Abstract: The Scala and Microsoft alliance in the CRM arena has merits of mutual benefits, particularly in the short to medium term, but due to vacillating motives of the participants that compete in the other enterprise applications fields, will it last? For the time being, Microsoft will likely be content to help Scala attack or keep the satellite divisions of its bigger competitors, particularly those of their common rival - SAP.

Abstract: DIRECTV is one of the largest broadcast satellite providers in the US. Faced with increased competition, the company decided to transform its supply chain by synchronizing its material requirements with its main equipment providers and automating its return materials authorization (RMA) process. With the help of SAP Solutions and Services, DIRECTV has improved its processes and reduced nonqualified returns by 20 percent.

Abstract: With 10 remote office locations spread across nine states, Amerisure was in need of a communications platform that would enable the company to enhance the distribution of information to employees. Employees located in satellite offices, with no direct access to the home office, can feel disconnected from corporate headquarters’ operations and activities. Amerisure needed to communicate to employees in a timely manner that would allow the flow of accurate, important information, whether that data be employee-specific, such as salary, job, or benefit information, or company news and updates. In addition to a centralized communication platform, the company wanted heightened management of its workforce through the use of business intelligence tools that would allow it to track trends and have improved monitoring capabilities for each location.

Abstract: If planetary life is to be found outside our solar system, the W. M. Keck Observatory will play an important role in discovering it. Perched on the summit of Hawaii’s dormant Mauna Kea volcano, the Observatory’s twin telescopes probe our solar system and the deepest corners of the universe. But, how does such a sophisticated system get built? And, how does the engineering team ensure it’s done right? Find out more.