Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• How does Office 365 VDI licensing work in nonpersistent deployments?

  Setting up Office 365 generally involves multiple devices. With nonpersistent VDI, the rules of the game change for IT admins.  Continue Reading

• How does Office 365 licensing work in VDI deployments?

  Licensing Office 365 for VDI deployments is not simple. The requirements change depending on the deployment type. Microsoft RDS, for example, completely alters how it works.  Continue Reading

• How can SAP CTM in SAP ATO improve supply chain management?

  Capable-to-Match is a subcomponent of SAP APO that enables better demand and supply controls by balancing production constraints, supplier lead time and transportation lead time.  Continue Reading

• What are the inventory KPIs that can be measured in SAP ECC?

  Being able to measure inventory performance through regular monitoring provides the necessary visibility to improve them. Here's what you should know.  Continue Reading

• How does VMware Horizon View licensing work?

  Licensing is a critical component of VDI. VMware offers two main licensing options with Horizon View; a per user model and a per concurrent connection model.  Continue Reading

• How can you whitelist apps and fight ransomware with Windows 10 AppLocker?

  With application whitelisting, admins can create a list of approved apps users can work with. This way, users cannot accidentally open an app containing ransomware.  Continue Reading

• How does intent-based navigation work in SAP Fiori Launchpad?

  Read these tips to understand the underlying architecture and programming rules for customizing the SAP Fiori Launchpad for specific users and their roles.  Continue Reading

• Is MSFT or Salesforce leading the market in business app development?

  Microsoft is trying to lead the market in business app development, but is struggling to hold on as Salesforce easily creates user-friendly applications, platforms and processes.  Continue Reading

• How should organizations evaluate UC cloud app security providers?

  Security is a priority when moving communications to the cloud. Organizations must do their due diligence when evaluating cloud providers' UC security expertise.  Continue Reading

• Is team chat the evolution of business social software?

  As a younger generation of workers favors messaging-based communication, team chat apps have emerged to fit the changing needs for business social software.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of RFID in the fashion industry?

  Trendy fashions -- with their quick cycles of 'hot' or 'not' -- need auto-ID technology that can keep pace. Here's a look at why RFID fills the bill.  Continue Reading

• Why is engineering change control important to manufacturers?

  When a product needs changes after being released to production, the process can be disruptive and messy. Engineering change control can help.  Continue Reading

• Are both an engineering bill of materials and a manufacturing BOM needed?

  Manufacturing a product can be very different than what engineers have envisioned. Here's a look at what that means for different bills of materials.  Continue Reading

• How advantageous is Microsoft's ERP-CRM integration within the market?

  With the ERP-CRM integration, Microsoft may have a leg up in the Salesforce arena, where Salesforce has dominated in CRM but hasn't grabbed a foothold in the ERP space.  Continue Reading

• How does an OVF file work with VMware Workstation?

  With so many different files forms supported in virtualization, there is a lack of standardization. Administrators can mitigate that problem using OVF file format.  Continue Reading

• How does SAP Pool Asset Management improve the use of shared assets?

  The Pool Asset Management tool enables easier scheduling and cost allocation of resources that employees share, such as vehicles. Here's a look at how it works.  Continue Reading

• How does data insight remove human bias from customer research?

  Integrating IoT analytics with supply chain management helps create an efficient and successful customer experience by utilizing data insight not found anywhere else.  Continue Reading

• How do IoT analytics enhance customer experience with quality data?

  IoT analytics helps companies create a better customer experience by providing quality data that allows for the reduction of costs and a more efficient work day.  Continue Reading

• How can project planners decide between SAP PPM and SAP PS?

  Web-based Project and Portfolio Management gives teams a way to pitch ideas and manage projects, but on-premises Project System still fits into the project landscape. Here's how.  Continue Reading

• How can SAP Quality Notification help improve product quality?

  SAP Quality Notification can help handle customer complaints for defective products, defective products produced in-house and defective materials supplied by a vendor. Here's a look at how it works.  Continue Reading

• How will Microsoft Dynamics 365 benefit the enterprise marketplace?

  Is Microsoft Dynamics 365's role in the enterprise marketplace actually beneficial for users? Expert Brent Leary discusses Microsoft's upcoming product.  Continue Reading

• What are key features in discrete manufacturing production type?

  Discrete manufacturers reap greater business benefits when they ensure planning, procurement, inventory, capacity and quality management are integral parts of their SAP ECC implementation.  Continue Reading

• Why does AWS as a cloud infrastructure provider matter for Salesforce?

  After experiencing a data outage in May, Salesforce turned to Amazon Web Services. It was a huge move, but probably a necessary one, expert Brent Leary explains.  Continue Reading

• How does Windows AppLocker work?

  Windows AppLocker lets you use rules to whitelist or block applications based on attributes such as publisher or path, but it's not a comprehensive application control tool.  Continue Reading

• Can I control the Windows 10 user interface?

  You can control the Control Panel, Shared Folders, Start menu and other components in Windows 10 using Group Policy settings.  Continue Reading

• Why do I keep getting Windows 10 driver errors?

  If you keep getting driver errors in Windows 10, a video driver could be to blame. Luckily, the problem is easy to troubleshoot.  Continue Reading

• What do I do when I can't activate Windows?

  When you can't activate a Windows installation there are two things you should check before you pull out your hair.  Continue Reading

• What supply chain issues most worry discrete manufacturers?

  Discrete manufacturers face challenges related to demand forecasting and inventory management, to name just two. Here's a look at why -- and what can be done.  Continue Reading

• How does Windows 10 virtualization-based security work?

  The Isolated User Mode in Windows 10 is a virtualization-based security technology that helps power Credential Guard and Device Guard.  Continue Reading

• What are the components of a digital supply chain?

  A digital supply chain can help companies gain insight into their business processes and enable greater connectivity with suppliers. Here's a look at why you need one.  Continue Reading

• How does Citrix StoreFront work with XenApp and XenDesktop?

  Citrix's enterprise app store can help VDI shops transition to a mobile-friendly virtual desktop and application strategy by broadening remote access and providing a simpler user interface for employees.  Continue Reading

• What are the advantages of cycle counting?

  If you're looking for that holy grail of 98% inventory accuracy, cycle counting can help. Here's how to move away from taking only periodic inventory counts.  Continue Reading

• How do I fix a frozen or locked application?

  Apps can freeze or lock up for a variety of reasons, including bad memory, operating system issues, update problems and more.  Continue Reading

• How can lean manufacturing concepts be used with MRP and ERP?

  Sometimes, in technology, as in life, opposites come together in a surprising way. Such is the case for lean's pull technique and ERP's emphasis on push.  Continue Reading

• Why aren't more companies using RFID for inventory tracking?

  Radio frequency identification tags have a number of benefits over the bar code, but the latter continues to be the go-to for manufacturers. Here's a look at the reasons for that.  Continue Reading

• Why is demand-driven MRP becoming more popular?

  In today's markets, material requirements planning can fall short. Demand-driven MRP is the innovative approach that marries the best of "push" and "pull" in manufacturing.  Continue Reading

• How does eKanban differ from traditional Kanban?

  With its basis in physical cues, the traditional Kanban system has been limited by lag time in passing along information. Electronic Kanban is a different story.  Continue Reading

• What are Microsoft Windows 10 update rings?

  Microsoft's Insider Program lets members choose from two different update rings -- a fast and a slow speed -- to get OS updates on their Windows 10 machines.  Continue Reading

• How can I use Git and GitHub for SAP software development?

  Assembla, Bitbucket, GitHub, Mercurial and Subversion are some of the open-source version-control and collaboration platforms available for managing SAP development projects.  Continue Reading

• How do I create a standard Windows 10 Start menu for all users?

  Users can customize the Windows 10 Start menu, but you might not want them to for business reasons. Luckily, there's a way you can make it so all workers use the same Start menu configuration.  Continue Reading

• How do physical and virtual desktop patch deployment differ?

  Patching virtual desktops and PCs isn't exactly the same. VDI puts more strain on your storage system, and read-only virtual desktop images often erase patches at the end of a user's session.  Continue Reading

• How do I choose an effective supply chain analytics system?

  Supply chain analytics promises rich insight into operations and better decision making. Here are a host of considerations when thinking about what you need.  Continue Reading

• Why is there a Windows 10 Control Panel and a Settings window?

  Windows 10's multiple settings menus are a vestige of Windows 8, but users can access almost all the settings configurations they may need from the Settings windows.  Continue Reading

• What does Salesforce Lightning, Wave enable for users?

  Salesforce's latest upgrades to its Lightning and Wave platforms show that the cloud CRM company is trying to bring analytics closer to the individual user.  Continue Reading

• Should businesses use HTML5 remote desktop clients?

  HTML5 clients can serve as a widely accessible, mobile friendly way for users to access virtual desktops, but there are still a few security kinks to work out.  Continue Reading

• How does virtual desktop performance compare to PCs?

  Virtual desktops need to perform similar to physical desktops, or else users become frustrated. Most companies now have enough back-end resources to support speedy VDI connections.  Continue Reading

• Can MRP be successful without 98 percent inventory accuracy?

  Effective MRP requires prioritizing inventory accuracy and true troubleshooting over a reliance on safety stock and other compensating factors.  Continue Reading

• Can I change the info in the Windows 10 Action Center?

  Users can change what types of notifications they receive in the Windows 10 Action Center by accessing their system settings  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between a VM clone and a template?

  Creating virtual machine templates and clones are quick-and-easy ways to deploy multiple VMs, but for your VDI environment to thrive, you should know the best use cases for each method.  Continue Reading

• Can I customize the Windows 10 Start menu?

  In Windows 10 there are four options you can use to turn off different features of the Start menu and customize it to your liking.  Continue Reading

• What is your best advice for integrating software applications?

  Ian Charles, CFO of Host Analytics, advises to invest time in scoping and consider future needs when integrating software applications.  Continue Reading

• What is the best way to transition from Windows XP to Windows 10?

  If you're still on Windows XP, there's really only one Microsoft-supported way you can move from XP to Windows 10.  Continue Reading

• How does SharePoint 2016 differ from SharePoint 2013?

  SharePoint 2016 will bring new features on premises, but many upgrades focus on easier integration with cloud-based Office 365 services.  Continue Reading

• What is Cortana and how does it benefit my users?

  Microsoft integrated Cortana in its Windows 10 operating system. It's capable of carrying out complex search requests and it can help enterprise users navigate their desktops.  Continue Reading

• What is the multiple desktop feature in Windows 10?

  The Windows 10 multiple desktop features gives workers the feel of using multiple monitors on the same screen, which can increase productivity for users that keep many windows open at once.  Continue Reading

• Is Windows 10 really the last version of Windows?

  Microsoft has said that Windows 10 is the last version of Windows, and that's sort of true. Rather than releasing Windows 11 in years to come, the company will deploy perpetual updates to Windows 10.  Continue Reading

• Do I really need Citrix NetScaler?

  NetScaler or not, you need an application delivery controller. But XenApp and XenDesktop shops that use a non-Citrix gateway run the risk of losing Citrix's support.  Continue Reading

• How can distribution requirements planning help inventory management?

  An expert explains how distribution requirements planning can help companies gain better control over their inventory and prevent shortages.  Continue Reading

• How can SAP Missing Parts improve the production planning process?

  The SAP Missing Parts Information System can help prevent production or maintenance disruptions by alerting planners to impending material or component shortages.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of using SAP capacity requirements planning?

  An expert explains how companies can integrate SAP's capacity requirements planning functionality to optimize production when demand for products exceeds supply.  Continue Reading

• What are the best ways to use tablets for business?

  As more enterprises begin to support tablets, many users find that the screen size and portability provides the right balance for common work-related tasks such as note taking.  Continue Reading

• How do I build Apportals in Windows 8.1?

  Windows Apportals let you put the applications certain user groups need right in front of them, but you need some development knowledge and a Windows Developer License if you want to build them yourself.  Continue Reading

• How much memory do my Windows 8 desktops really need?

  It can be tough to know how much memory Windows 8 and 8.1 desktops need before they're actually in use, but the Windows Task Manager can help you see memory usage.  Continue Reading

• How challenging is implementing BYOD in a UC environment?

  What are some challenges of implementing BYOD in a UC environment? UC expert Jon Arnold explains the three high-level challenges organizations face with BYOD.  Continue Reading

• Can you provision desktop apps with Windows To Go?

  It's OK to install desktops applications on a Windows To Go image, as long as they're small enough to fit on the USB drive and can run locally.  Continue Reading

• Are Microsoft customers cooling on cloud concerns?

  As cloud platforms mature and become more mainstream, on-the-fence Microsoft users are taking another look at adopting them.  Continue Reading

• What are my options for configuring Windows 8 startup?

  The System Configuration tool features four tabs of options you can use to configure Windows 8 startup.  Continue Reading

• What are some common Office 2013 problems?

  Office 2013 problems can stem from an incomplete install, or your particular version or settings. Luckily, there are simple fixes for most issues.  Continue Reading

• How do I open an .xpx file in Office 2002 SP3?

  An .xpx file can cause problems for Office 2002 SP3 users, but Microsoft does provide help in Windows 7 and with a free XPS viewer.  Continue Reading

• What are some alternatives to Windows Defender?

  Windows Defender is useful for Windows 8 security, but it can't keep up with malicious software alone. Several third-party products can help.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of using Release Strategy in SAP MM?

  Making SAP MM's Release Strategy feature part of procurement processes can provide better business controls and reduce typical procurement headaches.  Continue Reading

• How does Windows 8.1 support affect Active Directory?

  Windows 8.1 support for endpoint security includes Open MDM and biometrics, but removing Remote Server Administration Tools can affect Active Directory.  Continue Reading

• What Web application monitoring tools exist for desktops?

  Microsoft Intune and other mobile device management tools are also useful for desktop management from the cloud and Web application monitoring.  Continue Reading

• Untangling the Gordian knot of the Windows boot process

  An infinite reboot loop is a common issue with the Windows boot process. Start up in Windows Safe Mode to diagnose device driver or hardware problems.  Continue Reading

• How can manufacturers improve field service operations?

  Equipment providers and distributors are shifting their focus to improving field service. What are some best practices and technologies that can boost customer engagement and increase sales?  Continue Reading

• How does VMware App Volumes differ from ThinApp?

  VMware App Volumes, formerly CloudVolumes, is the virtualization company's attempt to speed application deployments and reduce IT headaches.  Continue Reading

• What's the best way to reformat a hard drive remotely?

  Whether you need to remotely reformat a hard drive for security or prepare new network-attached machines, a few utilities can make the job easier.  Continue Reading

• What are the concerns around the Windows 7 end of life?

  As the Windows 7 end of life arrives, IT admins must find extended support for the OS. Microsoft provides some help, but it won't always be free.  Continue Reading

• How do I remove admin restrictions from Windows 7 laptops?

  To relax the usual restrictions on Windows 7 laptops, use the Windows administrator account, but remember to record your password.  Continue Reading

• Can I use a tablet for VDI?

  Technology-wise, it's possible to access a virtual desktop from a tablet, but the user experience may not be ideal. On the other hand, if you have a mouse and keyboard hooked up to the tablet, it can be a great way to access VDI.  Continue Reading

• Do I need antivirus for VDI deployments?

  Virtual desktop environments aren't immune to viruses and malware, so it's important to have an antivirus tool and strategy in place before your deployment gets infected.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between VDI vs. Terminal Services?

  The VDI vs. Terminal Services (or RDS) debate is based on the differences between the two methods for delivering remote desktops. One uses sessions and the other connects users to full client OS desktops.  Continue Reading

• What causes SharePoint 2013 performance issues?

  SharePoint 2013 performance is a major concern, especially when it comes to SharePoint in the cloud. What steps can companies take to prevent a SharePoint slowdown?  Continue Reading

• ThinApp vs. XenApp: What's the difference?

  ThinApp and XenApp are both application virtualization tools. They do basically the same thing, they just come from different vendors.  Continue Reading

• What does the Nvidia, VMware and Google partnership mean for VDI?

  Nvidia, VMware and Google have teamed up to deliver quality graphics on low-cost Chromebooks. Though the devices' enterprise readiness has been questioned in the past, this collaboration could garner a double take.  Continue Reading

• How can I implement cloud desktops?

  There are four different ways to do desktop as a service in your organization. Each option, however, has its pros and cons.  Continue Reading

• Top treasury management software features for buyers

  Hyoun Park lists critical features finance managers should look for when evaluating treasury management software.  Continue Reading

• Four steps to consolidate disparate core financial systems

  Many large companies have more than one core financial system, which can inhibit data visibility. Learn how and when to consolidate.  Continue Reading

• RDSH vs. VDI comparison proves use case is everything

  In a RDSH vs. VDI comparison, it's not a matter of which is better. The most important thing is which one best fits your use case. VDI is good if users need multiple applications, but RDSH is a more lightweight model.  Continue Reading

• How does Box security help with auditing and compliance?

  Box's security features help IT admins audit data access and limit the sharing of sensitive information stored in the cloud.  Continue Reading

• Should the CFO sit at the top of the IT reporting structure?

  Approximately half of all IT departments roll up to the finance department. Discover how to determine if a hierarchy shakeup is in order.  Continue Reading

• Do you need an SAP data mart, or an SAP data warehouse?

  Do you need an SAP data mart, or a data warehouse? It depends if you need to deploy data across an enterprise, or need something more focused.  Continue Reading

• The case for a phased SAP HANA implementation

  Installing SAP HANA is no easy task. Read about why Scotts Miracle-Gro decided on a phased rollout of its HANA implementation.  Continue Reading

• The business case for integrating Hadoop with SAP HANA

  Adobe tracks everything its users do and dumps the data into Hadoop. How did the company make the business case for integration with SAP HANA?  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between SAP ABAP and SAP Basis?

  Confused by the difference between SAP ABAP and SAP Basis? Developer Ethan Jewett explains how to tell them apart.  Continue Reading

• How do media servers differ from media gateways?

  Expert Carrie Higbie explains how media servers differ from media gateways and how media servers are useful in video and voice environments.  Continue Reading

• How does a volts direct current signal relate to telecom?

  Expert Matt Brunk explains how a volts direct current signal is used in telecommunications.  Continue Reading

• Before you clone HDD to SSD, know the benefits and danger to data

  Which type of drive is better: hard disk drive or solid-state drive? HDD to SSD cloning can ease data access, but SSDs aren't without risks to data.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between H.248 and H.323 protocols?

  H.248 and H.323 are protocols associated with VoIP. IP telephony expert Jon Arnold explains the difference between the two in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• Quick fixes for the most common post go-live SAP error messages

  There are a number of SAP error messages that can occur post ERP go-live, writes Jawad Akhtar. Here's how to knock them out.  Continue Reading