Tips

Tips

• Ten tips for implementing virtual agent chatbots

  Think you're ready to turn over some of your customer service responsibilities to virtual agents? An expert offers 10 tips for implementing chatbots.  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

• 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

• Salesforce Marketing Cloud certification helps Aussie make bank

  When considering which credentials in the Salesforce universe are the best investments, one marketing consultant makes the case for Salesforce Marketing Cloud certification.  Continue Reading

• Survey marketing leads to sales insights for outdoor association

  After decades of catering to the needs of known customers, outdoor retailers now see the light and are targeting old and new customers with data-driven marketing and sales initiatives.  Continue Reading

• Video conference hardware simplified, affordable for huddle rooms

  Video conferencing vendors have aimed to simplify deployments with cost-effective kits that include cameras and audio peripherals for small meeting rooms.  Continue Reading

• Get to know root cause analysis tools for VDI

  Not all VDI monitoring tools provide the same features. IT admins in search of a root cause analysis tool may want to turn to third-party vendors.  Continue Reading

• How to choose the best identity access management software

  Many IAM products flood today's market, with a variety of different features. Prioritize which capabilities are essential to the business before you make a final decision.  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

• A mobile app security checklist for developers

  When developing an app, security should be the number one priority. Review these tips for ensuring rock-solid security for your enterprise mobile app.  Continue Reading

• Top Windows 10 backup and restore utilities

  The key to a good backup and restore tool is reliability. Look into third-party utilities such as Reflect or OneKey for Windows 10 restore and backup.  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 traditional file-sharing services have evolved

  With a focus on improving digital experiences for its users, Box has added two new modern collaboration tools, Skills and Graph, to its roster to help shake up file sharing.  Continue Reading

• How to use Sysprep to install a custom Windows 10 image

  Walk through the process of adding custom software, apps and assets to your Windows 10 image in audit mode.  Continue Reading

• Einstein AI drills deeper into Salesforce clouds

  Einstein AI tools show great promise and are expanding deeper into the Salesforce clouds. Many smaller companies still need some convincing, but have high hopes for the future.  Continue Reading

• Eight must-have call center systems for customer service

  It can be challenging to pick a call center technology, implement it and optimize it for the best results. Here are the top eight call center tools to deliver the best customer experience.  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

• The top nine HR skills your HCM administrator needs

  The HR systems administrator will serve an important role in helping the HR team become more strategic. Here's a look at nine skill areas that person will need to have.  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

• Software troubleshooting steps work best with these 10 tips

  There are efficient ways to troubleshoot enterprise software, and frustrating, time-consuming ones. Follow this advice to sidestep obstacles and find a fix quickly.  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

• A step-by-step guide to SharePoint 2016 migration

  If you're considering a SharePoint 2016 upgrade or migration, here is a step-by-step guide and a migration tool to make the transition as seamless as possible.  Continue Reading

• Don't let network latency issues slow your VDI or DaaS roll

  Data can get to users faster if it is closer to them. As a result IT must keep that distance in mind when setting up a VDI or DaaS deployment.  Continue Reading

• How to configure Microsoft RDS Personal Session Desktops

  Microsoft has found a balance for virtual desktops in Windows Server 2016. Personal Session Desktops give IT the option to deploy VDI in Microsoft Azure.  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

• Capital budgeting software helps manage complex investments

  ERP vendors' BI platforms, corporate performance management software and niche budgeting tools are all places to find the technology for maximizing the ROI of capital assets.  Continue Reading

• Set up a virtual hard disk and perform a Windows 10 dual boot

  Dual booting Windows 10 can come in handy in a variety of ways. The process requires that IT knows how to build a virtual hard disk and install Windows 10 on it.  Continue Reading

• Clear cached credentials with the cmdkey and PowerShell

  Cached credentials make users' lives easier, but they can be a security issue in Windows if a device falls into the wrong hands. IT can manage them on a large scale with PowerShell.  Continue Reading

• The importance of integrating social CRM tools into a CRM strategy

  Customer engagement is no longer about simply handling a phone call or letter. Organizations must also be at the ready to address issues on social media.  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

• The integration of CRM with cross-channel marketing breeds agility

  Leading enterprises searching for ways to bring agility to the market need look no further than cross-channel marketing.  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

• 12 Windows 10 GPO settings IT must know

  Group Policy Objects in Windows 10 are powerful. IT can use them to turn off the Windows Store app, reshape the Start menu, change how users log in and more.  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

• 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

• How to use a new ERP system to improve business processes

  Packaged ERP will not match your business processes exactly -- and that's a good thing. Here's why you should use the prospect of a new system and its implementation to become better.  Continue Reading

• How to build and use a bootable recovery partition in Windows 10

  Understanding how to set up a bootable recovery partition in Windows 10 allows you to restore a damaged OS or troubleshoot a litany of problems.  Continue Reading

• Seven supply chain risk factors that affect assessment, mitigation

  Over the years, managing supply and demand has become increasingly complicated. Here's a look at factors that influence today's supply chain risk assessments.  Continue Reading

• Choose the implementation order of SAP SuccessFactors modules

  Once you have your core HR and talent management priorities straight, you can figure out which SuccessFactors modules will deliver on those goals. Here are some common scenarios.  Continue Reading

• Advisor sees better jobs and pay after Salesforce administrator course

  Jenn Sanders illustrates how the Salesforce administrator course can boost a career. The consultant saw an increase in pay, client respect and a teaching opportunity.  Continue Reading

• Documenting processes is crucial step in deploying enterprise software

  An HR technology consultant outlines the steps needed to get a strong grasp on how your organization does things -- and how new software might make them run more efficiently.  Continue Reading

• Unified communications platforms lack security scrutiny

  As UC platforms become more open to the outside world, IT leaders need to heed newer threats, including guest-access features, federation capabilities and cloud services.  Continue Reading

• Messaging platforms flout traditional real-time telephony

  Business messaging defies traditional telephony-centric, real-time communications. The persistence and efficiency of web-based messaging offers a new way to collaborate.  Continue Reading

• Why internal supply chain alignment is critical -- and how to get it

  The internal supply chain -- from procurement to sales -- is critical to your company's success. Here's how to make sure your departments are aligned, and not working at cross-purposes.  Continue Reading

• Evaluate the three EMM security options: MDM, MAM and MIM

  There is more to EMM security than meets the eye. When it comes to safeguarding corporate devices, IT should consider all three EMM components: MAM, MDM and MIM.  Continue Reading

• Don't let VDI drain the IP address pool

  IP addresses can get gobbled up in VDI deployments because each virtual desktop and each endpoint takes up an address. Admins can fight back with IP address management tools.  Continue Reading

• How to fix Windows 10 update problems with the DISM command tool

  With a few tricks in the Windows Deployment Image Servicing and Management command utility, admins can solve some of the most common Windows 10 update problems plaguing their users.  Continue Reading

• Is VDI susceptible to ransomware threats?

  VDI environments are in danger of ransomware attacks. They can encrypt personal and professional data that cannot be decoded once the user's session ends.  Continue Reading

• How to decide to deliver apps through VDI vs. installing them locally

  Admins have a tough choice in how they deliver new apps to their users. In some situations it's better to do it through VDI while in others its best to install them locally.  Continue Reading

• Roaming profiles help deliver a consistent virtual desktop experience

  Nonpersistent VDI strips users of their ability to customize their desktops. With user environment management methods such as roaming profiles, they can take some ownership back.  Continue Reading

• Three measures for capturing the value of data-driven decisions

  Here's advice on how to track not just the amount of use of the analytics team's data and insights, but the value of the analytics they bring to the entire organization.  Continue Reading

• Why customizing ERP software is usually a bad idea

  To get the functions and flexibility that support your organization's competitive edge, try these five solutions first, before customizing ERP as a last resort.  Continue Reading

• Office 365 vs. Office 2013: What are the key differences?

  Software as a service may be one reason for choosing Office 365 over Office 2013, but licensing and update frequency are other considerations.  Continue Reading

• How UC channel partners can capitalize on communication APIs

  IT teams often lack developer resources to integrate communication APIs. But UC channel partners can step in to help customers embed communications into their workflows.  Continue Reading

• How lean production systems cut the fat out of manufacturing, ERP

  From its introduction, the lean approach has influenced manufacturing efficiency, and ERP systems have incorporated its concepts to a greater and greater degree. Here's a look at how lean and ERP have grown increasingly intertwined.  Continue Reading

• Salesforce acquisitions signal ongoing broad-based platform strategy

  In 2017, Salesforce plans to wield its collaborative culture and tools to integrate its 2016 acquisitions. How will its platform strategy fare?  Continue Reading

• WebRTC market expected to see more gradual changes

  In the new year, track these WebRTC market trends -- the proliferation of API platforms, the adoption of live broadcast streaming, and whatever Microsoft and Apple decide to do.  Continue Reading

• Using Microsoft MyAnalytics to improve workers' time management

  Microsoft MyAnalytics has been hailed as the next great thing for analyzing worker productivity. But how can employees be assured that the data won't be used against them?  Continue Reading

• How to safeguard Microsoft Dynamics CRM security

  Microsoft Dynamics CRM security can be onerous if you try and lock things down too much. Here is a rundown of features that can help you make Dynamics CRM 'usably secure.'  Continue Reading

• Take a close-up look at Windows 10 permissions settings

  With all the new updates and features, Windows 10 can appear daunting. To simplify the transition, break down and tailor the permissions in Windows 10 to users' specific needs.  Continue Reading

• Expert tips for implementing procure-to-pay software

  P2P software touches many departments, ties in suppliers and has a big impact on financials. You need all the major stakeholders at the planning table.  Continue Reading

• S&OP software can coordinate integrated, data-driven planning process

  Sales and operations planning is certainly possible with spreadsheets and paper, but collaboration and benchmarking across departments are much easier with specialized software.  Continue Reading

• Integrate contact center and unified communications platforms

  The lines are blurring between contact center and unified communications platforms, as team messaging capabilities help agents collaborate and resolve customer issues.  Continue Reading

• Seven ways Dynamics 365 stands out from every other ERP platform

  Microsoft promises Dynamics 365 will outshine every other ERP platform that will allow users to gain better customer insights and while keeping costs down.  Continue Reading

• SAP Hybris CRM gets a jolt from SAP HANA Cloud

  SAP Hybris is capitalizing on PaaS to help customers and partners build applications and better integrate their SAP portfolios.  Continue Reading

• Despite initial fanfare, Salesforce IoT Cloud still seeks user enthusiasm

  Salesforce IoT Cloud came on the scene to great fanfare, but users are still struggling with how to make meaningful use of the data.  Continue Reading

• Value drivers must be constant focus of digital technology initiatives

  Getting caught up in the enterprise digital technologies hype is dangerous for your company. Here's what to do instead.  Continue Reading

• How using predictive analytics helps public agencies predict demand

  Predictive analytics aren't just for the private sector. Government agencies are tapping into analytics to gain more lead time in determining demand for services.  Continue Reading

• Omnichannel data at core of new commerce offerings

  SAP's Beyond CRM initiative and Salesforce's Commerce Cloud are going after customer data silos and trying to create a truly omnichannel picture.  Continue Reading

• Use Fiori Elements and smart controls for custom Fiori apps

  Fiori Elements can save development time and provide a consistent user experience across SAP Fiori apps, if you know a bit about what's under the hood.  Continue Reading

• Understand the basics of VMware Blast Extreme vs. PCoIP

  For years PCoIP has been the go-to remote display protocol for View shops, but VMware's in-house protocol, Blast Extreme, is ready to take over.  Continue Reading

• VMware AirWatch policy and configuration tips you might not know about

  There are some under-the-radar features that IT pros can take advantage of when it comes to VMware AirWatch configuration and policy settings. Automation can also be beneficial.  Continue Reading

• Salesforce AI touts intelligence for everyone

  Salesforce AI has come to the fore with Einstein, its intelligence application. The CRM provider attempts to round out its portfolio with this accessible AI addition.  Continue Reading

• How to use WMI and the CIM standard with Windows PowerShell

  WMI, Microsoft's implementation of the CIM standard, lets admins use PowerShell commands to view and modify system data and configuration.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft may bring location-based marketing to Office 365

  It's still early days for location-based marketing, but recent integrations and acquisitions by Microsoft indicate it has LBM on its roadmap.  Continue Reading

• How Salesforce Health Cloud changes patient care

  Salesforce Health Cloud gives healthcare providers access to patient data, including medical treatments and care plans, to improve care plans -- and it does this securely. Here's how.  Continue Reading

• Why Microsoft Azure is the backbone of the Office 365 subscription

  With cloud-based services becoming more and more essential to collaboration and productivity for companies, the Office 365 subscription looks to Microsoft Azure to help round out its services.  Continue Reading

• How manufacturers can use an MRP system to reduce inventory

  By focusing on compensating factors such as safety stock and shrinkage, you can counteract the tendency of an MRP system to increase inventory, especially in the beginning.  Continue Reading

• Why mobile two-factor authentication is better than biometrics

  Two-factor authentication may not be perfect, but nothing is with security, and it is certainly more secure than any single-form factor method, including biometrics.  Continue Reading

• Cisco Spark, Slack ignite fledgling team messaging market

  Emerging team messaging platforms have great potential. Cisco Spark, in particular, is poised to affect the UC market, but widespread enterprise adoption remains unclear.  Continue Reading

• Can Salesforce AI with Einstein catch the next AI wave?

  Salesforce Einstein is the next installment of intelligent sales, marketing and service systems -- but this is one of numerous Salesforce acquisitions. How will it fare?  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs. Remote Desktop Session Host

  Microsoft Remote Desktop Services has made significant strides since its early days, but Remote Desktop Session Host has built up a lot of good will over the years.  Continue Reading

• How material requirements planning can lead to more inventory

  It seems counterintuitive, but inventory can actually increase after implementing an MRP system. Here are some reasons why it's so hard to zero out the excess in the supply chain.  Continue Reading

• How desktop provisioning works with VMware Instant Clone

  IT can use Instant Clones in VMware Horizon View to provision multiple virtual desktops with shared RAM and disk resources, which can improve overall performance.  Continue Reading

• Crafting your mobile app strategy is like online dating

  Your mobile app strategy should accommodate both newer prospects who haven't developed loyalty and long-standing customers who are ready to download an app.  Continue Reading

• Four problem areas to watch for when VDI troubleshooting

  When it comes to VDI, IT must be ready to troubleshoot common problems associated with virtual desktop performance, back-end infrastructure, product platforms and persona management.  Continue Reading

• How to handle Windows 10 browser compatibility issues

  IT often runs into problems with legacy apps not functioning well on new browser versions. There are a few ways to combat Windows 10 browser compatibility issues in Internet Explorer 11.  Continue Reading

• Take control of virtual desktop access with two-factor authentication

  Traditional passwords simply aren't good enough for VDI shops. Instead they need to make users' devices require a second form of authentication or use one-time passwords that change frequently.  Continue Reading

• Three ways to import Power BI data into SharePoint

  Whether you want to import raw data, use a URL or analyze data with Excel, here's the how-to on bringing Microsoft Power BI data into SharePoint.  Continue Reading

• Salesforce rallies in retail with purchase of Demandware e-commerce

  Now that Salesforce has purchased Demandware, it's positioned to compete with vendors like Oracle and even Amazon for market share.  Continue Reading

• Four features of contact center evolution

  Contact center evolution is explored through four key features, identifying how contact centers have changed through the past, present and future.  Continue Reading

• S&OP inventory a key metric in sales and operations planning

  Inventory is just one output of sales and operations planning, but it's also one of the best S&OP metrics for how well a plan is working and serves as a shock absorber between supply and demand.  Continue Reading

• In customer personalization, explicit data matters

  By utilizing explicit data, companies can increase brand engagement and enhance the customer journey through customer personalization.  Continue Reading

• How to bake up Raspberry Pi thin clients for VDI

  Raspberry Pis are one of the lowest-cost computing options out there, so it's only natural for IT to wonder whether they're suitable as thin clients for some enterprise use cases.  Continue Reading

• How to connect Power BI with SharePoint

  Here's a step-by-step guide on how to connect Power BI with SharePoint team sites without uploading files, allowing you to export and analyze data much more seamlessly.  Continue Reading

• Don't let VDI network latency grind virtual desktops to a halt

  Network latency problems can make even the simplest tasks impossible on a virtual desktop. IT needs to use performance monitoring to identify the source of latency to fix the problem.  Continue Reading

• Use an in-place upgrade to repair Windows 10

  If your Windows 10 installation has gone wonky and needs some attention, one way to fix it is with an in-place upgrade to the same version of Windows you already use.  Continue Reading