Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• Evaluate team collaboration tools to increase productivity

  Organizations need to consider several factors when buying a team collaboration tool, including deployment options and security features. Continue Reading

• Make room for AI for mobile in the future

  AI is one of the hottest new technologies in mobile. Evaluate the AI market and determine how your organization can take advantage of the latest advances in mobile tech. Continue Reading

• The key features in an app, desktop virtualization product

  Desktop and app virtualization tools help admins deliver services to users regardless of where they work and what devices they work on. Learn how to make a smart buying decision. Continue Reading

• Do Try Microsoft Teams

  Having now used the platform for a couple of month, I enthusiastically exhort you: Do try Microsoft Teams! You may be in for a pleasant and productivity-enhancing surprise. 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

• Blockchain loyalty programs building future of customer experience

  While blockchain platforms are still under construction and use cases are still being written, Hooters invests in its own. Others -- including employee rewards -- are to come.Continue Reading

• Five steps to effective usability testing for mobile apps

  To avoid costly mistakes down the road, conduct usability testing and get a grasp on users' reactions to an app before rolling it out. These tips can help perfect the process.Continue Reading

• Does your company need new human resource management tools?

  Finding the best human resource management tools starts with identifying your company's present and future needs, before exploring HR software features and benefits.Continue Reading

• Nine critical features of budget management software

  Workflow tools, multidimensional data structures and flexible reporting are among the capabilities that ensure the budgeting process supports strategic and financial goals.Continue Reading

• Why deploy desktop and application virtualization?

  Virtualizing desktops and apps can enable tighter security and a more agile environment and can simplify maintenance and enhance productivity, particularly for remote workers.Continue Reading

• Content management in the cloud a main theme in 2018

  The future of content management resides in the cloud and with AI, as several 2018 conferences will assure you.Continue Reading

• How each remote display protocol handles codecs

  The codecs that remote display protocols use to transfer an image to a virtual desktop have a large effect on the quality of both videos and text.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

• Translytical data platforms emerge with SAP HANA as a leader

  SAP HANA is a leading translytical platform, according to Forrester, and consulting firm Convergent IS says the combination of transactional and analytical data creates new opportunities.Continue Reading

• Ceridian workforce management system works for retail

  David's Bridal takes advantage of Ceridian's focus on retail, adopting Ceridian's workforce management software to handle complex scheduling of work shifts and integrate with payroll.Continue Reading

• What's new with desktop virtualization management?

  When it comes to VDI management, security and user experience are paramount. IT can use a host of tools, including monitoring, to keep an eye on both areas.Continue Reading

• How desktop virtualization vendors are improving management

  IT pros want to see better security and more monitoring capabilities in their virtual desktop management tools. The ultimate goal is a quality user experience, though.Continue Reading

• Survey says: ERP changes, more human-machine interactions coming by 2030

  A Dell survey finds strong belief that humans and machines will work as integrated teams within five years. ERP systems, especially inventory, will be top automation target.Continue Reading

• How to approach mobile password management for the enterprise

  When simple passwords no longer provide sufficient security, look to other options. Here are some ways to modernize password management for your enterprise.Continue Reading

• AI chatbots augment humans working in contact centers

  It might seem like contact centers are all being automated by AI chatbots, but for now, the jobs of human agents are still safe while all the kinks are worked out.Continue Reading

• Consolidating overlapping tools for enterprise collaboration

  Tools for enterprise collaboration are most effective when users work on the same platform. Consider these best practices to consolidate overlapping features.Continue Reading

• Three root cause analysis methods to help solve VDI issues

  From performing a manual assessment to working with VDI vendors' proprietary tools, IT professionals have options for figuring out why problems are happening in their deployments.Continue Reading

• What is HCM software, and what are the HR software benefits?

  Human resources software, or human capital management software, handles everything from benefits administration and applicant tracking to retaining and rewarding star employees.Continue Reading

• Salesforce Classic vs. Lightning: How the CRM versions stack up

  With migration becoming unavoidable, you should understand the different features available between Salesforce Classic vs. Lightning. Here is a chart to help you do just that.Continue Reading

• How cloud-native application development affects VDI

  As more and more applications become cloud-native, VDI shops should prepare for changes in the way users access their apps and desktops.Continue Reading

• HubSpot CPO shares HR technology strategy wisdom

  For marketing software company HubSpot, HR technology decisions are led by strategy and employee experience, not by shiny object syndrome. Here's a look.Continue Reading

• How the top cloud collaboration tools stack up

  Team collaboration apps have saturated the UC market. See how the leading products compare on calling features, video conferencing support, pricing and other criteria.Continue Reading

• Employee benefits software works for healthcare provider

  An online benefits management platform from Benefitfocus enables a developmental health and home care provider to cover field employees with individually tailored insurance plans.Continue Reading

• Scrutinize details when buying accounting software systems

  Two resellers and a CPA offer tips on getting into the right mindset and conducting a rigorous process that pinpoints the account package that meets your current and future needs.Continue Reading

• Manufacturer fuels growth with outcome-based services

  Saddled with an inadequate ERP field service application, PAC implemented ServiceMax to centralize field service and use service quality as a business differentiator.Continue Reading

• Comparing Salesforce Einstein AI across the clouds

  What do you get when you pay for Einstein features in the Salesforce Sales, Service and Marketing clouds? We put it all in one chart.Continue Reading

• A roundup of the leading EMM providers in today's market

  Just as identifying the need for EMM is important, so is selecting the right vendor. Here's a rundown of leading EMM vendors and an in-depth peek into the products they offer.Continue Reading

• Ten Windows 10 Fall Creators Update features to know

  Microsoft introduced some significant changes to Windows 10 in the Fall Creators Update. The My People app, for example, lets users pin contacts to their task bars.Continue Reading

• Emerging technologies to fuel collaboration industry growth

  Business communications is getting more contextual and intelligent, thanks to emerging technologies, such as AI and APIs. UCC tools are adapting to these new trends.Continue Reading

• The ultimate guide to VDI planning

  There is no standard VDI deployment. Each one takes on a life of its own depending on key decisions, including the remote display protocol and the underlying infrastructure.Continue Reading

• How to pick out the right VDI use cases

  VDI can help organizations, but only if IT applies it to the right use cases. Identifying those virtual desktop use cases starts with understanding the user type and location.Continue Reading

• How to navigate the enterprise collaboration market

  When evaluating enterprise collaboration services, first look inward at your company needs. Some key collaboration criteria include scalability, security and uptime.Continue Reading

• Pros and cons of a multi-factor authentication mobile app

  MFA can improve the security of an app by using a layered approach rather than one that relies on passwords alone. To know whether it's right for your app, weigh its pros and cons.Continue Reading

• Compare these top EMM providers and their potential impact

  With all the EMM products available, companies must know the major features that they offer and how the players stack up against each other.Continue Reading

• People analytics software drives need for HRIS skills

  HR managers are revising job skills, looking for people with analytics ability and technical expertise. Can you build a dashboard and parse data in a new, fresh way? You're in demand.Continue Reading

• Voice user interfaces coming to the enterprise

  As enterprise UX becomes more critical, VUIs may usurp traditional interfaces. For now, learn from advice and experiments, such as FinancialForce's integration of Alexa.Continue Reading

• Key factors to consider when making an EMM software purchase

  Enterprises must look at many organizational factors when purchasing EMM software. Learn the most important decision points to choose the best EMM platform for any enterprise.Continue Reading

• Online benefits enrollment system frees broker from paper

  A San Diego insurance broker uses a cloud benefits enrollment system to move his employer clients to online enrollment and onboarding, resulting in convenience and time savings.Continue Reading

• Guard the line with Windows Defender features

  The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update took Windows 10 security up a notch by adding advanced features to Windows Defender, including Application Guard and Exploit Guard.Continue Reading

• Ready to master virtualization-based security in Windows 10?

  Put your knowledge of virtualization-based security in Windows 10 on the line with this quiz covering the ins and outs of features such as Isolated User Mode and Device Guard.Continue Reading

• The big business functions of EMM software

  Solid EMM software will manage and monitor a company's mobile device activity. Understand why organizations need EMM software and what constitutes a successful plan.Continue Reading

• What key features do today's leading social CRM tools offer?

  Before purchasing social CRM software, learn the important tools and services you should be looking for and which of today's leading vendors offer them.Continue Reading

• Learn what an EMM platform can achieve in the enterprise

  Mobile device management is no longer enough to secure enterprise data. In the wake of BYOD and IoT, companies need EMM, but they must know its capabilities and challenges beforehand.Continue Reading

• AI, security shape mobile app development trends in 2018

  As demand for smarter mobile apps continues to rise, developers will embrace artificial intelligence, augmented reality and more robust security models to fill that gap in 2018.Continue Reading

• Retail AI predicts consumer behavior for targeted marketing

  Not all of travel club Secret Escapes' members want to see all 140 last-minute sales it runs every week. AI marketing personalization tool Jetlore helps prevent over-messaging.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

• CRM chatbots of tomorrow approach and engage customers

  Chatbots find a beachhead on social sites as customers seek information and customer service there. But are these bots 'human' enough to get the job done?Continue Reading

• Explore the top vendors who offer enterprise mobile devices

  Discover these top providers who sell both tablets and smartphones for business workers. Their offerings are diverse, and some are more enterprise-oriented than others.Continue Reading

• Adding voice, text channels in CRM for apps

  When SpotHero wanted to create text and voice channels to enable agents to assist app users with parking their cars, Ujet was the ticket that made it work.Continue Reading

• Five predictions for communication and collaboration trends in 2018

  In the new year, watch for team collaboration tools to become the primary user interface. And one UC vendor might mark the end of life for its on-premises platform.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

• Enterprise mobile devices and how the leaders stack up

  When analyzing and comparing the seemingly endless options available for mobile devices, IT buyers should look at the device type, OS and security functions, among other criteria.Continue Reading

• Configure a complete enterprise DaaS deployment

  There is a lot more than cost that goes into planning a DaaS deployment. Know the missteps to avoid and top vendors that will best fit an organization's needs.Continue Reading

• Workplace by Facebook, Amazon Chime and Walmart -- too big to ignore

  A little more than a year ago, Facebook crashed the unified communications party. The largest social network in the world launched Workplace by Facebook, a collaborative platform for business ...Continue Reading

• Pros and cons of a Windows 10 clean install vs. upgrade

  When migrating to Windows 10, IT must decide whether to perform an upgrade install or clean install. The benefits of one are the weaknesses of the other.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

• 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

• Evaluating SBC vendors for cloud communications infrastructure

  As more organizations move their communications infrastructure to the cloud, session border controllers must follow suit. In 2016, nearly 40% of North American business users were using some form ...Continue Reading

• Virtual assistant apps not quite geared for businesses, yet

  While popular among consumers, virtual assistant tools are not exactly deployed in enterprises. But IT leaders are showing interest in this emerging business technology.Continue Reading

• How one CIO's move to cloud MES brought significant gains

  Led by Manesh Patel, Sanmina moved from an on-premises system to 42Q -- a cloud MES -- for real-time manufacturing and supply chain visibility, improved quality control and yield.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

• Six Windows 10 Fall Creators Update features to know

  The Fall Creators Update is the latest major update to Windows 10. Two of the biggest changes are security enhancements and better Windows Update control.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

• Mobile unified communications market has growing pains

  The mobile UC market needs to offer products that make access to voice, text and video platforms simple, which means enterprises will rely on native device apps in the meantime.Continue Reading

• Quiz: Are you ready for AR and VR in the enterprise?

  There is much more to AR and VR technology than meets the eye. Use this quiz to get a refreshing look on how the software and hardware are evolving in the enterprise.Continue Reading

• Video conferencing usage gets new analytics to gauge ROI

  Instead of assuming video ROI success, enterprises can now see a correlation between video conferencing usage and productivity with the help of new analytics tools.Continue Reading

• How to check Windows 10 compatibility for legacy apps

  Testing apps is just one way to ensure that legacy apps have Windows 10 compatibility. Find out how to confirm the compatibility of legacy apps with the OS.Continue Reading

• AI for finance adoption affected by legal, ethical issues

  Some experts say that for the foreseeable future, machine learning algorithms and other AI technologies will require human oversight for finance services and data privacy.Continue Reading

• SAP S/4HANA public cloud infrastructure options increase

  An SAP systems integrator goes on the public cloud to deploy S/4HANA to help its clients and improve its financial reporting, gaining a world-class accounting system quickly.Continue Reading

• Automation features help settle CRM migration quandary for one office

  Insightly CRM for G Suite or Salesforce? One of a manufacturing company's 72 offices takes the road less traveled.Continue Reading

• Keeping cloud-based unified communications grounded

  Cloud-based unified communications brings with it a chance for networking pros to transform and innovate their networks -- and their own IT skill sets.Continue Reading

• The business case for mobile app development platforms

  A solid MADP can address many enterprise mobile app needs if buyers can effectively make the case for them. Read the five major use cases for an app dev platform.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

• Is a communications API SLA strong enough for enterprises?

  When downtime occurs, an API service-level agreement should pinpoint customer and vendor responsibilities. Enterprises will need to monitor their API SLA closely.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

• Apple Business Chat looks to polish customer messaging

  Harvesting the power of the iPhone, Safari web browser and other search assets, Apple is looking to cultivate integrated chat between businesses and customers.Continue Reading

• Rise of the graphics-intensive mainstream apps

  VDI shops can no longer assume mainstream apps, such as Microsoft Office, do not require GPUs. This type of app, as well as websites and more, are increasingly graphics-intensive.Continue Reading

• Why smartphone technology won't ever replace PCs

  Since the release of the iPhone in 2007, smartphone technology has become so advanced that the devices really are mini computers. But that doesn't mean they'll replace actual PCs. Innovations to ...Continue Reading

• Smartphones sound the death knell for outbound marketing strategies

  Telemarketing might not be dead, but the near-complete saturation of smartphones in the consumer market has landed some death blows to outbound marketing strategies.Continue Reading

• Seeking use cases for digital collaborative whiteboards

  As a fairly new business technology, touchscreen whiteboards are trying to find their way into the enterprise market. Some companies, however, are struggling to find use cases.Continue Reading

• Disadvantages of interactive whiteboards: Cost, lack of interoperability

  Large-screen collaboration devices offer some powerful communications tools. But buyers also need to heed some of the disadvantages of interactive whiteboards.Continue Reading

• Come on down! The VDI price is finally right

  Many IT pros used to view VDI as too expensive, but now with technologies such as hyper-converged infrastructure and all-flash arrays, everything is changing.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

• Consider key factors in the physical vs. virtual desktop debate

  When deciding between physical or virtual desktops, IT admins must evaluate the costs, look at their application requirements and understand their users' needs.Continue Reading

• UCaaS providers reap the benefits of changing attitudes toward cloud

  Many organizations are viewing UCaaS as a more secure alternative to their on-premises technologies. Is it time for you to consider unified communications as a service?Continue Reading

• How to use the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit for Windows 10

  It's important for IT admins to know everything is going to work before they deploy Windows 10 desktops. They can use the tools in the Windows ADK to do just that and more.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

• CRM machine learning leaps forward, assisting process automation

  AI, analytics and machine learning -- once separate technologies -- are now integrating into powerful new combinations for customer retention and service.Continue Reading

• Get into the groove of Office 365 licensing for VDI

  Virtual desktops change the traditional licensing game. Office 365 typically allows for five device installs, but the rules are different in an Office 365 VDI deployment.Continue Reading

• Windows 10 security tools to have handy

  Cyberthreats lurk around every corner, so it's always a good time to fortify Windows 10 defenses. These top security tools can help make that happen.Continue Reading

• AI, IoT and Trailhead were main themes at Salesforce World Tour Boston

  In the second taping of The Pipeline podcast, we discuss the customer stories mentioned at the Boston event, the tight security and Salesforce's push of Trailhead.Continue Reading

• The major themes from SiriusDecisions Summit 2017

  Winning martech strategies highlighted the recent three-day conference, as well as SiriusDecisions keynotes and product showcases.Continue Reading

• Rounding up and diving into some of the top VDI monitoring tools

  Buyers have a wide range of VDI monitoring tools to select from to effectively manage, monitor and troubleshoot VDI deployments and desktop user experiences.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