Abstract: Today's usage of Decision Support Systems (DSS), combined with vetted CRM knowledge bases, allows organizations to save time and money, achieving better and more reliable/fully-documented decisions, a quantum improvement over the widely-used subjective process of selecting complex enterprise software...

Abstract: Sole Source Justification and Approval (J&A) form or letter: Justify the use of sole source by providing the reasons why the requested products or services are unique and unavailable from other sources. Discover what is Sole Source. Learn when and how to use Sole Source. Discover circumstances that could be considered as legitimate sole source justifications. Get a FREE sole source justification and approval template

Abstract: Do you understand the differences between open source and closed source (proprietary) software? To make an informed decision when choosing between them, you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of each. The main issues in the debate include cost, service and support, innovation, usability, and security. Get a closer look at open source and closed source software solutions so you know what’s right for your needs.

Abstract: In conversation with the Open For Business (OFBiz) project leader, David Jones, TEC discovers some of the challenges in raising an open source enterprise software solution. Mr. Jones explains his vision in this first part of three articles on maintaining a business centered around Free and open source software for the enterprise.

Abstract: The 10 Open Source Tenets, Dealing with Open Source Legal Issues, Obama Going Open Source, Open Source Software History, Free Software Movement (FSM)

Abstract: Don't let your CRM software selection become a risky venture. Play your cards right and use a CRM RFP template. Find out what a CRM RFP template is and how it can save you time and money. We also tell you how you can write your own CRM RFP template, so you can get the CRM solution you need for your enterprise. Don't place any bets until you have all the information you need about how you can make a CRM RFP work for you.

Abstract: Investing in a customer relationship management (CRM) system can increase sales productivity and represent an addition to, not a subtraction from, your company’s bottom line. But a return on investment (ROI) from CRM software depends on whether you’ve identified strategies that leverage the CRM system’s sales productivity. Find out how to formulate CRM strategies before you choose a CRM solution, and compare CRM products.

Abstract: Hearing confusing messages from your customer resource management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) vendors? You may be dealing with dozens of software vendors and system integrators, each one praising the benefits of his solution. Among these proposals, one claims not only to efficiently manage the entire customer life cycle, but also to take full advantage of your previous technology investments. Your incumbent ERP system vendor also has a CRM solution, and praises the benefits of the tight integration of both systems. The question then is, how do you know whether this solution is the best for you? Request your copy of Integrating CRM with ERP compliments of Baseline Consulting. The report gives you the criteria to use when formulating your strategy of integrating CRM with ERP, best practices of CRM implementation, dealing with ERP integration, and how to integrate CRM with ERP impacts the value chain.

Abstract: Open source software’s development processes, and the new business models its developers adopt, provide a new way of resolving the problems of cost and quality for enterprise software. To make an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system available to companies, cost reduction is the first priority. Find out how open source software makes it possible to reduce development costs—while resulting in a high-quality product.

Abstract: Top reasons why organizations use Open Source Software. Why Compiere Open Source ERP and CRM Business Solution is #1 Open Source ERP and CRM Software.

Abstract: A response to trends in the open source software market comes this time from relative newcomer provider xTuple. This vendor’s footprint isn’t entirely in the open source door, however, with OpenMFG, its commercially licensed solution with an open source infrastructure.

Abstract: Commercial open source business intelligence (BI) is becoming an alternative to proprietary open source BI for medium and large companies. However, commercial BI solutions have major demerits compared to proprietary BI, and have a long way to go to compete in the market. Discover the advantages and disadvantages of commercial open source BI compared to proprietary BI, and which one may be better for your company.

Abstract: A common misconception when considering a Web content management solution (CMS) is that open source software will save you time and money. Just because you don’t have to pay subscription fees or shell out for licensing doesn’t mean there aren’t hidden costs with open source implementation. Find out the questions you should ask before choosing open source—and how to best evaluate and compare your CMS options.

Abstract: While concerns regarding open source are still being debated, many companies are experimenting with and deploying open source application servers in their data centers. While some are attracted to the ability to modify source code as needed, many are attracted to the perceived cost savings of open source. This white paper compares the total cost of ownership (TCO) of one open source and one commercial application server.

Abstract: Why do some customer relationship management (CRM) implementations fail? The answer: companies’ lack of understanding of their current CRM environments, and of what areas need modification or improvement. Companies with a clear understanding of what they need from a CRM solution—as well as of what CRM means to their business—are more likely to succeed. To clinch that success, some key elements should be assessed first.

Abstract: Microsoft's foray into the CRM arena has not been a bed of roses, despite its indisputably large marketing muscle and R&D investment, its strong channel, traditionally attractive pricing policies, and the aura and experience within the market segment. Microsoft CRM remains both a threat and an opportunity for the most nimble mid-market CRM vendors. Microsoft’s entry with CRM evangelism through an array of seminars nationwide has bolstered the market’s awareness of the need for CRM applications.

Abstract: Since the last recession in 2001, customer relationship management (CRM) systems have gained greater acceptance. Though CRM systems haven’t been widely tested under adverse business conditions, results achieved by CRM strategies indicate that businesses with an effective CRM approach will have a vital competitive advantage in recessionary conditions. Discover three key strategies to using CRM as a tool against a recession.

Abstract: Customer relationship management (CRM) solutions can help you achieve success by managing your company’s customer-facing processes and implementing a customer-centric vision. But to make the most of CRM’s benefits, you should weigh and consider the options by answering key questions about your processes and CRM solutions’ capabilities. Find out key CRM principles, and how to best mitigate the cost of CRM implementation.

Abstract: Customer relationship management (CRM) is rapidly morphing from a customer management model to one of customer engagement. Social networks, podcasts, blogs, and wikis are enabling customers to become advocates, and not simply the targets they were in the traditional CRM process. The same techniques are also being used within the CRM industry itself to create a content-rich, social media environment for CRM professionals. Find out what these sweeping changes mean to businesses and CRM professionals alike, as TEC's director of research Wayne Thompson sits down with Paul Greenberg and Bruce Culbert of BPT Partners, a leading CRM consulting firm.