offers a full-featured set of integrated tools that provides one an intelligent way to manage all the resources of one's diverse systems with a single solution, which is decreasing administrative burdens and increasing enterprise-wide business efficiency. In addition, ZENworks allegedly does not require a NetWare server or the Novell client so one has control over the operating system in one's environment. With Novell ZENworks, one gets an easy, automated way to manage all of one's diverse systems and changing work environments.

Based on the practical use of the Open Source at the company to which the author belongs the author describes how it is actually introduced. This titled article consists of two parts, the former and the latter parts. This former part covers outline of the Open Source which has been increasingly used at various places, advantages its use brings, matters which ones should pay attention to, and how to build various servers for it. For the details the author introduces new network/server groups the company designed and built, then the procedures of building servers for intranet services including communications among multiple nodes. He also describes how Red Hat Linux and Turbo Linux were introduced depending on the use objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the viability of consolidation in the LMS-LCMS space. Likeliness of content management providers to consolidate compared to large enterprise software providers; Profitability of consolidation; Categorization of software providers.

Evaluates several Internet portal applications for business. Back-end data integration and reporting capabilities of Brio Technology Inc.'s Brio.Portal 6.0; Java and extensible markup language (XML) architecture of DataChannel Server 4.0; Microsoft Corp. technologies used by the InfoImage Freedom 2 portal. INSETS: Building portal connections, by J.R.;The more things change...;EVal spec check: Enterprise information portals..

Offers a look at the emerging software for computer networks of business enterprises. Benefits of portals to large companies and organizations; Savings of companies deploying Web portals; Types of Web portals. INSETS: Portals Give DuPont A Competitive Edge, by Steve Konicki;Portals Catch On At General Electric Apppliances;Staples' Corporate-Portal Strategy Spells Productivity;Company Portal Eases Growing Pains At Sprint PCS

The article discusses strategies in effectively upgrading PC-based human-machine interfaces (HMI) in manufacturing facilities. Topics discussed include the process and unique needs in upgrading the operating system on a PC-based HMI, two common challenges related to PC display during the upgrade process and benefits associated with upgrading to the latest software. Also mentioned are signs and the process to move to a new software supplier.

The article reviews two computer software, the System Center Essentials 2007 and the System Center Operations Manager 2007 from Microsoft Corp.

The article focuses on the increasing role of emerging security technologies in monitoring and in the encryption of data to defend against threat within the business. Software to monitor messages sent from mobile devices, technology that provides more comprehensive encryption of data and real-time blocking and encryption of voice-over-IP messages are among the latest software being used. INSET: Mind-Reading Voice Analyzer On Tap, by Larry Greenemeier..

Presents information on the use of optimization technologies by companies to identify the best course of action in their supply chain variables. Benefits of optimization tools; Barriers in getting the most from optimization tools; Reasons behind the failure of start-up companies.

Focuses on the growing number of United States businesses monitoring employees' electronic activities more closely. Illustration of the amount of time and money wasted on employees' non-business-related Internet pursuits; Role of the monitoring software industry in addressing the problem; Functions and capabilities of leading monitoring software products; Privacy concerns arising from the use of the products.

The article reports on the introduction of International Business Machine Corp. (IBM) of its next generation cloud services and technology advances for enterprises deploying cloud technologies. A brief historical overview of how IBM established its cloud initiative is provided. The two implementation options of the IBM SmartCloud, the Enterprise and Enterprise +, are discussed.

The article reports on the announcement of Accelrys Inc., a scientific enterprise research and development (R&D) software and services company, of the Accelrys Modeling and Simulation Suite. The suite, which is a part of the optimizing strategy of the company, includes several software including Discovery Studio, Pipeline Pilot, and a packaged solution from Accelrys Professional Services. Information on the modeling and simulation within Accelrys Enterprise R&D Architecture are provided.

The article discusses the impact of social networking technologies on business enterprises. It also examines the challenges and opportunities on the representation of these technologies for the information intermediary. Accordingly, information intermediaries act as internal consultants in identifying practical applications for social software within their organizations. It highlights Enterprise 2.0 software, defined as Enterprise Social Software in "enterprise" or business contexts.

The author reflects on the slowness of quick and small commercial printing businesses in adopting automatic PDF creation programs, the special software programs usually licensed for a small monthly fee, that automatically create a PDF file from the native application when a customer transmits a file over the Internet. According to the author, he is amazed by the lack of interest of these businesses because adopting these programs can prove to be profitable, both financially and organizationally.

Focuses on ABM Industries' use of a thin-client architecture based on Microsoft Windows NT servers running Terminal Server Edition (TSE) and Citrix MetaFrame 1.8. Deployment of Packeteer PacketShaper units to help control network latency; Company's provision of janitorial services, managed parking lots and service elevators. INSETS: Business Profile;What's New in WTS.

The article discusses company Basin Land Title and Abstract, Inc. established in 1975 now adopting evolving technologies taking assistance from Mountain America Credit Union after realizing it is inevitable for any business organization to grow. The company is in the field of coordinating lenders, buyers, and sellers for its various transactions and this technology helps in serving the client by providing quicker and secured processes like single signatures and wire transfers.

The article presents an overview of software-defined datacentres (SDDCs), which are virtual business infrastructure information technology (IT) resources providing networking, data storage, and computer security as services. Particular focus is given to the SDDC program of the IT company VMware, the vCloud Suite system. Other topics include cloud computing in SDDC, the ability of businesses to adopt SDDC technology, and software licensing issues.

The article discusses how the creation of a virtual environment where any team can test its software has allowed competitors to compete on the same level as established companies in the field. It notes that OSRF was tasked by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop the Challenge's virtual environment in 2012. It notes DARPA and OSRF's continued development of the simulation and virtual environment as a useful approach in product design and development.

The article discusses the author's views on the upcoming trend in networking domain for business enterprises. He thinks that computer software will become ubiquitous with business networks shifting to cloud computing. The author suggests that companies adopt solutions like embedded business intelligence and big data analytics to fully integrate their networks with cloud workflows.

The article offers information on the common myths of intelligent infrastructure management (IIM). It states that IIM is not only for large enterprises but applicable also small as well as medium-size businesses (SMBs). Moreover, its all about organizations empowerment in implementing an efficient cross-disciplinary processes for an assurance of business efficiency.

The article provides information on choosing the right Linux and Open Source partner for a business. According to the author, choosing the appropriate Linux and Open Source for an organization depends on the size and complexity of the project, and the kind of relationship the owner is looking for. Some of the tips given by the author include knowing a well informed software vendor, having systems integrators and hardware partners, and getting a mid-tier support specialists that provides specialized and expert support around Linux.

The article focuses on the Web Services Business Process Execution Language 2.0 (WS-BPEL 2.0) specification of the Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards (OASIS). It is an update of an existing specification that provides a model for how Web services handle business processes. Although still pending, the new version is described as being more precise. However, migrating might cause problems as the version is not backward-compatible. Background on the standard as well as its improvements and migration problems are presented.

Focuses on the computer network of Bear, Stearns & Co. How the firm needed to increase protection for its computers which access the Bloomberg Professional online service; Possible vulnerability of the corporate network and computers of Bear Stearns; How a custom version of Pelican Security's SafeTnet software has been run by the company; Topic of so-called behavior-blocking technology.

Focuses on the plans of gold mining company Paishanlou to develop an integrated computer system for corporate operations in China. Features of the computer systems; Use of a software package for the management and processing of survey data; Criteria for the software selection; Implementation of Gemcom Open Pit Mining Edition software.