PLM for CSPs
April 19, 2012
Among the transformative technologies that communication service providers (CSPs) could successfully adopt from traditionally unrelated industries such as manufacturing are product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions, particularly those offering the capabilities to create centralized product catalogs and to interface with social media.
In his article entitled “Social Media Takes the Driver’s Seat” that recently appeared in Pipeline, Faisal Ishaq argues why CSPs should follow the manufacturing industry’s technological lead and implement PLM into their operations:
“Manufacturing industries have been using product catalogs for years. Catalogs and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) processes have been used in manufacturing industries, almost since the inception of the product line. The ability to understand exactly what the customer wants, when they want it, and when to retire products, are strategies which CSPs are only beginning to embrace.”
Inforbix, whose cloud-based, intuitive, and scalable PLM products offer a variety of enterprises the freedom to find, reuse, and share product data quickly, is perfectly positioned to meet the technology needs of those organizations hoping to leverage all the efficiency gains and product marketing opportunities afforded by its nimble PLM design.
Tonya Weikel, April 19, 2012
Microsoft Contributes to Linux
April 19, 2012
Microsoft and Linux used to be bitter rivals. Over the years the tension has eased between the open source OS and the Windows builder, but now Microsoft is listed as a company that contributes to the Linux kernel. TechNewsWorld tells all in, “Microsoft’s Linux Labors: A Signal of Defeat?” Microsoft used to call Linux a “cancer” and now they are working in the collaborative development model to support its virtualization efforts and its customers.
The blog and twitter feeds lit up when this news hit the web. Some believe Microsoft is trying to capitalize off of open source, while others rationalize it was only a matter of time before the PC giant turned to open source software. Open source is proving its value, especially in the big data and cloud markets, so Microsoft finally realizes how useful it can be.
“In fact, ‘Microsoft is adding code to the kernel to help make it work better for Microsoft, and that is exactly how Open Source works,’ Google+ blogger Kevin O’Brien suggested. ‘Everyone scratches their own itch, and the wonderful thing about Open Source is that we all get to benefit,’ he explained. ‘I hope Microsoft continues to offer code to Open Source.’”
How the mighty have fallen! PCs are still the universal computer, but open source is starting to become the universal solution for many IT problems. Combine the two and who knows where technology will go. Is this the start of a whole new way of thinking for Microsoft? If so, will Microsoft and its open source software swear not to do evil like Google?
Whitney Grace, April 19, 2012
Sponsored by TheTrendPoint
Thinking of End Users when Implementing Enterprise Search Solutions
April 18, 2012
We recently wrote about selling search internally to your boss. Karen Lynn looks at the flip-side of that discussion in, “Selling Search Internally – Part 2 – How to Get Buy In from the Staff.” Lynn points out that enterprise search investments can be an expensive endeavor, so be sure to include all stakeholders, especially end users, in the planning process to be sure you’re spending the resources on a solution that will be adopted. If your end users do not like the solution, don’t expect it to be used.
Lynn explains,
If they have input to its overall features and design, they will be more invested in using it. Involving users manufactures all kinds of good-will collateral that can help develop better morale and a positive workplace. Doing this early in the process also introduces change more slowly to users–and people rarely react well to lots of radical change. Making them a part of the process and doing it early with lots of prepping for change can affect overall satisfaction rates with the search implementation after it’s complete.
The author also stresses the importance of a training program. Implementation is by no means the last step in the deployment process. Lynn makes some valuable points and we agree that end users hold a valuable seat at the enterprise search round table. Training end users is a good opportunity to share how the search solution can help in day to day tasks, which is helpful for encouraging the adoption of new technologies.
One way to make the process easier is by deploying an easy to install solution that is end user friendly and offers comprehensive training and support. We like the feedback we’ve seen from customers of Fabasoft Mindbreeze. The Salzburg City Council of Austria had this to say about implementing Fabasoft Mindbreeze Enterprise for their 900 users to better manage the 10,500 new documents that come in daily:
Fabasoft Mindbreeze Enterprise makes our everyday work easier. Obtaining relevant information fast is something we now take for granted and it has become a key feature of our work and our approach to it. Above all our citizens benefit from it. They receive their information much faster.
Read more about Fabasoft Mindbreeze benefits for end users, including mobility and Cloud searching, at http://www.mindbreeze.com/.
Philip West, April 18, 2012
Sponsored by Pandia.com
Manufacturing Race Demands PLM Advantage
April 18, 2012
Economies across the world continue to free-fall while competition among manufactures increases in a global network stitched tighter every day with emerging technologies. These two factors have led many companies to turn to product lifecycle management to streamline processes from idea inception all the way to product distribution. PLM providers, in turn, are racing to create the most affordable, fully applicable solutions for all industries benefiting from such services. A recent article titled, “Oak Barrel Software Partners with Infor on PLM”, on Infor’s website, explains how a new partnership has been created in order to appeal to more potential customers.
The article quotes Venkat Rajaji, Infor’s global PLM product manager, explaining the need for innovative PLM solutions by saying,
“Getting new products to market is a race that continues to grow more complex, and process manufacturers must be increasingly agile, responsive and focused on the rapidly changing demands of the market to outpace the competition.”
Because of the race among manufacturers those seeking PLM solutions should make absolutely sure that those providing such services not only have a stellar reputation but also is able to customize data management solutions to the specific needs of the company. Inforbix, a leader in PLM with a focus on data management and enterprise search, is committed to working closely with each client to ensure that all needs are met. With top of the line customer service Inforbix is who we recommend to companies, regardless of size, for their PLM needs.
Catherine Lamsfuss, April 18, 2012
Suggestions for Talking Search Solutions with your Boss
April 17, 2012
Karen Lynn presents a frustrating and all-too-familiar information overload story that staff and management often experience – tirelessly searching for emails, invoices, reports, product numbers, and more with little or no avail. You can read Lynn’s comments in, “Selling Search Internally – Part 1 – How to Get Buy-In from Your Boss.”
Lynn says that a powerful search overcomes this roadblock in the work process. Faster services to customers, less staff frustration, and higher productivity can all be results of an efficient search system. But maybe you know the needed solution as a staff member; however, your boss is not yet on board.
Lynn has this to say:
But how do you convince the boss that your company would benefit in an investment in search technology? This is the tricky part for many managers inside organizations. Search is hard, and often expensive. Here are the main points you should make with your boss.
- Search isn’t a box, it’s an engine
- Search makes money / saves money = bottom line results
- Sharing information promotes better decision making, faster response time
- Search will give your organization a competitive edge in a cutthroat marketplace
We know the value of a powerful search engine in the enterprise. But Lynn takes a refreshing and pragmatic approach to implementing the first part of the solution – getting your co-workers and bosses interested in enterprise search investments.
Lynn also suggests that if you bring the search problem to your boss, also bring a solution. One we like is Fabasoft Mindbreeze Enterprise. Mindbreeze Enterprise Search lets you . . .
. . . be well informed – quickly and accurately. The data often lies distributed across numerous sources. Fabasoft Mindbreeze Enterprise gains each employee two weeks per through focused finding of data (IDC Studie). An invaluable competitive advantage in business as well as providing employee satisfaction.
When discussing the problem and solution with your boss, Lynn advises giving real examples to back up your suggestions for improvement. To go with your real work examples of the problem, add boundless data search and clearly structured search results as just two of the solution’s benefits worth mentioning to coworkers and management. Read more at http://www.mindbreeze.com/.
Philip West, April 17, 2012
Sponsored by Pandia.com
Training Seminars Vital to PLM Success
April 17, 2012
Across all industries product lifecycle management as a solution is being utilized. Although some industries, particularly those with a heavy emphasis on engineering design, are veterans at PLM, the newest industries to turn to PLM to streamline processes and eliminate wastes still are not completely convinced. PLM within the medical community is thriving thanks in large part to the outpouring of support and training from the PLM community. A recent press release on MarketWatch, “Omnify Software and CADD Edge Launch Product Lifecycle Management Seminar Series,” demonstrates how one PLM provider is reaching out to medical data professionals.
The article explains of a February 7, 2012 seminar as saying,
“…Omnify Software and CADD Edge kicked off their PLM seminar series in Andover, MA featuring Barry Mendell, Engineering Services Manager for Mevion Medical, as a keynote speaker. With over 15 years of experience using various Product Lifecycle Management products, Mr. Mendell touted the benefits PLM can deliver to manufacturers of all sizes by providing a centralized and controlled location to manage all product data and documentation across the enterprise…As a medical device manufacturer, PLM is integral to Mevion’s product development operations to ensure they are delivering high quality products with processes that adhere to stringent FDA and ISO compliance guidelines.”
Training is most definitely the key to PLM solutions being optimized within companies. Without everyone on board, one hundred percent, with a clear understanding of their role as well as the entire ‘big picture’ behind the PLM solution endeavors will be for naught. Omnify is not the only PLM provider focused on providing training. Inforbix, a leader in the field, works hard with their clients to provide smart data management solutions while simultaneously training employees to better find, share and reuse data.
Catherine Lamsfuss, April 17, 2012
Inteltrax: Top Stories, April 9 to April 13
April 16, 2012
Inteltrax, the data fusion and business intelligence information service, captured three key stories germane to search this week, specifically, the ways in which money is dealt with in analytic terms.
Saving money is the focus of “Knowing Needs and Wants Save Tons with Big Data” which aims to help buyers decide what they want in an analytic package before buying.
Making the right investment for you is covered in “Speed is the Analytic Key” which says, above all other factors, spend extra money on speed because that’s the quickest to get outdated.
Finally, “Series-B Investments Expand Analytic Growth” shows how smaller firms and startups depend on private investors to compete with the big names in a big data.
Money makes the world go around and the big data planet is no different. But the ways in which it is saved and spent and acquired could fill a book. We are writing a new chapter every day and hope you’ll join us.
Follow the Inteltrax news stream by visiting www.inteltrax.com
Patrick Roland, Editor, Inteltrax.
April 16, 2012
Branding a SharePoint 2010 Infrastructure
April 16, 2012
Frequent SharePoint author, Yaroslav Pentsarskyy has authored a new book, SharePoint 2010 Branding in Practice: A Guide for Web Developers. Pentsarskyy contends there are few guides or best practices for how to implement branding in SharePoint 2010, and yet branding is an important marketing priority for any organization. PR News gives more details in the story, “New Guide Helps Developers Implement Branding Concepts.”
“‘My book explores how to brand collaboration sites as well as publishing sites,’ says Pentsarskyy. ‘It also demonstrates how you can brand sites that are hosted not only on a dedicated server but on a shared infrastructure in a cloud.’ Written for web developers or user interface developers who already know CSS, JavaScript and HTML, the book discusses publishing masterpage structure, applying common design artifacts and settings on existing specialized sites, publishing page layout structure, applying branding to SharePoint list views and much more.”
Pentsarskyy is right, branding and presentation is important for both your internal structure and your external appearance. However, there may be an easier solution than struggling through a SharePoint customization process. Fabasoft Mindbreeze is a smart third-party solution with a number of integrating components to improve an enterprise infrastructure.
Consider Fabasoft Mindbreeze InSite. Requiring no installation, configuration, or maintenance, an organization can improve the efficiency and appearance of their external websites.
“An attractive website serves as an effective digital business card. Surprise your website visitors with an intuitive search.”
To satisfy employees and internal users, Fabasoft Mindbreeze Enterprise is service-oriented and cost-effective. End users are pleased with the intuitive interface.
“Fabasoft Mindbreeze Enterprise finds every scrap of information within a very short time, whether document, contract, note, e-mail or calendar entry, in intranet or internet, person- or text-related. The software solution finds all required information, regardless of source, for its users. Get a comprehensive overview of corporate knowledge in seconds without redundancy or loss of data.”
Pentsarskyy’s book is no doubt informative, and readers will learn a great deal about how SharePoint branding can be achieved through customization. However, for users who need less investment and more return, Fabasoft Mindbreeze might be just the solution to consider.
Emily Rae Aldridge, April 16, 2012
Sponsored by Pandia.com
Siemens Hosting a PLM Conference in May
April 16, 2012
Viva Las Vegas! The Siemens PLM Connections conference is scheduled for May 7th – 10th at the Rio Hotel and Casino. With all the attendees and information available at this conference – What Happens at PLM Connection Shouldn’t Stay at PLM Connection as the CAD/CAM Performance article of the same name so eloquently versed .
This conference has a lot to offer:
“The three-year-old conference, which is produced by the official Siemens PLM user group, PLM World, will give you access to nearly 2,000 other attendees to share ideas with, more than 70 hours of free training, over 350 technical breakout sessions, a vendor trade fair, and key executives and development folks from Siemens.”
Siemens says that attendees can experience up to 10% increase in productivity and attendees help their departments achieve an additional 10-15% gain in knowledge and productivity.
This is just one of many conferences happening all over the world. The key is to find the one that fits the needs and information that you are looking for. The Congress on the Future of Engineering Software (COFES 2012) is right around the corner on April 12th – April 15th. It will feature an interesting cross section of companies, including innovative companies like Inforbix, who revolutionized with way companies find, reuse and share product information. With so many options, look around and find the conference that is right for you and your company.
Jennifer Wensink, April 16, 2012
Enterprise Search Finds a Place in Higher Education
April 13, 2012
Enterprise search is no longer a fad, but a business and organizational necessity. Other information technology programs in higher education are not specific enough to address the intricacies of enterprise, so enterprise is being added to the curriculum. The San Francisco Chronicle reports in, “Microsoft SharePoint 2010 and OneNote 2010 Added as Electives for MOS Master Certification.”
“Microsoft SharePoint and OneNote are both integral parts of the MOS 2010 certification suite – the world’s most recognized, standards-based credential chosen by individuals seeking to validate their skills on Microsoft Office. MOS 2010 is the next generation of Microsoft’s industry-leading business certification program that accounts for the delivery of over one million certification exams annually.”
While the certification is offered through Microsoft, outside the confines of traditional higher education, it is a validation of the importance the industry places on enterprise and SharePoint knowledge.
While everyone is made better by increased knowledge and understanding, we wonder if the training is necessary for everyone or if it most users could instead consider the addition of a third-party solution to make enterprise simpler. Fabasoft Mindbreeze is one such third-party offering. Their suite of solutions is optimized for user experience, efficiency, and simplicity.
Hermann Löberbauer of Ferngas AG (Austria) offers the following endorsement of Fabasoft Mindbreeze products:
“We have been using Mindbreeze for fast information search since 2005, starting with the desktop version for individual workstations. Now we use the Enterprise Search solution throughout the company. Our knowledge base currently comprises more than 10 million documents from various data sources, plus the captured metadata. Finding the relevant information in file systems or Microsoft Exchange without Mindbreeze would be very time consuming.”
Training is good, but sometimes costly. Consider taking an easier way out and explore smart third-party offerings from Fabasoft Mindbreeze.
Emily Rae Aldridge, April 13, 2012
Sponsored by Pandia.com
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