Optimize IT

Business Application Modeling Benefits

Darren Waldrep
Author: Darren Waldrep
Posted on: May 15th, 2012

business application modelingOne of the keys to an optimized database is the creation of an accurate database model. This is where business application modeling is extremely valuable. Business application modeling is the creation of a database model which provides an overview of the current database. In many cases, this model can be automatically updated.

Not everyone has this capability and this is where BMC consulting (such as discovery and dependency mapping with BMC ADDM) comes into play. Through discovery and mapping coupled with business application modeling, users can track IT infrastructure dependencies, reduce a data center’s risk and simplify IT infrastructure management.

Simplicity: The New Norm in a Complicated IT World

Phil Turner
Author: Phil Turner
Posted on: April 30th, 2012

MarkHennessyIt’s an exciting time in IT as IBM has launched IBM PureSystems. As an IBM partner, we’ve had a front row seat to the development and implementation of this exciting new expert integrated system technology. It’s already clear that IBM PureSystems will improve the experience and economics of IT through a simplified experience, built-in expertise, and integration by design.

To introduce IBM PureSystems, we thought it was a great idea to invite a guest blogger—Mark Hennessy who is General Manager, IBM Global Business Partners and Midmarket.

Introducing IBM PureSystems
Thanks for the introduction, Phil.  And thanks for the opportunity to speak directly to Datatrend’s readers.

The Electronic Queuing Revolution

Bill Roberts
Author: Bill Roberts
Posted on: April 24th, 2012

Electronic QueuingIs there a person on the planet who enjoys waiting in line? Not only is waiting in line a waste of time, it can also raise the ire of customers—especially when they get in the wrong line and watch as several people who arrived after them get served first. Spending time in line can also reduce impulse buys.

Many of the world’s largest companies are combating this problem by installing a digital variation of the old “now serving customer number #45” system. Using that system, a customer would take a ticket with a number on it then wait for one of the attendants to call their number. Using the latest checkout lane systems, companies like Marshall’s organize their customers into a single line then call the next customer using a “call forward” system.

Making the Most of Your Investment in BMC Software with Staff Augmentation

Darren Waldrep
Author: Darren Waldrep
Posted on: April 19th, 2012

BMC Staffing AugmentationBMC Software is one of the largest software companies in the world. The company provides a wide range of software solutions to help companies marry IT with day-to-day business needs. You’ll find BMC software in IT service management, data center, and cloud computing solutions. In IT, BMC is generally acknowledged as the industry leader in business/enterprise service management solutions.

In the “home software” environment, most consumers expect to be able to use their software directly out of the box without any assistance. However, BMC software usually requires expertise to help companies make the most of the awesome power and capacity of this software. And while BMC has around 6,000 employees, the company does not provide experts who will be on-site 40 hours a week.

Datatrend on Cloud Computing: Part 1

Charlie Cox
Author: Charlie Cox
Posted on: April 17th, 2012

cloud computing - datatrend“The Cloud” and “Cloud Computing” can be mysterious concepts to people outside the IT world. In this post, which is the first in a series about cloud computing, we’d like to introduce the fundamentals of cloud computing—and demystify the concept.

At its most elemental, cloud computing involves migrating computer services off-site. For example, instead of using computer and IT resources in house, the company decides to use IT resources that another company provides. Cloud computing services can be broken down into three categories.

  • Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
  • Platform as a Service (PaaS)
  • Software as a Service (SaaS)

Unified Communications and Collaboration Means Faster and Clearer Communication—And Real-Time Benefits

Charlie Cox
Author: Charlie Cox
Posted on: March 27th, 2012

unified communications - video chatInternal communication and external communication are more important than ever. However, the wide range of available methods are making communication more complicated for many companies. People are using a wider range of platforms to communicate including: instant messaging, email, texting, Facebook, Twitter, blogs, video, Skype and now Google+. And don’t forget the good old-fashioned phone call.

To harness the power of today’s communication methods, it’s vital for a company to use Unified Communications and Collaboration (UCC). UCC helps companies integrate and coordinate their communications into a single platform that’s customized to meet the company’s needs and geographic scope. UCC also helps companies communicate in real time so decisions can be made faster and with current data and information.

Why Integrated Appliance Solutions Are A Good Match for Software Vendors

Darren Waldrep
Author: Darren Waldrep
Posted on: March 22nd, 2012

integrated appliance solutionsThere’s nothing new about the logic behind integrated appliance solutions. Marketers use phrases like “all-in-one” or “turnkey” or “total package” to describe the major benefits that integrated appliance solutions provide.

Instead of having to purchase all the components of a solution, a company can purchase a complete system that includes everything they need to serve their users and customers. The typical integrated appliance solution includes servers, operating system, middleware, configuration, integration, testing, plus application software setup followed by deployment. International Data Corporation (IDC) predicts that the adoption of integrated appliance solutions will increase in the near future because they address many of the key challenges facing IT organizations, as well as help customers improve availability, simplify management, and lower total cost of ownership.

Automatic Server Discovery – A Powerful Network Troubleshooting Tool

Darren Waldrep
Author: Darren Waldrep
Posted on: March 21st, 2012

automatic server discoverEven small companies can quickly build an extremely complex network of servers. Larger companies have networks that can stretch across several different countries.

Keeping up with the complexity of a network can be extremely challenging, and it’s even more challenging when the system goes down. What’s causing the problem? Where is the problem? How can the problem be fixed quickly?

5 Ways to Fail at Digital Signage

Bill Roberts
Author: Bill Roberts
Posted on: March 14th, 2012

ways to fail at digital signageHaving designed numerous digital signage projects from in-store kiosks to digital-out-of-home (DOOH) displays, we’ve compiled a list of the most common implementation mistakes companies make.  Usually, we’re involved early on in a digital signage project.  As a result, we’re able to “begin with the end in mind” and, using a flexible and scalable setup, ensure that the project delivers the powerful communications benefits of digital signage and maximum ROI.

  1. Budget – The fastest way to fail at a digital signage project is to under-budget and over-expect.  Your budget should be commensurate with the desired project outcome.  Often the desired result involves more robust hardware and software technologies.  In addition, it’s important to budget for maintenance based on the life expectancy of equipment, such as replacement monitors, etc.

Network Cabling Installation Helps Retailers Optimize Wireless Performance

Bill Roberts
Author: Bill Roberts
Posted on: March 14th, 2012

wireless deviceExplosive growth of wireless device use is enabling innovative new solutions for retailers and their tech hungry customers.  From wireless table-top kiosks in restaurants to wireless grocery store checkout options, businesses rely on the wireless network to enable a pleasant and secure user experience.  However, retail environments must consider a number of network cabling installation factors that can ensure an integrated and unique customer experience.

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