Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• How to stop Windows 10 updates temporarily

  A poorly timed Windows 10 update can cause a major headache for an end user. Fortunately, users can pause updates or IT can take steps to halt updates using Group Policy.  Continue Reading

• How are contact center vendors using APIs?

  APIs are gaining relevance, as contact centers move to a more omnichannel experience. API expert Tsahi Levent-Levi explains how contact centers work with CPaaS providers.  Continue Reading

• How should IT approach VDI provisioning?

  Over or underprovisioning resources for virtual desktops can leave a VDI deployment in rough shape. With a few tips, IT pros can make sure they make the correct calculations.  Continue Reading

• How do you keep employees from deploying UC end-user applications?

  A successful business collaboration strategy needs employee buy-in. UC expert Jon Arnold explains how to keep employees from deploying their own business collaboration tools.  Continue Reading

• How should a cloud migration plan include UC devices, endpoints?

  What an organization moves to the cloud will influence UC devices and endpoints. Networking expert Carrie Higbie Goetz explains the factors that influence endpoints in a cloud migration.  Continue Reading

• How can IT turn off Windows 10 automatic updates?

  In some cases, IT pros should disable Windows 10 updates to gain control over the process. They can use methods such as editing group policies and setting a metered connection.  Continue Reading

• Why would IT manually upgrade to Windows 10?

  There are some instances where IT should manually upgrade to Windows 10, including when the desktop runs older software for which IT does not have the installation media.  Continue Reading

• Can IT add digital watermarks to its virtual desktops?

  As part of a larger security strategy, watermarking virtual desktops can help IT discourage data leakage by adding user-specific text to each desktop.  Continue Reading

• How do you train an AI service for collaboration?

  Organizations looking to improve communication efficiency can train AI to automate collaboration workflows, launch meetings and transcribe conversations.  Continue Reading

• How do you evaluate contact center platforms from UC vendors?

  If your organization is using third-party contact center services, make sure they integrate deeply with your unified communications environment.  Continue Reading

• What can you do if a Windows 10 keyboard or mouse is not working?

  If users encounter problems with a Windows 10 mouse or keyboard, IT pros can follow these steps to troubleshoot the connectivity issue quickly and easily.  Continue Reading

• How do e-commerce returns affect reverse logistics management?

  Customers expect to return purchases, which means you need to be proactive in your approach to reverse logistics. Here are some things to think about.  Continue Reading

• What do the major mobile OSes offer for enterprise features?

  Mobile devices are now commonplace in the enterprise. Discover which vendors are touting enterprise-ready features and which are reluctant to jump into the enterprise realm.  Continue Reading

• Do you need session border controllers with an SD-WAN deployment?

  As SD-WAN grows in popularity, enterprise SBCs still have their place on the network. Learn how the two technologies can work together to support and secure VoIP.  Continue Reading

• How can IT retrieve VDI server configuration information?

  IT pros may need to retrieve server configuration information to diagnose problems with their VDI. They can do so in Windows-based deployments with the right PowerShell cmdlets.  Continue Reading

• How should IT evaluate application virtualization products?

  When picking an application virtualization tool, IT pros must understand the app types they are dealing with, determine their security needs and more.  Continue Reading

• How do the Windows 10 servicing channels work?

  IT can use the servicing channels for Windows 10 to assign different deployment cadences to different devices and defer updates where necessary.  Continue Reading

• Can low-code development benefit supply chain management?

  The low-code/no-code movement is exploding as it puts app development into the hands of business users. One possibly overlooked area for this technology is the supply chain.  Continue Reading

• Is the lack of IIoT standards holding back industrial progress?

  Some companies are blazing forward in their efforts to implement industrial IoT, while the issue of standards causes some to hold back until there is more clarity.  Continue Reading

• How can AI in mobile technology improve security?

  AI can help IT better detect mobile security threats, so determine how to take advantage of this nascent technology. Prep for AI-based systems to enter the mobile security market.  Continue Reading

• How can you change Windows 10 update settings?

  Windows 10 updates can disrupt your workflow and cause frustration. With the right settings, however, you can minimize the risk of an update getting in the way of productivity.  Continue Reading

• Review Office 365 mobile app updates

  As Microsoft retires some of its mobile messaging-related services and improves others, the future of its mobile presence could be in one app -- the Outlook mobile app.  Continue Reading

• How do you monitor performance of communication APIs?

  Measuring API performance depends on whether the API is provided by a vendor or developed in-house. API expert Tsahi Levent-Levi offers steps to monitor APIs.  Continue Reading

• How will speech technologies integrate with UC apps?

  Analyst Jon Arnold examines use cases for speech technologies in the enterprise and explains how UC vendors expect to add speech tools to their platforms.  Continue Reading

• Does deploying VDI affect other systems?

  VDI can affect areas of a company network, such as internet bandwidth. IT can mitigate the effects of VDI users by allocating resources and monitoring system performance.  Continue Reading

• How can IT convince users of the benefits of Windows 10?

  Users may not see the Windows 10 improvements as an upgrade from their current OS. As a result, IT must highlight relevant new features to gain user support.  Continue Reading

• Should you buy contact center services in a UC bundle?

  Is an integrated contact center with UC right for your organization? UC expert Jon Arnold explains how to compare stand-alone and bundled contact center services.  Continue Reading

• Why do EDI standards dominate for electronic transactions?

  The EDI standard format is the only option accepted by Walmart and other retailers. But as technology and data formats have changed over the years, is there a better way?  Continue Reading

• How should IT handle app onboarding for employees?

  When it comes to onboarding a mobile app for internal use, IT should make the process as easy as possible. Here are several strategies to help.  Continue Reading

• How do Twilio Flex API-based services affect contact center software?

  Twilio Flex, a programmable contact center platform, reflects an emerging trend toward software products built on APIs, according to API expert Tsahi Levent-Levi.  Continue Reading

• How can IT combat rogue RDP access?

  Hackers can gain remote access to users' desktops through RDP hijacking. As a result, IT pros must know what they can do to prevent such an attack.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of SD-WAN services vs. MPLS?

  When weighing SD-WAN vs. MPLS for unified communications architecture, SD-WAN prevails. Networking expert Carrie Higbie Goetz explains the benefits of SD-WAN services over MPLS.  Continue Reading

• How will AI in demand forecasting help improve accuracy?

  Changing consumer demand and supply chain disruptions are just two factors that might influence demand forecasting results. Here's a look at how AI can help.  Continue Reading

• Which supply chain visibility tools help improve logistics?

  At the intersection of IoT, analytics and other technologies lies better supply chain visibility. Here's a look at what's making logistics a little easier.  Continue Reading

• Is it easy to migrate from PerformancePoint to Power BI apps?

  Organizations like to use PerformancePoint as a way for users to interact with visualizations, but it doesn't work with Power BI apps, which can be a problem.  Continue Reading

• Is Microsoft PowerApps an InfoPath alternative?

  As users search for an InfoPath alternative, the seemingly obvious answer would be Microsoft PowerApps. However, Microsoft never intended for PowerApps to be the InfoPath replacement.  Continue Reading

• CPaaS vs. UCaaS platform: Which should you choose?

  While the CPaaS vs. UCaaS debate might focus on overlapping features, the two technologies can be complementary, according to industry analyst Michael Brandenburg.  Continue Reading

• How does user location affect VDI capacity planning?

  When coming up with a VDI capacity plan, IT must account for exactly where users are located and possibly consider an SD-WAN or edge computing.  Continue Reading

• How does Microsoft Near Share for browser file sharing work?

  Microsoft Edge, Windows 10's default browser, includes a file-sharing tool called Near Share, which is helpful, if not truly groundbreaking.  Continue Reading

• What should companies know about sustainability software?

  Sustainability is composed of social, environmental and economic pillars. That's why technologies focused on this market address different needs. Here's a narrow glimpse.  Continue Reading

• What's driving the adoption of WebRTC services today?

  WebRTC adoption is influenced by the ecosystem around the technology, including browser support and commercial products. Emerging technologies could also affect future deployments.  Continue Reading

• Drupal vs. Acquia: What's best for which organizations?

  Which fork in the road should an organization take: open source Drupal, or Drupal with Acquia's service package and strong security and standardization? It's not always obvious.  Continue Reading

• How can IT reduce smartphone viruses?

  It's important for organizations to stay current on what's new in mobile malware and to develop security policies to combat these vulnerabilities.  Continue Reading

• Why is the smart factory concept key for manufacturing?

  With the growth of connected technologies, the factory of the near-future is expected to work quite differently than the one of today. Here's a look.  Continue Reading

• The evolution of the application performance management tool

  As apps evolve, the tools IT uses to manage them have to as well. App virtualization in particular has altered management needs by requiring that IT be able to see into the entire app stack.  Continue Reading

• How do you build a disaster recovery communications plan?

  Maintaining voice communications is vital to disaster recovery. Networking expert Carrie Higbie Goetz explains how to build a disaster recovery communications plan.  Continue Reading

• What are the differences between TCP and UDP?

  When it comes to using TCP or UDP for sending packets of data through a network across devices, IT must know the differences and when each option is a good fit.  Continue Reading

• How can manufacturers begin an Industry 4.0 roadmap?

  Are you driving toward the next industrial revolution? Industry 4.0 will transform the manufacturing landscape, according to experts. Here's how to get ready.  Continue Reading

• Can IT make the transition to Windows 10 smooth for users?

  IT can take a few steps to make the move to Windows 10 easier on users, including considering an in-place upgrade and holding off on any other major changes.  Continue Reading

• What root cause analysis software exists for virtual desktops?

  When trying to get to the bottom of virtual desktop problems, IT should turn to root cause analysis tools from vendors such as ControlUp and Lakeside Software.  Continue Reading

• How should enterprises deploy group collaboration software?

  Multiple communication platforms will make collaboration management difficult for IT. Overall efficiency will be reduced with too many different apps in one enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Why is digital twin technology important for manufacturing's future?

  The industrial IoT landscape and the concept of Industry 4.0 both rely heavily on digital twins to push them forward. Here's some explanation of why that is.  Continue Reading

• What do GDPR principles mean for CRM data management?

  Avoiding General Data Protection Regulation penalties means getting your CRM compliance program in order before the sweeping regulation goes into effect late this spring.  Continue Reading

• How will WP Engine's $250M influx affect the future of WordPress?

  The already-large WordPress provider WP Engine is getting a massive cash infusion, but what does that mean for the content management market? Expert Geoffrey Bock weighs in.  Continue Reading

• How do I pick between SharePoint Online vs. SharePoint 2016?

  Losing SharePoint features when migrating to the cloud was a top concern a few years ago. Today, the online version is ahead of its on-premises counterpart.  Continue Reading

• How to configure VoIP on a network

  VoIP configuration requires significant preplanning to meet the requirements of voice traffic. Learn the steps to take when configuring VoIP on your network.  Continue Reading

• How do you manage enterprise video communications performance?

  Enterprise video performance is vulnerable to latency and packet loss. Organizations must address three key areas in video communications to prevent issues that could impede performance.  Continue Reading

• Can IT save user settings, files in the move to Windows 10?

  IT can help users maintain their personal settings and files when moving to Windows 10 through an in-place upgrade or through manual or automated processes during a clean upgrade.  Continue Reading

• How is inventory management for e-commerce challenging?

  The inventory challenges of adding e-commerce to your supply chain are considerable. Here's a look at what they entail and how you might overcome them.  Continue Reading

• How do enterprise collaboration services affect mobile traffic?

  The growing use of collaboration apps is putting pressure on the business mobile network. Learn how to support collaboration on both mobile and Wi-Fi networks.  Continue Reading

• Can you create a dynamically expanding virtual hard disk?

  If you build a dynamically expanding VHD it is important to remember to set the size to match the maximum possible storage space it will use.  Continue Reading

• What are the advantages of rapid application development?

  RMAD requires less know-how, but still reduces the costs and risks typically involved in a traditional app build. Delve into the advantages of adopting RMAD products.  Continue Reading

• How are companies solving the last-mile delivery problem?

  E-commerce has radically changed how goods are transported, and put a spotlight on the last-mile delivery problem. Learn how retailers are changing their tactics to address the issue.  Continue Reading

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of drop shipping?

  For both retailers and manufacturers, drop shipping has pros and cons. Here's some considerations to fuel research into the best strategy.  Continue Reading

• What Citrix VDI monitoring tools are built in?

  XenApp and XenDesktop shops should use any of Citrix's four VDI monitoring tools to get better control over their deployments, user sessions and administrative changes.  Continue Reading

• How does material intensity help measure sustainability?

  One important foundation of sustainability is using fewer materials and less energy. Using the material intensity measure can help determine the success of those reduction efforts.  Continue Reading

• What KPIs can assess demand-driven MRP when using SAP ERP?

  Setting up demand-driven metrics and using analytics to monitor them can provide benefits such as helping to reduce working capital commitments and improving service levels.  Continue Reading

• How are virtualization trends affecting enterprise SBCs?

  Virtualizing enterprise session border controllers can help reduce business expenses. Networking expert Carrie Higbie Goetz explains how to deploy virtual SBCs successfully.  Continue Reading

• How is the recurring inspection process in SAP QM activated?

  The recurring inspection functionality available in the SAP Quality Management component can help effectively maintain materials that are managed in batches and have expiration dates.  Continue Reading

• What are some elements of sustainable product design?

  With waste from electronics, plastics and other materials growing at a frightening rate, manufacturers can help address the problem with sustainable product design efforts.  Continue Reading

• Does an API deployment only involve developers?

  API development requires not only programmers and developers, but the business insight of legacy IT. Learn why employees with legacy backgrounds are vital to an API strategy.  Continue Reading

• Can you use Sysprep to install a custom Windows 10 image?

  With the right know-how, IT can create and install a custom Windows 10 image using Microsoft's System Preparation tool.  Continue Reading

• What are the open source remote display protocol options?

  Fluctuating VDI costs can catch any organization by surprise. Consider open source remote display protocols to keep the price tag low and user experience high.  Continue Reading

• How to calculate abandoned call rate for a contact center

  Experts offer an abandoned call formula and advice on what to include when calculating call abandonment rates.  Continue Reading

• How do APIs affect enterprise communications systems?

  Communications APIs can change how organizations use their communications infrastructure. API expert Tsahi Levent-Levi explains the two ways APIs reshape enterprise telephony.  Continue Reading

• How is e-commerce packaging waste an issue, and what can be done?

  As the world turns to online shopping for convenience, a pressing issue is developing -- packaging waste. Here are some considerations to get the conversation started.  Continue Reading

• Does Windows 10 virtualization-based security defend the OS?

  With Windows 10, Microsoft emphasized virtualization-based security, such as Device Guard and Credential Guard, to keep corporate information off users' devices.  Continue Reading

• What features can users expect from Salesforce Einstein AI?

  Expert Scott Robinson explains how Salesforce Einstein AI tools augment the vendor's CRM functionality, and how lessons learned from IBM Watson will affect the platform.  Continue Reading

• What are the key differences between the SharePoint 2016 versions?

  You can deploy SharePoint 2016 from the cloud via Office 365, on premises or as a stand-alone online product. Here's how to decide which version is best for your company.  Continue Reading

• How do you build a cloud adoption strategy for UC?

  Several factors are involved when adopting cloud-based UC. Networking expert Carrie Higbie Goetz breaks down what organizations must include in their cloud adoption strategy.  Continue Reading

• What kitting process functionalities does SAP EWM offer?

  The kitting process can be triggered either from SAP ECC or SAP EWM in kit-to-stock and kit-to-order business scenarios, and reverse kitting is available in EWM. Here's a look.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between ECM vs. WCM in the cloud era?

  Does the difference between ECM vs. WCM leave you scratching your head? Read on to finally understand what exactly each system does and how it can benefit you.  Continue Reading

• How do you prepare if your UC provider is acquired?

  The UC market is abuzz with mergers and acquisitions, but this activity creates uncertainty for organizations. Analyst Jon Arnold offers advice on how to handle vendor consolidation.  Continue Reading

• What problems need solving to create smoother customer interactions?

  While many factors can make or break a sales-service platform merge, three challenges stand out when combining service, sales strategies.  Continue Reading

• Can warehouse robots help solve supply chain issues?

  The direct-to-consumer model is transforming warehouse management and, in turn, supply chain management. Here's a look at how robotics is helping to solve some of the issues.  Continue Reading

• Is choosing non-native over native mobile apps risky for developers?

  What's more risky: developing cross-platform or native mobile apps? One expert chooses sides in the native vs. non-native/cross-platform mobile apps debate.  Continue Reading

• How to use a technician machine to create a custom Windows 10 image

  IT pros must be able to mold Windows 10 into the OS their organization needs. To do so, they need to first learn to install Windows 10 on a technician machine.  Continue Reading

• What inventory valuation methods does SAP's MM offer?

  Here's a look at five SAP inventory valuation reporting methods, how they can boost your inventory management efforts and why the financial account team should be involved.  Continue Reading

• How should companies evaluate team collaboration apps?

  Team collaboration isn't one-size-fits-all. Distinct user needs must be considered when creating a collaboration assessment to find the best team collaboration apps for your users.  Continue Reading

• How to navigate the Windows ADK download process

  The Windows ADK can help ensure Windows 10 compatibility for apps, software and hardware. There are six key steps to the installation process.  Continue Reading

• How can production leveling help companies become lean?

  Eliminating waste is an important principle in lean production. Here's a look at how heijunka, or production leveling, can help achieve that.  Continue Reading

• What inventory KPIs are available in SAP MRP Monitor?

  MRP Monitor fills the inventory reporting and analyses gap that exists in SAP ECC, with analyses that enable materials planning success. Here's a look.  Continue Reading

• What core components are included in an SAP APO overview?

  SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization enables companies to better sense market demand, quickly react with timely supply, and meet and maintain higher service levels.  Continue Reading

• Are third-party firewalls worth the investment?

  It might be effective, but Windows Firewall is not the be-all and end-all of security. In some cases, third-party firewalls add the extra layer of protection IT needs.  Continue Reading

• What core components does the SAP ERP system include?

  The SAP ERP system -- also known as ECC -- is the foundation for many companies' ERP implementations. Here's a look at its core components and what each one does.  Continue Reading

• How can you access Windows 10 advanced repair options?

  To resolve Windows 10 boot problems you can access a few repair options by entering the OS through the back door. Here's how to do it.  Continue Reading

• How can you reduce the bullwhip effect with demand-driven MRP?

  Reducing the bullwhip effect requires a fundamental and strategic shift from supply-focused materials planning to demand-focused materials replenishment.  Continue Reading

• How does ECC handle SAP Vendor Evaluation for services?

  In SAP ECC, Vendor Evaluation gives you an easy way to evaluate vendor performance for services such as equipment maintenance or building maintenance. Here's a look.  Continue Reading

• How can near-real-time communication modes offer context?

  While text-based communication is growing in popularity, it lacks the context of voice or video communication. UC expert Jon Arnold explains how contextual communications can fill the gap.  Continue Reading

• What is the role of demand shaping in supply chain planning?

  In the age of omnichannel, an effective demand shaping process is critical. Here's what you need to know about the strategy and collaboration that process requires.  Continue Reading