Evaluate

Evaluate

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

• Salesforce Service Cloud Einstein AI's Next Best Action, Bots

  Salesforce closes the distance between its cloud Einstein AI and IBM's Watson with flashy new features, as Service Cloud bows a no-code bot builder and a next best action tool. Continue Reading

• Salesforce acquisitions a big part of CRM vendor's busy 2018

  Again, 2018 showed how important acquisitions are to Salesforce's growth and expansion into markets such as AI, e-commerce, integration and collaboration. Continue Reading

• Keys to mastering the 5 main SaaS ERP subscription models

  Realizing the SaaS promise of cheaper, more flexible and scalable ERP is only possible if you know how to keep usage-based, per-user and other common pricing schemes straight. Continue Reading

• Discover the best cloud ERP software for your company

  Explore the leading cloud ERP software and vendors currently on the market to make this complex decision-making process just a little bit easier. Continue Reading

• Which is the best ECM application for your business?

  Examine the top commercial and open source ECM software to help you determine which product is best for your organization. Continue Reading

• How can IT address mobile device security risks?

  Mobile threat defense, when paired with EMM, can enhance a security strategy. Here's why an on-device security platform is necessary for today's mobile threat landscape.Continue Reading

• How to secure Azure RDP virtual machine access with a jumpbox

  A jumpbox can be a handy tool to improve security in a Microsoft Azure deployment. For starters, it blocks the public IP address automatically associated with any VMs.Continue Reading

• Einstein Bot, Einstein Voice create new Salesforce channels

  Born to compete with IBM's Watson, the Einstein cloud AI is in its third year of life and is exhibiting all the traits of a typical 3-year-old.Continue Reading

• SharePoint features elevate Microsoft DMS in market

  With new SharePoint features, Microsoft sets its sights on the document management space, which it has historically left to other vendors.Continue Reading

• Get to know digital workspace software

  VMware and Citrix workspace suites allow IT professionals to centralize end-user management while delivering a single access point for all of users' productivity resources.Continue Reading

• Cloud ERP system selection: How to evaluate your company needs

  This article can help you evaluate your business needs and make sure you're getting the right cloud ERP system for your organization.Continue Reading

• Cloud collaboration benefits the future of work

  The future of work relies on cloud collaboration abilities to keep employees and content connected, both inside and outside brick-and-mortar buildings.Continue Reading

• How mobile threat defense can complement EMM

  MTD adoption isn't widespread yet, but IT admins would do well to stay ahead of the game. Here's how MTD can work in conjunction with EMM to secure devices.Continue Reading

• Client and server-based virtual application delivery methods

  IT pros can deliver virtual apps to users with a client-based or server-based approach. The main difference is where the data lives.Continue Reading

• How to prepare for and manage VoIP call quality issues

  Do you know how to maintain call quality when deploying VoIP? Get the answers to your VoIP quality concerns, from predeployment assessments to troubleshooting tools.Continue Reading

• Guidelines for navigating the sales software market

  Figuring out whether your organization needs sales force automation, sales enablement or sales forecasting tools can be challenging, and that's before factoring in AI.Continue Reading

• 5 benefits of PowerApps forms for SharePoint

  Microsoft PowerApps has been around since 2015, but it is just now beginning to beat out its predecessor, InfoPath -- originally a straight PDF competitor -- in functionality.Continue Reading

• New employee engagement tools replacing annual surveys

  Say goodbye to annual employee surveys. New approaches and better technology are coming to places like Mission Health System and upending the employee engagement tools market.Continue Reading

• CRM for nonprofits rewires charitable giving

  Salesforce.org Nonprofit Cloud and marketing automation tools help charitable organizations gain and retain valuable donors, giving them a more positive experience.Continue Reading

• 5 tips for picking a call center customer experience platform

  Change comes to customer contact centers as cloud systems and the customer experience movement force IT leaders to rethink software stacks. Here's advice for choosing your next platform.Continue Reading

• Customer service AI tools can improve contact center

  By adding AI to its Salesforce Service Cloud integration, Nokia is trying to bring a proactive approach to customer service, while adding AI to workflow.Continue Reading

• New UC vendor trends shaping enterprise communications market

  With more enterprises looking for a single vendor to meet all of their communications needs, vendors are adding to their portfolios to create more complete communications offerings.Continue Reading

• How can organizations implement mobile app personalization?

  Organizations that want to boost user engagement on a mobile app should use personalization. They can follow these steps to implement personalization effectively.Continue Reading

• Measuring worker performance data requires skillful managers

  Emerging HR analytics tools make it easier for managers to collect data on employee experiences and better quantify workforce performance, but the data can lie when misinterpreted.Continue Reading

• IT reaps the benefits of HCI for virtual desktops and apps

  Hyper-converged infrastructure can deliver benefits to IT on the back end, but many of those benefits can also directly affect virtual application delivery and performance.Continue Reading

• Recapping end-user computing strategy evolutions of 2018

  It's time to take a look back and consider how end-user computing has evolved over the past year. AI made an obvious mark, but what about hosted desktops and new management approaches?Continue Reading

• Advantages of hyper-converged infrastructure for virtual desktops

  Advantages of hyper-converged infrastructure compared with a traditional data center setup include improved scalability and availability, simpler management and better integration. And when it comes to virtual desktops and applications, those ...Continue Reading

• Cloud bound: Does your business need a cloud ERP system?

  There are several factors -- including business size and cost -- that organizations should carefully consider when determining whether a cloud ERP system is the right choice.Continue Reading

• Customer support automation for B2B requires human touch

  Robert Johnson of TeamSupport and Sandy Crowley of ICANotes offer tips on how B2B companies can use automation to supplement human customer support services.Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of QR code enrollment?

  IT can enroll devices into MDM using a QR code, which is a more attainable option as support expands. Discover the benefits of this process, including improved workflow and ease of use.Continue Reading

• Oracle Soar cloud migration not for slackers

  In a Q&A, Oracle senior vice president Beth Boettcher details what's involved in meeting Soar's tight schedule. Get ready to leave those ERP customizations behind.Continue Reading

• A developer's guide to mobile app personalization

  User experience for a mobile app can improve significantly with the use of personalization. Learn about the benefits of app personalization and how to use it.Continue Reading

• Where's the beef? Wendy's chooses an open source WCMS

  Imagine winnowing down a software platform from 25 vendors -- what Wendy's did when choosing its WCMS. The burger firm made the complex task simpler with a scorecard ranking system.Continue Reading

• Why sending personalized marketing emails is an effective strategy

  For some companies, personalizing email newsletter content still proves to be a highly effective marketing strategy for engaging customers and driving sales.Continue Reading

• 4 UCaaS market trends driving vendor offerings

  The features users are looking for in UCaaS platforms are ever-evolving. Vendors are focusing on adding and improving features based on market demand and trying to keep up with alternative UC ...Continue Reading

• What role does SBC security play in VoIP protection?

  Knowing which SBC security features are essential is important to stave off potential attacks. Our expert gives insight into what features are necessary for robust protection.Continue Reading

• Choosing cloud ERP vendors: Know what you need before going in

  Before deciding which cloud ERP vendors and cloud ERP software to evaluate, it's important for a business to determine its unique business needs and situation.Continue Reading

• Understand the dangers of cloud-based VDI management

  Managing VDI with a cloud-based tool can become very complicated if IT hosts different aspects of its deployment through multiple cloud vendors.Continue Reading

• Five ways ECM software can benefit your organization

  Think your business needs content management tools? Here are five use cases illustrating how ECM software addresses common compliance and management challenges that companies face.Continue Reading

• Marketing automation tools make personalization possible

  Marketing automation software can be a game-changer for sales and marketing departments, as it helps simplify campaign management and gauge the performance of marketing efforts.Continue Reading

• SharePoint Online web parts modernize corporate intranet

  Microsoft unveils new features that will allow users to access Office 365, social media, news feeds and PowerApps all within one SharePoint intranet site.Continue Reading

• Take a methodical approach to mobile deployment

  Purchasing and enrolling a device fleet can get messy if organizations let it get out of hand. Here's how to keep one of the first steps of the MDM process simple and streamlined.Continue Reading

• 5 new features for SharePoint modern pages

  SharePoint modern sites, a set of upgrades for SharePoint Online, give administrators the ability to customize sites without third-party applications.Continue Reading

• How does embedded video fit into unified communications strategies?

  Video communications have gained popularity in UC. Our expert explains how embedded video can enhance the communications experience beyond customer-facing applications.Continue Reading

• Settle the debate on how to deploy Windows 10 desktops

  IT pros have a decision to make when delivering and managing Windows 10. They can use a DaaS provider, manage the desktops with cloud-based tools or keep everything on premises.Continue Reading

• What are the CIS benchmarks for iOS security?

  Devices are only as secure as end users enable them to be. Here's how IT can use CIS benchmarks to enforce strong iOS security standards across an organization.Continue Reading

• Maximize collaboration with the right huddle room design

  Huddle room design is an essential part of creating a good collaborative environment. Learn what equipment options are available for your collaboration spaces.Continue Reading

• Using Shuttle to track sales leads and close deals

  Using Shuttle to track sales leads, sales reps at CBC Settlement Funding can focus less on coordinating follow-up emails and nurturing campaigns and more on closing deals.Continue Reading

• HubSpot CMS targets WordPress users with stand-alone product

  With the growing importance of customer experience personalization, HubSpot is offering its CMS as a stand-alone product to help customers' web businesses.Continue Reading

• Prepare for the death of Intune's hybrid MDM

  Microsoft is making some changes that could affect mobile device management with Intune. Here's how admins can stay prepared and reap the benefits of the stand-alone service.Continue Reading

• Salesforce salary survey details pay among professionals

  A new survey of Salesforce professionals, published by Mason Frank International, analyzes Salesforce salary data, employment trends and diversity.Continue Reading

• 3 reasons Google Assistant Duplex raises security, privacy concerns

  Google Assistant Duplex introduces a new level in machine-driven conversation technology, but not without raising security and privacy concerns.Continue Reading

• 4 signs Salesforce skills demand outpaces talent pool

  Survey points to four reasons the demand and salaries for Salesforce admins, developers and other professionals is high, but talent pool can't meet it.Continue Reading

• Will Salesforce decaNLP model live up to the hype?

  Salesforce's decaNLP model made a big splash at Dreamforce. But can it deliver on its promises? Here's what to expect from the natural language processing initiative.Continue Reading

• How should IT assess zero client vs. thin client devices?

  Zero clients and thin clients can simplify the endpoints users work with in VDI deployments. The makeup of each option affects the benefits it delivers.Continue Reading

• Get to know third-party Windows 10 migration tools

  IT professionals should look to third-party migration tools during a transition to Windows 10 to provide any features that the native Windows migration tools do not.Continue Reading

• The time for the omnichannel contact center is now

  Editor's note: In this opinion piece, industry analyst Zeus Kerravala shares his thoughts on the omnichannel contact center and Talkdesk's latest approach. After years of discussion but low ...Continue Reading

• Microsoft fixes flaws in Skype Meetings App

  Microsoft announced upgrades to the Skype Meetings App to ease installation and setup. The vendor plans to eliminate the Mac version of the product in favor of the desktop app.Continue Reading

• Test your knowledge of VDI vs. RDS for desktop hosting

  RDS and VDI each offer benefits for certain use cases. Test yourself to see if you know when RDS is a good idea and when organizations should opt for VDI.Continue Reading

• Migrating from PBX to VoIP: A hybrid VoIP approach

  A hybrid VoIP system can be the bridge from PBX to VoIP telephony strategies. Our expert helps to highlight the advantages of a hybrid approach.Continue Reading

• How do machine learning and AI fit into UC monitoring and analytics?

  With the use of machine learning and AI in the very early stages in the UC market, our expert looks at their value in UC monitoring and analytics.Continue Reading

• How to plan and manage huddle room design to increase productivity

  Get the answers to your questions on deploying video conferencing in huddle rooms -- from why the option is so attractive to what you'll need for a successful deployment.Continue Reading

• Q&A with IBM Watson's call center AI tech lead

  We sit down with IBM's contact center AI lead to talk about chatbots and their evolving role as human customers and support agents learn to coexist with them.Continue Reading

• Reporting harassment at work eased by new enterprise chatbot

  New tool Spot uses natural language processing -- an AI technology -- to help people file harassment and discrimination complaints, as well as the ability to do it anonymously.Continue Reading

• Content management tools address digital content challenges

  With the digital content explosion and increasing mandates come the need to manage all those files. ECM tools do just that and more, ever evolving to meet changing business needs.Continue Reading

• Employee video training platform enables 24/7 coaching

  BetterUp, a startup that is getting investment from Workday, offers a video-based training platform. It has added on-demand coaching, so users can quickly get help.Continue Reading

• What HR leaders must know about blockchain for recruitment

  Could blockchain -- with its ability to validate facts and transactions -- promote efficiencies in recruitment and other areas of concern for CHROs and their recruiting teams? Here's a look.Continue Reading

• Are application layers always a good idea?

  App layering, which separates apps from the underlying OS, helps IT in several ways, including allowing it to deliver apps to specific groups, but it's not always a great fit.Continue Reading

• Top Microsoft Office alternatives for enterprise use

  Microsoft's productivity suite sees the most enterprise use, but organizations can switch to certain Microsoft Office alternatives for lower licensing costs and more.Continue Reading

• Comparing SAP ERP ROI to Oracle, Microsoft and Infor

  Considering Oracle, Microsoft, Infor or SAP ERP software? We examine these ERP vendors on how well each delivers ERP ROI with their unique implementation methods and strategies.Continue Reading

• The complete guide to Windows 10 security tools

  IT professionals must carefully consider which security tools they use to protect their Windows 10 desktops. They may want to stray from the Microsoft path in some instances.Continue Reading

• How Linux thin clients have improved

  VDI shops should consider Linux-based thin clients as endpoints for their users for several reasons, including the fact that they are cheaper than Windows thin clients.Continue Reading

• Buy the right help desk tools to track and resolve incidents

  Help desk management tools help admins manage, track and resolve problems. Learn about the leading products and the reporting, communication and support features they offer.Continue Reading

• How are application layering and app virtualization different?

  If IT pros effectively use either app layering or app virtualization, they can simplify management while improving the end-user experience.Continue Reading

• Testing the intelligence of AI in HR applications

  If an algorithm can't figure out things that it wasn't programmed to do, it's not learning anything and therefore isn't intelligent, says analyst Katherine Jones.Continue Reading

• Oracle makes a case for intelligent ERP at OpenWorld 2018

  The OpenWorld conference brought a new crop of Adaptive Intelligent Apps, process automation and voice-enabled bots that Oracle's CTO said will reduce human error in business processes.Continue Reading

• How enterprises use dynamic pricing algorithms with AI, CRM

  Born out of the '80s era of airline deregulation, dynamic pricing finds new life and popularity when mixed with AI. In this Pipeline podcast, we talk with Ulrich von Beck of Pros.Continue Reading

• Stay updated on the Android Enterprise Recommended program

  Google made a few updates to Android Enterprise Recommended. Explore recent offerings from the proprietary Android enterprise device program, including support for rugged devices.Continue Reading

• Reaping the business benefits of collaboration tools

  Does your strategy for collaboration tools encompass cost, meeting requirements and make the best use of available hardware and software?Continue Reading

• Invest in people for better customer experience in marketing

  At the MarTech conference, analysts discussed the importance of customer experience in marketing, customer data protection and designated martech leadership.Continue Reading

• AI sales technology trends for 2019 and beyond

  AI automation tools for sales technology have the potential to lead sales teams toward certainty in their decision-making, grow pipelines and reduce risks.Continue Reading

• Understanding third-party Windows 10 security tools

  Third-party security tools provide value and new utilities for Windows 10 desktop administrators. IT should consider non-Microsoft options for patching, firewalls and more.Continue Reading

• What's new in the Microsoft Windows 10 October 2018 Update?

  The Windows 10 October 2018 Update might be best known for some of the problems it caused, but it also added some features that can help business users and IT pros.Continue Reading

• What potential chatbot security threats could AI introduce?

  New chatbot AI technology comes with potential security risks. UC expert Jon Arnold explains what to be aware of when deploying new AI-based voice technology.Continue Reading

• How to sharpen a corporate mobile device strategy

  Mobile devices aren't easy to manage. When organizations hand over a corporate device, IT should check a few things off of their to-do list, including security and cost factors.Continue Reading

• AI in contact centers offers agents behavioral analytics

  Contact center AI offers tools to help agents provide better customer service through behavioral analytics. But AI may also present some privacy concerns.Continue Reading

• Would businesses embrace Google+ as a corporate social network?

  Google plans to shut down its consumer-oriented Google+ social networking service and focus on a corporate social network for enterprise customers. The tech giant made the announcement last week ...Continue Reading

• Data dominance the prize in Salesforce ERP integration moves

  Following the MuleSoft acquisition in March, the Dreamforce conference reinforces the cloud CRM leader's ambition to become the front end to enterprise data.Continue Reading

• What cloud-based unified communications certifications are available?

  The requirements for cloud-based unified communications certifications vary by industry and network environment. UC expert Carrie Higbie Goetz explains how to choose the right certifications for a UCaaS system.Continue Reading

• How artificial intelligence in customer service improves CX

  AI in customer service enables products and services companies to respond to consumers before the customer experience breaks down and negatively affects retention.Continue Reading

• Plan for the future of 5G in the enterprise

  5G networks will bring speed and reduced latency to mobile business users that can take advantage of it. Get prepared for other changes that 5G will bring to the enterprise.Continue Reading

• What are the main types of industry acquisitions in the UCC market?

  A UC company can be acquired by an existing vendor or by a venture capital firm. Learn how these two types of acquisitions differ and UCC market factors that influence them.Continue Reading

• Cloud is key to linking digital manufacturing technologies

  Traditional manufacturing systems often can't handle new customer demands, so manufacturers are building smart factories that use cloud-enabled next-gen technologies.Continue Reading

• Why some manufacturers stick with on-premises vs. cloud ERP

  Cloud ERP is key in digital manufacturing, but it's not a fit for all companies, especially those with heavy customization needs or the need to maintain control over upgrades.Continue Reading

• How to implement a mobile app blacklist

  Mobile apps aren't always safe, but IT can ensure that end users err of the side of caution with a blacklist. It's simple to create and maintain one with these steps.Continue Reading

• L'Oréal boosts candidate experience with recruitment chatbots

  L'Oréal deployed chatbots to help its 145 recruiters process some 2 million applications annually. It also put to rest concerns that automation might replace recruiters.Continue Reading

• Software bots start taking over finance work in Arizona

  Software bots are being used in Arizona to help with some routine finance operations. These systems follow scripts to complete repetitive work, freeing employees for other work.Continue Reading

• Low-code development platforms bring speed, friction

  Low code is enabling organizations to push out mobile apps more quickly. But, for some organizations, low-code platforms introduce organizational challenges.Continue Reading

• The benefits and drawbacks of cloud ERP systems for healthcare

  Is moving to cloud ERP good for your healthcare organizations? Experts tackle just that question and weigh in on issues such as security and compliance.Continue Reading

• Does application container technology differ from virtualization?

  When delivering virtual apps to users, IT has a few options up its sleeve, including containers, which isolate the app from the OS and other applications.Continue Reading