In this first issue of Business Applications Digest, find advice from industry insiders on mastering the five success factors for enterprise resource planning (ERP) upgrades, choosing the best fit between 'best of breed' business intelligence (BI) and built-in ERP tools, and how to take advantage of the latest Software as a Service (SaaS) trends. 

Although enterprise resource planning (ERP) is an important tool for boosting operational efficiency and cost savings, it also offers manufacturers a leg-up in their globalization efforts. Read this white paper to see how critical ERP can be to global business, and how to choose the best solution to support this imperative. 

This Computer Weekly buyer’s guide to IT tools shows how you can use software and systems to improve the running of your IT department. 

This white paper details how Web 2.0 technologies support business strategies by improving efficiency and productivity as well as harnessing knowledge through collaboration. 

In this expert e-guide, learn the importance of looking into current network bandwidth/stability, desktop storage requirements and application management procedures. In addition, discover how to choose the right VDI management tools to enhance your performance. 

Since virtual machines are used in both server virtualization and desktop virtualization, it is not surprising that administrators try to use the same tool to monitor the performance of both environments. This paper shows how the eG VDI Monitor™ effectively addresses the unique requirements of virtual desktop infrastructure. 

Take a look at this informative white paper to learn more about how your organization can increase operational efficiency and add to the bottom line with mobile ERP systems including 8 must-have qualities to seek from a mobile application. 

With an increased demand for dynamic computing accessibility, pressure on your infrastructure is mounting. Fortunately, desktop virtualization provides a method for meeting these demands. Learn about workshifting, a new approach to end-user computing resulting from the advantages of desktop virtualization. 

This paper discusses considerations for A&D manufacturers in the context of enterprise information systems and how they can help address 5 areas of concern: compliance, control, communications, competitiveness, and cutting cost, waste and complexity. The needs of the A&D market aren’t easily addressed by one-size-fits-all products. 

Selecting a supplier for manufacturing ERP solutions is more important than ever before, due to the increasingly complex set of business processes involved.  Manufacturers now require the ability to share data in real time across all functional areas touching the manufacturing process. This paper takes a fresh look at manufacturing ERP options. 

Read this white paper to find out why 38% of businesses surveyed in 2011 had replaced their ERP solutions and find criteria for determining if and when you should upgrade or migrate to new software. Also, find tips on making a business case for an investment as well as selection criteria for choosing ERP that will meet your business needs. 

Effective Desktop Management begins with knowing what you have to manage. 

For many organizations a Windows 7 migration is at the top of the priority list, but before you embark on your migration, there are several important questions you must answer. Does Windows 7 fit your enterprise? And, do you have the right tools to complete a migration? Take a look at this e-guide to help answer these questions.