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Using ROI Strategically in E-Learning
by WatchIT
Emad Rizkalla, president and cofounder of Bluedrop Performance Learning, an e-learning consultancy, explains how to unleash the value of e-learning by ensuring that content, delivery, and technology are aligned to achieve corporate as well as learner objectives. For organizations with limited budgets, the ability to determine when e-learning makes business sense and how to define and measure ROI is increasingly critical. In this program, Rizkalla shows organizations how to quantify the costs and benefits of e-learning initiatives, and determine which projects to pursue. He begins by describing the business benefits of e-learning, explaining how it can be the centerpiece of an effective and continuous learning strategy. Next, he provides an example of ROI in action by drawing on his experiences with a key client. Rizkalla concludes by presenting a formula that shows how to assign monetary value to the costs and benefits of an e-learning project. ...
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XBRL = A Way of Life for Corporate America
by WatchIT
XBRL is the long-awaited ‘tagging' technology that allows companies to electronically communicate their business and financial data to the users of their financial statements. In this program longtime SEC observer Gary Purnhagen predicts that it is just a matter of time until all U.S. publicly traded companies are required to file audited XBRL financial statements. ...
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WPF, Silverlight and XAML: An Introduction
by WatchIT
This program features Rockford Lhotka, Principal Technology Evangelist for Boston based Magenic Technologies, a Microsoft focused IT consulting firm. Rockford is the author of numerous technology books on topics such as Visual Basic.NET, C # Business Objects and CSLA.NET among others. He contributes to major technology magazines and regularly presents at conferences around the world - including Microsoft PDC, Tech Ed, VS Live! and VS Connections. In the program Rockford will introduce you to Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), the Microsoft browser plugin Silverlight, and the Extensible Application Markup Language known as XAML. ...
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Working Knowledge
by WatchIT
In this program, Larry Prusak of the IBM Institute for Knowledge Management, Cambridge, MA, looks at how knowledge can be nurtured in organizations. Prusak asserts that building trust throughout a company is the key to creating a knowledge-oriented corporate culture in which employees are encouraged to make efficient, productive, and innovative decisions. Prusak presents examples of successful knowledge projects at global companies such as British Petroleum, 3M, Mobil Oil, and Hewlett-Packard. These examples come from research Prusak conducted while writing his book, "Working Knowledge." This program is an excellent resource for managers who want to harness the experience and wisdom within their organizations more effectively. ...
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When Hackers Attack! Incident Response Planning and Forensics
by WatchIT
Cliff Riggs, senior member of the technical staff at Hill Associates, discusses in detail the practices and procedures involved in incident response planning and forensics. In an interview, Hugh Pierce, owner and principal of Forensec, a Vermont-based forensics firm specializing in computer crimes, explains how to handle evidence of such crimes. According to Riggs, a security incident can be either a controlled situation or a slowly spiraling disaster. The difference between the two is the planning that occurs prior to the first incident. In the program, Riggs outlines the need for creating an incident response plan. He then lists and describes the required equipment and documentation aids to use when creating an incident response plan. The program also thoroughly details the phases associated with the plan, and offers some training resources to investigate when creating your company's incident response team. ...
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When Bad Data Is Good Enough
by WatchIT
All decision support systems depend on good data. Any company that wants to perform analyses, run reports, and create queries depends on good, clean data. Unfortunately, no company's data is 100% perfectly clean and accurate. That doesn't mean that it's not still valuable and can't be used. In this program, Don Gerundo, a Principal of the Business Intelligence practice and Chief Methodologist of Exigent Partners, describes ways to improve the usefulness of even marginal data. Gerundo begins by describing two solutions for cleansing data, and explains how a data mart can cleanse your data. He provides background information and examples that explain how to work with attributes and metrics. Gerundo discusses where to fix your data, and explains what to do if you're using data that's not perfectly accurate. He concludes by discussing techniques for data verification, and offers advice on prioritizing data elements. ...
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Web Site Practices: Creating a Better Visitor Experience
by WatchIT
Between half to three-quarters of visitors who come to a Web site for the first time, or for something new, leave without finding what they were looking for – even when it is on the site. Not surprisingly, when Web sites fail to meet customer expectations, the overall brand image of the company is tarnished. Steve Telleen, Founder, iorg.com, demonstrates a proactive approach to creating a better visitor experience. Telleen begins with a look at the traditional reactive approaches to managing the visitor experience, including usability testing, the heuristic review, and satisfaction surveys. He then explains why proactive approaches are better, and explains why they have such a positive impact on IT. Telleen next examines how to develop and refine Web site practices; this section includes a discussion on practice definitions and their requirements. The final section explores ways to use these practices, and includes an in-depth look at their pragmatic purposes: as a checklist for specific attributes; to identify design requirements; to set and audit standards; as a framework for testing, and for knowledge capture, as well as commentary on implementation. ...
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Web Site Business Alignment: Attaining Measurable Value
by WatchIT
Business owners must clearly articulate their business objectives and Web site practices in order to obtain measurable results. Steve Telleen, Founder, iorg.com, delves into these issues and offers specific solutions for aligning your Web site with your business. In addition, this program includes a case study with the Web executive team of Torchiana, Mastrov & Sapiro, a career management consulting firm that shows how it has derived significant business benefits from the alignment of business objectives with Web site functionality. Telleen begins by examining barriers to Web site business alignment, and explains how the Web site as a business asset requires an investment of time and money. Next, he discusses the key specifications that business owners must provide to designers and developers: Web site business objectives, key visitor scenarios, and stripped home pages. Telleen also describes a workshop for developing these specifications. Then, he explores where and how to use the specifications, and demonstrates how they have value for business owners, designers, and implementers. Finally, Telleen looks at how to obtain these specifications from the business owners. ...
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Understanding RSS
by WatchIT
‘Information overload' is a common complaint among Internet users. There is simply too much information -- and too little time. But what if there was a way to quickly and conveniently see what's new on all the Web sites you're interested in, and you could click through to any particular item you wanted to examine in detail? Such utilities exist, called ‘feedreaders' or ‘newsreaders,' or sometimes ‘news aggregators.' They ‘read' what are known as RSS, or really simple syndication feeds, which you can subscribe to, and they show you what's new in those feeds. In this timely program, consultant Ted Demopoulos explains how RSS works and how you can get the most from it. He begins by explaining how ordinary Internet users can effectively benefit from RSS, and continues by showing how Internet content publishers can benefit from RSS as well. Next, Demopoulos examines RSS technical fundamentals, and considers what should go into an RSS feed. He also takes a quick look at the evolution of RSS, and describes different versions of RSS. Demopoulos rounds out the program by looking at the similar but rival format to RSS, known as Atom. He concludes with some thoughts on the probable evolution of RSS. ...
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Understanding Blogs and Their Business Value
by WatchIT
Blogs have quickly evolved from quirky Internet diaries to the next wave in the information revolution. Seen as a cutting edge information dissemination and marketing technique, blogs are now part of many companies' Web sites. In this program, consultant Ted Demopoulos explains how blogs can boost Web site traffic, increase sales, and provide an excellent platform to communicate with customers. He describes how companies use traditional Web sites, examines their shortcomings, and shows how blogs overcome these shortcomings. Demopoulos looks at the practical business uses of blogs and provides several instructive examples. He also addresses the critical issue of who should be blogging for your company. Demopoulos offers guidelines for blog writing, and considers defensive blogging strategies. He describes how feeds are used for aggregating blog content. Demopoulos concludes by looking at the future of blogs as an evolving business tool. ...
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The Software Cost Estimation Process
by WatchIT
Doug Brindley, President of Software Productivity Research, and estimation gurus Lawrence Putnam and T. Capers Jones, detail successful practices associated with software cost estimation. Lead presenter Brindley provides a brief history of software cost estimation, explains the six general forms of estimation, looks at the key drivers of project behavior, describes commercially available estimation tools, and lists the characteristics of successful software cost estimation. In on-camera interviews, Putnam, Founder and President of Quantitative Software Management and creator of the SLIM family of estimating and software management tools, and Jones, Founder and Chief Scientist Emeritus of Software Productivity Research, discuss best practices and the impact of software cost estimation. ...
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The Productivity Paradox: Productivity Is Its Own Reward
by WatchIT
Focusing on productivity improvement in software organizations can create opportunities – for cost savings, greater throughput, even headcount reduction. But it can also create problems in other measurable areas of the enterprise, including defect levels and project durations. Doug Brindley, President of Software Productivity Research, describes techniques businesses can use to identify, study, and determine project outcomes. He examines how organizations can anticipate the effects of change, the prudence of contractual incentives, and the real value of productivity improvement. Brindley begins with a detailed look at a ‘big picture' view of project performance. Next, he presents a primer on how you can build your own ‘big picture' and begin to predict the likely impact of behavioral changes in your project environments. Brindley concludes with a discussion of vital considerations in any software metrics analysis. ...
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The Principles of Successful CRM
by WatchIT
Claudia Imhoff, President and Founder of Intelligent Solutions, Inc., a leading provider of business intelligence and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) consulting, education and seminars, reveals the differences between operational and analytical CRM. The program looks at the principles of CRM and its critical success factors. Imhoff discusses how operational and analytical CRM are used in support of an overall CRM initiative. She describes each component in the architecture and provides examples of their usage. Imhoff also presents an example of the CRM process, demonstrating how these various components come into play. The five principles of CRM, according to Imhoff, are: (1) Customer knowledge is the lifeblood of business; (2) We recognize the differential value of our customers and invest accordingly; (3) We strive for a 360-degree view of our customers; (4) Our strategic conversation is guided by new technology; and (5) We have a plan, and we're poised to deliver. In her discussion of these principles, Imhoff details how operational and analytical CRM are used in support of an overall CRM initiative. She describes each component in the architecture and provides examples of usage. Imhoff also presents an example of the CRM process, demonstrating how these various components come into play. The program concludes with four critical success factors to ensure a successful CRM project: forging a business partnership between the business community and IT, establishing well-defined and appropriate business requirements, recognizing that change is inevitable, and establishing a dependable supporting architecture. ...
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The New IT Economics
by WatchIT
Stock market jitters, falling corporate profits, rising unemployment and a housing crisis to boot, the list of our current economic woes seem endless. In challenging economic times, IT is often one of the first groups to feel the effects of the budget axe. To keep technology assets up to par, CIOs and IT managers need to change the perception of IT being simply - just another cost center. In this program IT Benchmarking expert Dr. Howard Rubin, discusses why bad economic times are always a good time to invest in IT. And, by learning to communicate the strategic value of the IT organization in business not technology terms, CIOs and IT managers will be more likely to succeed in convincing business colleagues to invest in IT for the long-term, no matter the short-term economic outlook. ...
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The New Economics of IT Infrastructure
by WatchIT
Global economic conditions have triggered a tsunami of corporate mergers, acquisitions, and consolidations. As a result enterprises of a “new scale” are being created. These “mega” organizations will have access to information technology and business processes that have never been seen or experienced before. In this report Dr Howard Rubin, IT benchmarking expert discusses the benefits and risks that these “super-sized” organizations may bring, and will offer insight to IT professionals coping with a large-scale merger or acquisitions in their organization. ...
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The IT Infrastructure Library: An Introduction
by WatchIT
Public and private organizations around the globe are growing increasingly dependent on IT to meet ongoing requirements as well as reach new goals. In order to deliver high quality IT, organizations are increasingly relying on the IT Infrastructure Library or ITIL, a framework of best practices for the management and delivery of IT services. In this program Scott Helmers, a partner with Boston based Harvard Computing Group presents practical insights into ITIL and explains why enterprises can benefit from its implementation. ...
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The Green IT Two-Step
by WatchIT
Companies need to take a step backward before moving forward with Green IT, and perhaps a step sideways too! A step backward to look at technology sizing and identify the right starting point for moving forward, and a step to the side to look laterally across the organization and focus on options to forestall unnecessary growth. In this program IT benchmarking expert Dr. Howard Rubin will explain how by taking this approach, companies will be getting "Green IT right" and help reduce the negative environmental impact of our growing global IT carbon footprint. ...
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The Enterprise Security Organization: Design, Roles and Responsibilities
by WatchIT
Dave Garlick, project manager for Neohapsis, a Chicago-based information security leader, outlines how an enterprise should set up its security organization. The program includes an overview of managing security in the enterprise; management phases; personnel requirements for a strong security program; as well as benefits, costs, and hidden dangers associated with security. Recommendations and action items for managing an airtight security organization are also provided. Peter Tippett, CTO of Cybertrust, Inc., offers advice on hiring, training, and managing IT staff members who handle security-related issues. This program looks at laying the groundwork for enterprise-wide security by covering such topics as setting policies and procedures, increasing security awareness, and using technology to keep out intruders. ...
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Spam, Worms and Viruses! Managing Malicious E-Mail
by WatchIT
The rising tides of unsolicited commercial e-mail – spam – and e-mail-borne security risks, such as viruses and worms, not only pose special challenges for enterprises, but also add significant costs. Ray Everett-Church, privacy consultant and author, explains how spam affects your organization and discusses tools and techniques you can use to reduce this threat. In an interview, Karl Barth, E-mail Administrator, Office of Information Resources and Technology at Drexel University in Philadelphia, describes how the university employed new solutions to combat the crippling volumes of e-mail it was receiving. Everett-Church discusses the history of spam, explains how spammers operate, and shows what spam costs your company. He points out why spam is so difficult to stop, and then describes the first generation of anti-spam solutions and their overall effectiveness. Everett-Church examines the next wave of solutions and explains how they can help IT departments reduce costs. Finally, he describes the technologies that are your best bet to solve your spam problem. ...
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Software Licensing: Insights and Best Practices
by WatchIT
CIOs and IT managers are under the gun to negotiate cost effective software license agreements that address an organizations specific needs, including enhancements, fixes, training, support, and compliance with a wide variety of requirements. In this program attorney and software licensing expert Peter Vogel from the firm of Gardere, Wynne Sewell LLP, shares important lessons to help you negotiate effectively with software vendors, lower risk, and aid compliance with software licenses in your organization. ...
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Relationship Management for Senior IT Executives
by WatchIT
IT leaders today have the opportunity, authority, and responsibility to engage business partners in a genuine business relationship. Therefore, relationship management is a dominant responsibility of a senior IT manager. In this program, Gig Graham of WatchIT, discusses how to improve the working relationship between IT and business managers. He presents ideas on how IT leaders can negotiate their shared needs, resolve their unique needs, communicate regularly, and survive when services and plans have to be adjusted for economic, political, and technical reasons. ...
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Protecting Personal Information
by WatchIT
Protecting the personal information of customers, employees and business partners is becoming an increasingly challenging task for IT. Personal information that falls into the wrong hands can lead to identity theft, fraud and costly litigation for companies. CIOs and IT managers must take a proactive approach to protect personal information across the enterprise. In this report Peter Vogel an attorney and technology expert from the firm of Gardere, Wynne Sewell LLP, offers clear insight into current and emerging issues regarding the protection of personal information. ...
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Project Management Roles and Responsibilities
by WatchIT
Bob Jones, Managing Director of Answerthink's Program Management consulting practice, offers an in-depth look at the roles and responsibilities required to manage IT projects successfully. In an interview, Dan Hill, Vice President, Projects and Solutions Delivery for Exelon Business Services Company, talks about his experiences managing projects for one of the nation's largest electric utility companies. Jones discusses the competencies and processes required to be an effective project manager. He also highlights enabling tools and technologies, and outlines attributes of one successful and one unsuccessful project via two real-world case studies. ...
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Outsource Governance Metrics: We're Lost, But We're Making Good Time
by WatchIT
Doug Brindley of Software Productivity Research, explains the key principles for success in application development and maintenance governance in outsourced projects. He also discusses the relative strengths and weaknesses of software metrics in outsource governance. In an interview, noted software metrics guru Capers Jones, founder and Chief Scientist Emeritus of SPR, shares some of his experiences in studying outsource relationships gone bad. Brindley begins the program by explaining the five key principles for success in using metrics in outsource governance. He continues by describing the ten best technical practices for outsourced organizations. Brindley concludes with a detailed, seven-point checklist for outsourcers and their clients as they contemplate their future relationships. ...
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Optimizing IT to Meet Business Objectives
by WatchIT
How can companies ensure that IT services are directed and optimized to implement critical business objectives? Wendell Jones of Cutter Consortium helps IT managers cope with what has become one of the most difficult -- yet exciting -- jobs in any organization. The program describes techniques that will help IT managers think and communicate like business executives, build relationships with key stakeholders, manage suppliers and providers, achieve two-way alignment between IT and business, anticipate and adapt to changing business requirements, and recruit, develop and retain quality staff. ...
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Offshore Development: Why Projects Fail and How to Make Them Succeed
by WatchIT
Peter Harrison, CEO of Induslogic, discusses the inherent risks involved in offshore development projects. He examines why these projects often fail, tells how to keep them on track, and explores reasons behind this megatrend. In an interview, Gene Bedell, CEO of Engenia Incorporated and a veteran of offshore development, describes his experiences with outsourcing, and looks at the key reasons outsourcing often falls short of an organization's objectives. Bedell also explains how to pick an outsourcing firm, specifies the benefits of outsourcing (besides the financial ones), and outlines the problems companies have in setting unrealistic expectations. Harrison begins with a review of recent trends in offshore development, and then details his top ten reasons why offshore development fails, including wrong partners, projects, and teams, as well as mismatched infrastructures and the all-important ‘human factor.' Next, he provides specific guidelines for success, such as investing in knowledge transfer, implementing standard processes, and systematic communication. Finally, Harrison delves into the impact of outsourcing on the IT department. ...
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Modern Information Systems - IT Infrastructure: Part 2
by WatchIT
Continuing the discussion begun in Part 1 of this two-part program, technology writer and consultant Roger Grannis clearly explains and simplifies the inner working of modern information systems, enabling the business person to recognize the issues, ask the right questions, and have confidence in tackling IT-related problems. The purpose of the program is to make it easier to understand the economics of computing and communications and lay the foundation for understanding enterprise resource planning (ERP), which keeps track of orders, inventory, and work flow; banking applications that keep track of deposits, reserves, loans, and credit; and supply chain applications that connect the ERP systems of one enterprise with the equivalent systems of another. In Part 2, Grannis discusses the last four of seven models used to describe aspects of an organization's business functions and processes, and details the architecture of the IT infrastructure. ...
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Modern Information Systems - IT Infrastructure: Part 1
by WatchIT
Today's modern information systems are difficult for the general business person to understand because the business work is largely managed inside a 'black box.' In this program, technology writer and consultant Roger Grannis clearly explains and simplifies the inner working of modern information systems, enabling the business person to recognize the issues, ask the right questions, and have confidence in tackling IT-related problems. The purpose of the program is to make it easier to understand the economics of computing and communications and lay the foundation for understanding enterprise resource planning (ERP), which keeps track of orders, inventory, and work flow; banking applications that keep track of deposits, reserves, loans, and credit; and supply chain applications that connect the ERP systems of one enterprise with the equivalent systems of another. In Part 1 of a two-part program, Grannis explains the concept of the Information Framework, and discusses the first three of seven models used to describe aspects of an organization's business functions and processes. ...
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MEMS: Making Technology Think Small
by WatchIT
Roger Grace, president of Roger Grace Associates, a San Francisco-based marketing consulting firm specializing in high technology, and Dr. Ken Wise, a leading MEMS researcher at the University of Michigan, discuss MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) - a science of huge potential dealing with the smallest of subjects. MEMS are microscopic machines and components such as valves, pumps, switches, sensors and actuators. An outgrowth of the same technological revolution that gave us integrated circuits, or ICs, MEMS carries the IC concept to the next level. This program explains the potential future applications for MEMS, as well as the current state of standards in the industry - and why standardization is so important to the future of MEMS development. It also looks at how devices that use MEMS technology will help IT become more efficient and possibly make your company more profitable. ...
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Measuring Corporate Information Productivity
by WatchIT
Paul Strassmann, publisher and CEO of The Information Economics Press, New Canaan, Conn., and author of seven books on information economics, provides formulas for calculating the productivity of IT investments. Strassmann first defines productivity. He then discusses the economics of information management, defines information productivity and describes how to increase it. Strassmann also provides a case study from the public sector. According to Strassmann, information productivity rather than capital productivity is the choice measure for the CIO. He also stresses that IT is effective only if information productivity improves. ...
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Managing Mobility: Options for Supporting Telecommuters
by WatchIT
Jeff Pompeo, chief technology officer of Netifice Communications, a leading managed VPN and IP services company, explores the best strategies for managing and supporting telecommuters in the most secure, productive, and cost-effective manner. Also, Bill Regehr, chief information officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, presents a case study of a successful managed VPN telecommuting project. In only a few years, telecommuting has gone from being a cutting-edge concept to an attractive and standard practice. However, a successful program takes a lot of effort and planning. Pompeo begins the program with an overview of telecommuting and discusses why it's important for today's enterprises. He also looks into typical practices and trends as well as the management phases of telecommuting, such as planning, implementation and deployment, and maintenance. Cost, of course, is one of the most important reasons to consider a telecommuting project, and Pompeo illustrates a scenario that includes one-time and monthly costs. He compares these costs to those associated with maintaining a traditional office. Finally, he details key technical issues that will impact the project and organization, such as network design, hardware requirements, value-added applications, and build-versus-buy decisions. ...
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Managing External Service Providers
by WatchIT
Relationship management continues to gain in importance as a crucial skill for IT leaders. Companies in the e-business economy are faced with intense and growing global competition for price, quality, and service responsiveness in a highly volatile business environment. Today's IT operations usually include contracting with service providers for many core networking functions. In this presentation, Dr. Wendell Jones, cofounder of IT consulting firm GrayHare Partners, examines the best practices for managing external service providers. Jones explains how to identify and select the best service provider for a business, negotiate sound contracts, and manage the relationship. He reviews some principles of effective relationship management, explains how to develop the people who will be managing the relationship on a regular basis, and discusses how to manage people issues such as cultural and time zone differences. Jones also covers how to devise the appropriate performance criteria for effective measurement of external relationships and service level agreements (SLAs). Finally, the program details how to end the relationship when necessary. ...
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Linux at Work: Case Studies and Perspectives
by WatchIT
To demonstrate the broad-based appeal and versatility of Linux, Scott Helmers of Harvard Computing presents case studies of successful Linux implementations in different industries. First, the program describes how Boeing Space & Communications uses Linux on a PC cluster to perform the complex calculations involved in the design of the next-generation launch vehicle, the Delta IV rocket. Then, the program examines how Pacific Northwest National Laboratory uses a massively parallel computer to solve molecular science computational problems that pertain to environmental or biological research. ...
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Limiting Liability Exposure for the IT Manager
by WatchIT
Peter Vogel, partner at law firm Gardere Wynne Sewell, answers liability questions regarding IT breaches and management accountability, and discusses whether directors and officers are protected. He also describes actions to take when breaches are discovered. In separate interviews, David Nicastro, Rafael Gorgal and Stephen Burau of SecureSource add their insights into preventing major IT liability problems, and handling them when they arise. Vogel opens the program with an overview of liability issues. He continues by explaining potential IT liabilities, identifying conditions to look for, discussing analysis and remediation of IT security problems, and describing the basics of liability insurance coverage. Vogel also details several case studies involving IT liability drawn from his professional experience. The case studies include the destruction of an e-mail server, a failed ERP implementation, and a poorly planned development project. In a section that will give the IT manager guidelines that can be put into practice, Vogel presents a manager's checklist that outlines where to start, how to hire, how to use the results of a security analysis, with whom to share those results, and the role of the risk manager. ...
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Legal Issues in Virtual Worlds
by WatchIT
The use of virtual worlds and 3-D environments in business, communications and e-commerce is on the rise. IT professionals and their business colleagues need to be aware of the legal questions and issues that participating in online virtual communities can bring to the enterprise. In this program Peter Vogel an attorney and technology expert from the firm of Gardere, Wynne Sewell LLP, based in Dallas, Texas discusses the legal issues and concerns that have surfaced as businesses increase their presence in virtual environments. ...
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Knowledge Transfer Supporting Business Intelligence Initiative
by WatchIT
Chris Silbernagel, Managing Principal for Exigent Partners, explains how to preserve the experience gained during a business intelligence initiative. In an interview, Don Gerundo, also a Principal at Exigent, talks about the difficulties and timeframes of recruiting qualified BI resources. Silbernagel begins with a brief definition of business intelligence. He continues by discussing the three common approaches, or myths, of knowledge transfer: we can learn it on our own; someone can teach us; or we can hire the experience and knowledge. Then, Silbernagel explains why these approaches fail. He examines how each approach can be made to work, and then outlines an alternative approach that he claims will yield improved results. ...
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Just What Is Enterprise Business Intelligence?
by WatchIT
Organizations typically approach business intelligence from many different perspectives. According to Chris Silbernagel, Managing Principal for the BI consultancy Exigent Partners, it's useful to talk about BI from an information, technology, and problem perspective. From an information perspective, it's necessary to understand three different points of view: the data's, the user's, and the corporation's. From the data context, enterprise BI is about access and security. To a user, BI means a single interface. For a company, BI means a single version of the “truth.” From a technology perspective, BI is viewed as a single interface, vendor, or methodology. From a problem perspective, BI revolves around database size, performance, security, and user acceptance. After outlining these basic concepts of BI, Silbernagel answers some of the key questions organizations have when considering a BI initiative: What is its value? Why should the company make the investment? And how is BI better than what the company already has? Silbernagel concludes by looking at the first steps an organization can take for implementing enterprise business intelligence. ...
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IT Organizational Strategies, Roles and Responsibilities
by WatchIT
Because IT functions as a service to the business, and not a line of business, many strategies exist for organizing this function to best serve the enterprise. But which strategy makes the most sense for different companies and varying business situations? In this program, Gig Graham from WatchIT presents four possible models for organizing IT, including patterns of how certain models have worked in different business situations. He discusses reporting structures, roles and responsibilities of key IT leaders, and the types of information that enable these leaders to carry out their assignments more effectively. The program includes case studies of the IT organizations of prominent companies. In addition, Tony Hai, director of project Services at National City Corporation, Cleveland, Ohio, discusses IT roles and strategies, and the models that apply to his IT organization. ...
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Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems
by WatchIT
IT security professionals tasked with protecting networks from malicious attacks by hackers, malware and the occasional disgruntled employee, are finding that the antivirus software, firewalls, and user authentication controls are simply not enough to protect critical systems and networks. In response to ever-increasing threats, Intrusion Detection and Prevention systems are deployed as an additional layer of protection against an unwanted network intrusion. In this program Ted Demopoulos, founder and principal of Demopoulos Associates offers expert advices and insight into Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems and how the technology is evolving. ...
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Information Security Certifications
by WatchIT
Are you considering an Information Security certification to advance your career? Certifications are a hot commodity right now, and there is a growing need for professionals who can implement and manage network security solutions. In this report Ted Demopoulos founder and principle of Demopoulos Associates offers helpful advice to security professionals looking to expand their career through a professional certification. ...
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Implementing Wi-Fi Enterprise-WideImplementing Wi-Fi Enterprise-Wide
by WatchIT
Damien Holloway, an instructor for Hill Associates, a leading provider of telephony, network security and data communications training, presents a step-by-step game plan for implementing a wireless solution across your enterprise. Holloway's recommendations include: identifying specific goals for wireless deployment, determining device types to be supported, drafting a site plan, performing a site survey, and finally, commissioning the network. In addition, Holloway offers several post-deployment considerations. The program also features a case study that explores how American University, in Washington, D.C., plans to become the nation's leading wireless university by supporting voice, data, and messaging over a wireless network. ...
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Implementing the Order-to-Cash Business Process
by WatchIT
There is an untapped opportunity at many companies today to improve business performance through the order-to-cash process -- a five-step process that ranges from receipt of order to receipt of cash. Millions of dollars in profit can be delivered to the bottom line by companies who treat this as a business priority. But managing the order-to-cash cycle is not easy. It's a complex process that requires interaction among multiple components -- both inside and outside the enterprise. In this program, technology writer and consultant Roger Grannis clearly explains the order-to-cash process, using practical examples that can be applied to real-world business problems. This program will enable you to understand order-to-cash as a common business process -- and a process common to all businesses -- and how to organize many different information technologies to automate order to cash. ...
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Implementing Business Intelligence Technologies
by WatchIT
Larissa Moss, President, Method Focus Inc., describes the challenges of providing a cross-organizational business intelligence (BI) solution, and outlines a practical implementation plan. In addition, you'll also hear from Len Dubois, Vice President of Marketing for the Trillium Software division of Harte-Hanks, a Texas-based BI solutions provider. Although all BI initiatives are different, there are some common, critical success factors, and this program delves into these factors to help guide you in your BI implementation efforts. Moss begins by discussing key considerations that will help you avoid common mistakes. She then outlines a step-by-step game plan for effectively implementing BI applications. These steps include: evaluating the enterprise infrastructure; business analyses and systems analyses; database design; the extract, transform and load (ETL) design process; access and analysis application design; the metadata repository; and deploying your BI application. ...
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Green IT: Insights and Best Practices
by WatchIT
Across the globe both public and private organizations are working toward becoming more environmentally responsible. In this report David Howe, SVP of Strategy and Client Services at CloudBlue Inc. discusses how IT professionals can move their organizations toward greener environmental practices in a manner that reduces costs and reduces risks, related to information security and end-of-life disposition of IT infrastructure. ...
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Globalizing Software R&D: Insights & Best Practices
by WatchIT
To bring high-quality products to market quickly and cost-effectively, enterprises are increasingly turning to globally based software R&D partners. In this report Peter Harrison, CEO of Global Logic, a leading provider of global software product development services, discusses the benefits and challenges of global development projects and offers insight and advice to IT professionals considering globalizing software R&D in their organizations. ...
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Facilitation Methods to Improve Business/IT Decision Making
by WatchIT
Gig Graham of WatchIT, teaches IT managers and enterprise executives how to use facilitation workshops and other events to make better decisions. Senior executives and IT managers are paid to make decisions, and are usually judged and held accountable for the effectiveness of their decisions. Those decisions have an impact on hundreds of people -- including staff and customers -- and on the performance of the enterprise, on the company's shareholders, and, in the case of government workers, on constituents and taxpayers. Because of the high rate of technological change and shortened business cycles, managers' decisions are made at a faster rate than ever before. In addition, managers often must deal with unfamiliar subjects. In this program, Graham explains how workshops and other decision-making exercises can help executives and managers define business problems and employ consensus-building processes. ...
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Extreme Project Management: How to Survive Fast-Track Projects
by WatchIT
How can your organization manage its projects efficiently and effectively? Howard Rubin offers insights, as well as strategic and tactical plans that map a clear path to bringing projects in on time and on cost. He answers the following questions: ~ How can you decrease project overhead while ensuring they come in on time? ~ How can you shorten project time and decrease project cost, yet still bring projects in on deadline? ~ What are some fast-track challenges and tools used by effective project managers? ~ What are some of the pitfalls of risk management? ~ What are the benefits of formalization, standardization and business case analysis in project management? ~ How can your organization increase the business value of its IT projects? ...
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Enterprise Data Architecture: Building Effective Operational Systems
by WatchIT
David von Vistauxx, of Vistauxx Ltd., explains the key concepts involved in enterprise data architecture and provides a Game Plan for designing an efficient and cost-effective data structure. In a case study, John Sullivan, chief architect of the enterprise architecture program of the Environmental Protection Agency, discusses the technical challenges involved in implementing the data architecture of a large government agency. Von Vistauxx opens the program by discussing the impact of proper data architecture on enterprise systems, such as a dramatic reduction in costs. He continues with a look at understanding the value proposition of data architecture, and how it's critical to getting a buy-in at your organization. In the next section, von Vistauxx defines “data architecture” and explains why, when done correctly, it provides all users of the data with a baseline of the meaning, timeliness, and accuracy of the data. He concludes the program with a nine-step Game Plan for designing your organization's data structure. ...
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Ensuring High Quality Software Metrics
by WatchIT
Doug Brindley, President of Software Productivity Research, identifies the software metrics that best-in-class organizations collect, and explains how even well-intentioned metrics programs can become dysfunctional. He also presents a straightforward technique for ensuring that your organization both collects and uses high-quality software metrics. Joining Brindley in an interview is Stan Rifkin, founder of Master Systems Incorporated and a noted process improvement and change management expert. Brindley begins the program by making the case for software measurement, and describes the metrics most commonly collected and analyzed. Then, he discusses what he calls “evil-twin” concepts: “Measurement Noise” and “Dysfunctional Metrics.” Next, from a classic case of dysfunctional metrics, Brindley outlines how the efforts of an employment office measurement program worked against its goals by “penalizing the truth” and reinforcing subversive behavior and record keeping. Finally, he examines the goal/question/metric (GQM) paradigm. This is a powerful technique that helps ensure metrics are functional because the paradigm is based on two important assumptions: that measurement programs should be goal-based, and that goals and metrics are defined and customized to the individual organization's needs. ...
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Ensuring Data Quality in Your Enterprise
by WatchIT
Claudia Imhoff, President of Intelligent Solutions, explains why data quality management is the most critical initiative you can implement in your organization. Included in this program is an interview with Chad Wright, Applications Manager, Information Systems, for Avid Systems Inc., who explains how his organization has derived significant business benefits from its data quality management processes. Imhoff begins the program by answering the question: What is data quality management? She then covers some of the challenges your organization faces when beginning to implement data quality management functions. Imhoff then explains in greater detail the elements of successful data quality management. Using the Corporate Information Factory model, she demonstrates where data quality management processes should be implemented. Imhoff concludes by explaining how to get started with your data quality management initiative. ...
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