BPM is not an exercise in vendor or software selection. Tools and software only support and/or implement the BPM paradigm. Focus instead on what processes and level of processes the enterprise should tackle. Avoid BPM altogether if the enterprise perspective, process documentation, and change management components are missing.

Data integration technologies deliver effective integration of enterprise data and provide timely, accurate, and trustworthy information that is the basis for effective decision making. Companies should deploy data integration technologies to ensure that Business Intelligence (BI) systems deliver a single version of the truth.

In the rush to implement a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) in the enterprise, IT decision makers tend to overlook one critical element – data. It is a mistake to assume that existing databases and data infrastructure can handle the change to SOA. The flood of multiple requests from different services will break an SOA without data services. Implement data services as part of the SOA adoption...

Business integration through Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) is a major driver for integration technologies. Buyers in large enterprises that are in the market for a robust and scalable integration solution should start looking at Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) technologies.

Different enterprise problems may be solved by different levels of forms automation. Forms automation can enable simplistic department routing or mission-critical enterprise processes. Use this tool to determine the appropriate level of forms automation needed to satisfy project requirements.

Business forms are the windows through which process participants provide and receive information concerning process execution. Understanding the basics of forms automation technology architecture and the constituent technology components will help IT professionals understand when formal systems are appropriate and how to leverage forms automation tools in solution design and process automation...

Designing a high-quality project management approach will inevitably lead to projects that are on track, on budget, on scope, and satisfy the needs for which they were undertaken. Once the enterprise has mastered project management fundamentals, conduct regular quality audits by assessing the nine project management knowledge areas. Doing so will help identify inefficient or incomplete processes...

CIOs must be able to understand and select the right Web services specifications for their SOA initiative. Use this selection strategy to identify the Web service specifications that are essential to a successful SOA transition.

Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) can provide solid, near-term benefits to enterprises if they invest in the right messaging technologies. IT executives should build their SOA deployment using ESB to gain the benefits of security, scalability, and reliability.

Enterprises have addressed information glut and compliance concerns by instituting document management and archiving solutions. They now face a growing threat from many discrete and unintegrated repositories. The reality of managing these data silos negates many of the promised benefits of archiving and document management. After-market indexing and search products address repository sprawl and...

A records retention schedule is a crucial input to document management and Information Lifecycle Management (ILM) initiatives. Developing a schedule requires contributions from various stakeholders and a dedicated project plan.

Data quality problems dramatically affect the bottom line. Enterprises must view data quality initiatives not as a one-off project but as a way of life. This entails strong business commitment, organizational changes, and the centralization of accountability in a corporate Data Steward.

The retention schedule template provides a first step for enterprises in the early stages of records management or Information Lifecycle Management (ILM) projects.

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions are only as effective as the data they contain. Moving legacy data into these systems presents challenges to many enterprises. Preparing for SaaS bulk uploads enables enterprises to support growth and expansion in a controlled manner.

Data quality problems significantly increase the cost of doing business. Data quality initiatives are not one-off projects – they are a way of life. This guide provides concrete steps that serve as the basis to prepare a detailed project plan to resolve data quality problems once and for all.