Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• Weighing the pros and cons of SharePoint BPM

  When looking at the pros and cons of SharePoint BPM, consider the tradeoff between Office integration and the versatility of broader BPM tools. Continue Reading

• How to build visual workflows in SharePoint

  Editing workflows in SharePoint has become more intuitive, with Visio integration that makes it easier to alter the structure of business processes. Continue Reading

• SharePoint workflow management: The little engine that could?

  SharePoint BPM may be overshadowed by other BPM platforms, but its workflow management can bring efficiencies at a lower cost than its rivals. Continue Reading

• Use balanced scorecards to follow through on business strategy

  Balanced scorecards are deceptively powerful tools for defining and tracking key metrics and objectives. Continue Reading

• How to perform a Windows XP upgrade to Windows 8.1

  As organizations must now implement a Windows XP upgrade to Windows 8.1, they should understand that Windows 8 and 8.1 aren't identical and use the Windows 8.1 Upgrade Assistant. 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

• Smackdown: Microsoft vs. Citrix vs. VMware VDI for 3-D graphics

  Virtual desktops and 3-D graphics can mix if you use the right approach. Here's how Citrix, Microsoft and VMware VDI's GPU support compares.Continue Reading

• VMware and Citrix put gloves on, customers prep for winning products

  Whether Horizon 6 or XenApp is better doesn't matter; the longer VMware and Citrix duke it out, the better both products will be for customers.Continue Reading

• Comparing mobile OS security features

  Security features and methods vary across the different mobile operating systems, so you should get to know who offers what.Continue Reading

• BlackBerry 10 open APIs extend MDM support without BES

  BlackBerry's move to open its BlackBerry 10 OS APIs to other MDM tools is a welcome one for IT shops that don't want to stick with BES.Continue Reading

• Five alternatives to Microsoft for mobile office applications

  There are plenty of alternatives to Microsoft Office out there. Check out other mobile office apps that help you view and edit docs.Continue Reading

• A guide to SharePoint migration

  SharePoint migration is no easy task. Prepare for a successful upgrade with this guide, which also includes SPTechCon 2014 coverage.Continue Reading

• Breaking down VMware GPU virtualization options: Soft 3D, vSGA and vDGA

  VMware GPU virtualization options Soft 3D, vSGA and vDGA have different uses and benefits, but they all help companies reap performance rewards.Continue Reading

• The Sysinternals Disk Usage tool is a simple way to assess free space

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• Free Sysinternals tools can be IT's friends

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• BPM projects must come from top down, says Oracle Collaborate speaker

  While trends such as mobility have changed BPM from the bottom up, BPM projects should come from the top down, said an Oracle Collaborate speaker.Continue Reading

• Pros and cons of using secure containers for mobile device security

  With BYOD on the rise, IT needs to keep sensitive corporate information safe. Secure containers are one way to do that, but when’s best to use them?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

• Microsoft moves deeper into cloud with Office Graph, OneDrive updates

  Microsoft looks to the enterprise future with Yammer-inspired Office Graph for collaboration, standalone OneDrive for Business taking on Dropbox, Box.Continue Reading

• How mobile antivirus software works and how to know if you need it

  Whether you require users to have mobile antivirus software on their devices depends on how much control you have and which devices workers use.Continue Reading

• App delivery techniques: Virtualization and Web-based apps

  Web-based apps and mobile desktop virtualization are gaining traction as valid mobile app delivery techniques, but each option has specific use cases.Continue Reading

• Five critical factors to integrating SAP SuccessFactors with SAP HCM

  There are five critical aspects to integrating SAP SuccessFactors with SAP HCM software or other technologies, writes HCM expert Luke Marson.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

• FAQ: Understanding and leveraging 3PL providers

  In this FAQ, learn all about third-party logistics (3PL) providers and what they can offer manufacturers.Continue Reading

• More remote Group Policy Object settings and checking refresh status

  Admins can refresh Group Policy Object settings across multiple computers, but they must verify that Group Policy settings have successfully changed.Continue Reading

• What virtualized GPU technology is doing for VDI

  Virtualized GPU technology brings VDI to more users than ever before, which could spur desktop virtualization adoption.Continue Reading

• Making thin client performance priority No. 1

  Thin client performance is the key to a successful endpoint because it's the issue that most affects your end users.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

• Updates of cloud-based applications not as automatic as they may seem

  According to experts, some of the onus still falls on users to update cloud-based applications, despite vendor promises of automatic upgrades.Continue Reading

• Compare Cisco and Lync UC platform features while market is ripe

  Are you deciding between Cisco and Lync UC platforms? This article compares features from each vendor and explains why the competition is so tough.Continue Reading

• Three important VDI application deployment considerations

  Consider app compatibility and the frequency of updates when you choose VDI application deployment methods. Oh, and don't forget cost.Continue Reading

• Cloud storage and file-sharing service features, pricing comparison

  With all the cloud storage and file-sharing platforms available, it can be hard to choose. Use our chart to compare features, pricing and more.Continue Reading

• Budgeting process case studies demonstrate how to keep it simple

  Barry Wilderman analyzes two budgeting case studies and breaks down their differences and similarities.Continue Reading

• Use SAP Backflush functionality to automate production processes

  Companies save themselves headaches by automating production processes using SAP Backflush and Automatic Goods Receipt functions, writes Jawad Akhtar.Continue Reading

• How to load balance a Citrix or VMware VDI implementation

  Whether your VDI implementation is based on Citrix or VMware, certain load-balancing techniques will keep performance on target.Continue Reading

• SharePoint 2013 out-of-the-box features

  Let's give thanks for some of SharePoint 2013's out-of-the-box features, some of which have made serious strides since the previous release.Continue Reading

• If you're not using Windows Sysinternals tools, you should be

  Windows Sysinternals tools can make work a lot easier for IT administrators, but many people don't even know the suite exists. Get with the program!Continue Reading

• Budgeting software vs. Excel: Which one meets your organization's needs?

  To make your decision easier, read expert Barry Wilderman's explanation of the pros and cons of each, plus cloud considerations.Continue Reading

• How to handle peripherals support on virtual desktops

  Peripherals support can be especially tricky on virtual desktops because you often need redirection technology to make the devices work.Continue Reading

• How to configure SharePoint for mobile devices

  As more organizations support bring-your-own-device initiatives, end users increasingly expect access to SharePoint resources from mobile devices.Continue Reading

• SAP NLS app, new HANA updates changing the data management equation

  Developments including an SAP Near Line Storage application and new SAP HANA features are helping solve big data bottlenecks, writes Ethan Jewett.Continue Reading

• Which budget technique is right for your organization?

  Budgeting is not one size fits all. The size of your organization may determine which technique fit bests. Try these techniques on for size.Continue Reading

• SkyDrive Pro offers another corporate cloud storage service option

  Cloud-based storage is in high demand, but will Windows 8.1 with SkyDrive meet the need for an enterprise-grade service?Continue Reading

• Pros and cons of using VDI for BYOD management

  Virtual desktop infrastructure eases the stress of managing employee-owned devices in the enterprise, but beware connectivity and compatibility snags.Continue Reading

• Everything you need to know about developing mobile apps

  Developing mobile apps for your users can help them be more productive, but before you start building apps, learn about the different kinds.Continue Reading

• SharePoint 2013 overview: Ready for mobile and social?

  Despite a lackluster track record for mobile SharePoint, is SharePoint 2013 now ready for mobile prime time?Continue Reading

• BMC's Partnerpedia acquisition to yield unified enterprise app store

  BMC, RES Software and other vendors offer enterprise app stores akin to Apple's Mac App Store to deliver apps and services to corporate employees . Here's how.Continue Reading

• Google Hangouts vs. Skype: A comparative look

  Google's challenging Microsoft in the video conferencing market. This chart offers a feature-by-feature comparative look at Google Hangouts vs. Skype.Continue Reading

• Apple iOS devices and VDI: Connecting the cult and the corporation

  If your organization wants to access virtual desktops from Apple iOS devices, keep these tips in mind to make the transition smooth.Continue Reading

• Pros and cons of mobile device management software

  There are some security gaps that MDM can't fill, but mobile device management software is still a must for many companies.Continue Reading

• Weighing connected vs. disconnected VDI

  Offline VDI lets users work from anywhere -- even without an Internet connection -- but that brings up a few challenges regarding user experience.Continue Reading

• Windows tools and terminology for desktop admins

  There are a number of Windows tools that desktop admins can use, but before you can use them you have to know what the terms actually mean.Continue Reading

• Using Active Directory activation and other new Office 2013 tools

  Among the new Office 2013 tools for IT admins are a method for volume activation, administrative template files and files for custom installations.Continue Reading

• Citrix kills its Application Streaming feature, directs users to App-V

  Citrix has officially ceased development and support for its Application Streaming feature, and has directed IT pros to use Microsoft App-V instead.Continue Reading

• What is a call park phone feature and how does it work?

  UC expert, Matt Brunk, explains a call park phone feature, how it works and how it compares to a visual call park feature in this expert response.Continue Reading

• Zero client vs. thin client computing: Why zero clients are better

  Zero clients and thin clients both offer virtual desktop access, but they aren't the same when it comes to performance and scalability.Continue Reading

• Nonpersistent vs. persistent desktops: Why VDI should persist

  Using persistent desktops for VDI makes application delivery more flexible; plus, they're similar to the physical desktops you already have.Continue Reading

• Mobile application delivery: How to do it and what to beware of

  Mobile application delivery is a tough nut to crack. Every delivery option has drawbacks, such as cost, connectivity and user experience.Continue Reading

• Comparing remote display protocols: RemoteFX vs. HDX vs. PCoIP

  Are you puzzled by protocols? This comparison reviews top remote display protocols from major vendors so you'll know what each has to offer.Continue Reading

• Choosing thin client devices: What to look for

  On the lookout for thin client devices? Don't forget to consider application compatibility, protocol support, features and cost.Continue Reading

• Surface RT review: The good, the bad and the ugly

  The Surface RT tablet comes with Office and has good battery life, but it has some drawbacks, too. This Surface RT review explains the pros and cons.Continue Reading

• Comparing mobile operating systems' manageability and security

  Each of the popular mobile operating systems has different security and management features. Compare them to see which ones might fit in your company.Continue Reading

• User profile management tools: 16 options to consider

  There are tons of user profile management tools out there. Check out these options to learn what they offer -- and which ones are free.Continue Reading

• Oracle Siebel vs. Salesforce faceoff: Siebel is more versatile

  In this Oracle Siebel vs. Salesforce faceoff, one consultant says Siebel users have more options without paying much more than Salesforce customers.Continue Reading

• Application virtualization comparison: XenApp vs. ThinApp vs. App-V

  App streaming and virtualization tools differ when it comes to portability, offline capabilities and more. Get to know application presentation tools from Citrix, VMware and Microsoft.Continue Reading

• Comparing mobile operating systems and application environments

  Each mobile operating system has a different application environment, but that could be more of an advantage for businesses than a detriment.Continue Reading

• GPU vs. CPU: Three ways to run graphics-heavy apps on virtual desktops

  It's a pain trying to accommodate graphics-intensive applications on a virtual desktop, but don't despair. There are ways to deliver these apps fast.Continue Reading

• Top five mobile application vulnerabilities

  Devices are often blamed for insecurities, but mobile app vulnerabilities are insidious. Make sure employees use common sense when they download apps.Continue Reading

• Budgeting and forecasting software rescues firm from 'spreadsheet hell'

  Adaptive Planning's SaaS budgeting, planning and forecasting tools cater to NPD Group's global needs in a way that Excel couldn't.Continue Reading

• Citrix Synergy Barcelona recap: Combining XenApp and XenDesktop

  At Citrix Synergy Barcelona, the vendor announced phase one of Project Avalon, which will provide unified management for XenApp and XenDesktop.Continue Reading

• Application virtualization Q&A: Streaming and remote app delivery

  Application virtualization can simplify upgrading and management. Just remember, streaming and remote apps are two different things.Continue Reading

• Demystifying Microsoft virtual desktop licensing: SA vs. VDA vs. CDL

  Virtual desktops are so dynamic that licensing them isn't easy. Microsoft's complex VDI licensing rules certainly don't help.Continue Reading

• Six data privacy questions to ask SaaS financial software vendors

  The answers to these questions can help CFOs shake data privacy fears and feel more confident about moving financials to the cloud.Continue Reading

• Using Portable-VirtualBox to run any OS from a USB device

  Portable-VirtualBox allows you to run OSes from a USB drive, which helps you test them for use in server and desktop virtualization environments.Continue Reading

• VMware announces AppShift, Wanova integration in end-user computing keynote

  At VMworld 2012 this week, the end-user computing keynote had IT pros talking. Hear about Project AppShift, Wanova's integration with VMware View and more in this video recap.Continue Reading

• Turn to Microsoft RemoteApp Programs when VDI and RDS just won't do

  VDI and RDS aren't always the best fit for remote app delivery. For a lightweight approach, try Microsoft RemoteApp Programs in Windows Server 2012.Continue Reading

• Desktop virtualization comparison: VDI vs. Remote Desktop Services

  For desktop virtualization, you have a choice between the paths of VDI and Remote Desktop Services. Robert Frost took the road less travelled, but you don't have to choose just one.Continue Reading

• Reverse seamless windows: The secret to local apps on remote desktops

  Some apps just run better as local applications. Reverse seamless windows technology allows you to run apps locally while presenting them on remote desktops.Continue Reading

• How an acceptable use policy and app control can improve BYOD success

  Organizations that adopt BYOD should have an acceptable use policy to help with security and app control. When users know expectations and consequences, BYOD gets easier for IT.Continue Reading

• Why using a bare metal client hypervisor on a Mac makes no sense

  Apple supports running Mac OS X 10.7 Lion in a client hypervisor VM on Mac hardware, but is there any value in virtualizing the Mac OS with Type-1 products such as XenClient?Continue Reading

• More tools for converting PCs to thin clients

  You don't need to replace all your PCs to move to virtual desktops. Here are six non-Windows tools to help you convert old hardware to thin clients for desktop virtualization.Continue Reading

• Google Chrome OS vs. Chromium OS: Understanding the difference

  Before buying Google Chromebooks, learn the difference between Chrome and Chromium -- the free HTML5 browsers and OSes you can use to check out desktop virtualization clients.Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of using storage virtualization for virtual desktops

  Thinking of virtualizing storage to improve virtual desktop performance? Here are the pros and cons of storage virtualization for VDI.Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of using hosted apps in the enterprise

  Hosted applications can reduce IT management burdens, but they can leave you at the mercy of service providers. Here are the pros and cons to weigh before moving to the cloud.Continue Reading

• Using AppLocker to lock down Remote Desktop Services apps

  The time it takes to get AppLocker fully functional negates its benefits, but with Remote Desktop Services, the Windows 7 application security tool is a no-brainer.Continue Reading

• The Layer 4 protocols behind PCoIP and HDX: Which is better for VDI?

  VMware uses UDP for its remote desktop protocol, PC-over-IP, and Citrix uses TCP for HDX. Consider the pros and cons of these technologies for your VDI environment.Continue Reading

• Remote desktop access vs. mobile access: What's the difference?

  While remote access is always remote, it's not always mobile. There's a difference between the two, each with its own use case.Continue Reading

• Oracle vs. SAP lawsuit: The trial begins

  It’s been more than three years since Oracle filed a lawsuit against SAP alleging intellectual property theft. Read this special report for the history of the Oracle vs. SAP lawsuit.Continue Reading

• SAP Sapphire Now 2010 Orlando: SearchSAP.com Special Report

  This SAP Sapphire 2010 special report features content from SAP's annual user conference in one convenient location.Continue Reading

• Using VMware ThinApp for application virtualization

  Considering virtualizing your apps? See the benefits – and pitfalls – of application virtualization and find steps on how to use VMware ThinApp.Continue Reading

• Mobile device integration services: Choosing a mobile operating system

  To offer mobile device integration services, a solution provider must be able to recommend the right operating system for mobile devices. Depending on a customer's needs, a solution provider should be able to provide a mobile OS comparison and guide...Continue Reading

• Planning for a warehouse management software (WMS) project

  Any warehouse management system (WMS) project brings big changes to your IT and business processes. Here are tips for avoiding pitfalls and creating a WMS plan that meets your unique needs.Continue Reading

• Inventory management software frequently asked questions (FAQ)

  Inventory management software goes beyond simple record-keeping to provide the information and analysis you need to make better decisions. Here are some frequently asked questions.Continue Reading

• Which form of app virtualization is best: streaming or localized?

  Follow these steps to determine which method of application virtualization is best for your IT shop: streaming mode or localized mode. Know your IT environment to find the way.Continue Reading

• Best practices for MES software selection and implementation

  Before moving forward with your MES implementation, be sure you've identified your business goals and expectations for your MES software. Check out some best practices for building a business case, selecting software and implementing MES.Continue Reading

• Understanding application virtualization as a software hosting strategy

  Application virtualization is a software hosting strategy that can increase system protection and eliminate incompatibilities with configuration data by using APIs to emulate middleware and OS interfaces.Continue Reading

• Five call center sales tips and techniques

  In difficult economic times, ramping up sales in the call center can provide another outlet to help companies meet sales quotas and drive sales effectiveness. We've gathered these five tips for companies looking to improve call center sales and ...Continue Reading

• Parsing virtual apps, streaming and isolation

  Do you know the difference between application virtualization, isolation and streaming? Find out in this week's column from Brian Madden.Continue Reading

• Top free SharePoint utilities and tools for enterprises

  Are you on a tight budget? Download these handy tools and utilities for free to fill in SharePoint functionality gaps.Continue Reading