In this FAQ with Jeff Boles, Jeff discusses the ins and outs of file virtualization. He tells users the benefits and drawbacks of file virtualization, which file virtualization products are on the market and how they might work in specific IT shops, as well as how file virtualization affects replication or migration of files. 

Results from Aberdeen Group report, The Lean Supply Chain, indicates that Aerospace and Defense (A&D) manufacturers are 40% more likely to be Best in Class performers - companies that are characterized by having an integrated Lean approach and solution with technology enablers - than their peers from other industries. 

Recently lean manufacturing has gone from an obscure and isolated practice to a mainstream, extensively publicized methodology that is well known throughout the manufacturing and supply chain industry. However, this does not mean it is entirely understood as a business practice, nor does it mean that it has been implemented to any large extent. 

This benchmark study showcases the operational performance benefits manufacturers are currently enjoying due to the adoption of Lean scheduling and execution principles. 

A manufacturing firm adopting the principles of lean manufacturing can effectively leverage the company's ERP system during its transition to lean. This E-Book explains what part of the plant you should start with; the importance of simplifying the ERP system; how to balance the ERP system with lean principles; and what pitfalls to avoid. 

Examine why manufacturers in the industrial machinery and components industry are looking for the right technology to mount lean initiatives by eliminating waste and nonvalue-added activities. Read case studies of six enterprises who use SAP software to achieve continuous improvement and eliminate waste from operations. 

Trying to decide if online backup, or backup as a service, will be beneficial to your small-midsized business (SMB)? John Merryman, services director for recovery services at GlassHouse Technologies Inc., discusses the benefits and drawbacks of online backup today. His answers are also available as an MP3 download. 

Trying to decide if online backup, or backup as a service, will be beneficial to your small or midsized business? Check out this presentation transcript, where you’ll learn the benefits and drawbacks of online backup, the major players in online backup today, what to look for when evaluating online backup options, and more. 

As storage capacity needs grow in SMBs, disk is increasingly being used as a backup storage target. In this FAQ, Executive Editor and Independent Backup Expert W. Curtis Preston, discusses the role of disk-based backup in the SMB space. Curtis takes a closer look at the benefits and cost differentiators of moving from tape to disk for data backup. 

Global data deduplication allows users to deduplicate data across multiple boxes, which can simplify management as companies back up more and more data. W. Curtis Preston, executive editor of the Storage Media Group, discusses the pros and cons of global deduplication, who should consider it, and which vendors are offering it today in this Q&A. 

This paper examines many of the challenges companies have managing their inventory, and shows how an integrated Inventory Optimization solution can substantially improve their overall supply chain operation. 

As IT shops continue to look for ways to cut costs, increase efficiency and improve service, many turn to IT Service Management frameworks for guidance. Learn how to adopt or advance your use of ITSM practices to streamline IT and build an efficient, service-oriented organization.