In 2007, as “cloud computing” was working its way into the vocabulary of mainstream business, several major universities and corporations (including Google and IBM) began a large-scale cloud computing research project.  This year, major events are being hosted that address the topic and its ramifications for high-tech businesses worldwide:  GigaOm held their cloud computing-focused “Structure 08” conference last June, and this week, Microsoft’s annual Professional Developers Conference will be a forum for the announcement of Microsoft’s new cloud computing platform. 

Here are some upcoming cloud computing events:

Cloud Computing Expo   

Fairmont Hotel, San Jose, CA

IGT 2008: International Cloud Computing Conference & Exhibition

December 1-2, 2008

Israel

Cloud Computing Conference 

February 11, 2009

Metro Toronto Convention Center, Canada

Interop Las Vegas   

May 17-22, 2009

The Business Software Advisor

You ask the questions, and our resident software guru shares her wisdom.

 
This week’s question:  I’ve been hearing a lot about “cloud computing”.  What is it and what does it mean for my business?

A:  This year, Gartner estimated that, “by 2012, 80 percent of Fortune 1000 companies will pay for some cloud computing service, and 30 percent of them will pay for cloud computing infrastructure.”  Cloud computing is a term that’s being thrown around quite a bit these days and one that’s clearly important to businesses… but what is it?

 
Cloud computing, according to Wikipedia, is “Internet-based development and use of computer technology.”  The idea of a cloud comes from the shape typically used in computer network diagrams and represents the idea of an abstraction concealing the complex infrastructure underneath: in simple terms, the “cloud”, in today’s terms, means the Internet, by which data is transferred. Read more »

Did you know that at www.VendorDemo.com, you can watch hundreds of business software webinars and demos for free? You’ll also find documents at the site, including case studies, whitepapers, and brochures from industry leaders.  At VendorDemo, you can browse, share, and rate those videos and documents that help you most.  We’ve dedicated this issue of ERP Buzz to highlighting some of most popular content from the site.  Don’t miss these hot webinars and whitepapers! Read more »

Did you know that at VendorDemo, you can watch hundreds of business software webinars and demos - for FREE? This issue of CRM Buzz is dedicated to highlighting some of the latest and greatest on the site, including webinars and whitepapers from leading CRM vendors.  VendorDemo is a great tool to help you build your short list of software vendors, share your favorite videos, and access white papers to learn more about technology solutions.  But to start, check out these picks to see what others are raving about!
Read more »

Today, people, companies, and government are all looking for ways to live and conduct business in an environmentally responsible way.  In tune to this growing trend, business software contributes more than valuable reports to lead a company as well as paperless trail to lead a revolution.  Tim Hines, Vice President of Product Management Consona CRM, has seen his customers save money while achieving a paperless operation delivering real-time data. 

The savings resulting from available business software to technology buyers are clear as more companies strive for paperless operations.  Read more »

iLinc Web conferencing products are widely recognized as powerful tools for more effective virtual communication.  Whether enabling a Web meeting or hosting a virtual classroom, iLinc’s software is known for its reliability, security, and productivity-enhancing features. 

But iLinc, whose customers include HP, Aetna, The U.S. Army, Citigroup, Xerox, and 5 U.S. States, is recognized in the industry for more than the quality of its software: the company is respected in the business software world for its commitment to environmental responsibility and for furthering the growth of a “green environment” in the world of IT technology.  A recipient of the 2008 Frost & Sullivan Green Excellence Award, iLinc offers an innovative “Green Meter” to its customers, enabling them to see the immediate environmental impact that results from their use of iLinc’s “green” technology. Read more »

Where will ERP go next? In a radical artistic move, producer Andrea McIntyre is bringing the most popular enterprise business text of the past six months, Cameron Bidwell’s Best Laid Plans: The ERP Imperative, to an off-Broadway stage with her new musical In the Key of ERP. And if you ask Norah Helms, who plays “the CFO”, the book was just screaming for a musical adaptation:  “This is the Rocky of enterprise business books. I’m not kidding. This book has the exact same plot as Rocky.” Read more »

The future of businesses large and small has suddenly become uncertain. And while most economists, according to CNNMoney.com, don’t believe another depression is likely, this doesn’t change the fact that the financial impact on businesses has already proven to be significant.  Everyone’s purse is getting lighter. 

In light of our current economic situation, what is a company to do?  We want to direct you to articles from business experts who offer advice on surviving the current, dire state of the economy.  Read more »

Small businesses face unique challenges when it comes to acquiring, servicing, and retaining customers.  Budget constraints and limited staff resources can make it difficult for them to compete with their larger counterparts to win the business – and the continued loyalty – of potential buyers. 

Additionally, today’s financial climate is having a significant impact on businesses of all types and sizes, but it’s the smaller organizations that are facing the most pressure.  Finding and leveraging new business opportunities in a “down” market can be a monumental task for small businesses.  Read more »

CRM Strategy for Executives

October 10th, 2008, 1:00pm EST (approximately 45 minutes)
Sponsored by: Majestic Consulting Group, Inc.

In this webinar, you’ll discover why sales don’t grow at the rate you forecasted, how to identify lucrative opportunities in your database, how to beat the competition to the punch, and more!

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE.

Microsoft CRM Webinar

September 24th, 1:00pm EST (approximately 45 minutes)
Sponsored by: Majestic Consulting Group, Inc.

This webinar will give an overview of the Microsoft CRM system and will cover such topics as: activity management, contact management, opportunity management, customer service, and more.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE.