Business Technology: Words Are IT's Bridge To Credibility And Funding
We all know that IT matters and just as surely, so, too, does language matter. It might be comfortable to lean on the specialized internal jargon of our professions, Bob Evans says, but business-technologists need to continue making big strides in dropping the Soap and picking up the concepts, themes, and language of business.
The Truth's In The Analysis
You don't have to be studying for a doctorate in philosophical relativism to know that the truth can get a little squishy when it's reported different ways.
SmartAdvice: Voice-Recognition Technology Can Extend Call-Center Reach
Used to augment but not replace call-center staff, voice-recognition technology can make for better customer service, The Advisory Council says. Also, efficient modeling of processes is key to successfully automating sales orders; and getting technical staff to work with offshore outsourcers depends on how they've been treated.
Business Technology: Business Weather Forecast: Hot Or Not?
There's lots of good news out there, along with some unsettling developments. What's going on? Bob Evans explores how our attitudes today will affect business down the road, and says keep an eye on objectives of business innovation, optimized processes, customer intimacy, and ever-increasing speed and opportunism.
The Observer: The Bliss Of Consistency
It's time to break down the stubborn, near-indelible boundaries that still separate the business and IT sides of the house and keep good data from losing its way, says Lou Bertin.
SmartAdvice: Know The Players When Setting IT Priorities
Involve the CEO, executive committee, and IT staff when deciding on priorities for IT projects, The Advisory Council says. Also, factors to consider when choosing portfolio-management dashboard software, and tips for addressing IT staff morale when projects are cancelled.
Many Happy Returns
Taken together, two recent studies indicate that a boost in BI spending is likely to continue not just in the coming months but next year as well.
Langa Letter: Follow-Up To Linux's Achilles' Heel Column
Fred Langa addresses the most-voiced criticisms of his recent review of Linux problems, including claims that sound isn't that important in business computing. He also posits that high-priced commercial Linux vendors are on a suicidal course, unless they lower prices to accentuate their advantages over Windows.
SmartAdvice: Match IT Spending To Growth Areas
Overall levels of spending on IT are usually 4% to 7% of revenue, with key focus areas varying by industry, The Advisory Council says. Also, watch VoIP and other emerging telecommunications technologies for the next wave of innovation to transform your business; and clearly understand your company's business needs before determining IT's role.
Dashboarding Ourselves
Enough self-serving reports: It's time for honest self-assessment about why projects are falling short of their objectives.
Business Technology: Score One For The Customers
So why exactly did Microsoft and Sun agree to kiss and make up? Was it the $2 billion Microsoft is paying Sun? Or the $800 million Sun is expecting to lose in its most recently completed quarter? Or is it because you--their customers--finally told Sun and Microsoft to get over themselves and help you run your businesses?
More Data Means More Standardized BI
Typically, business intelligence projects are ad hoc affairs, with IT teams working on a specific initiative using a new data warehouse and a dedicated reporting tool. That's going to change.
SmartAdvice: It's Time For CA To Focus On Product Improvement
Computer Associates has to move beyond its accounting turmoil and focus on competitive performance to stay viable, The Advisory Council says. Also, look for integration with current products when buying asset-management software, and treat developing a disaster-recovery plan as a project and devote some resources to creating it.
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