ISO 9001:2008 – Yawn-Fest or Exciting Achievement?

QMS

If you’re an old-timer like me, you probably yawn when someone talks about quality. We all know about the tsunami of Japanese quality processes and the resurgence of quality in the U.S. and around the world. We are bored with terms like TQM quality-centric. But, we shouldn’t be!

Our customers, employees, partners, suppliers and stakeholders may not understand the detail, learning and dedication required for IT quality assurance and processes, but they certainly understand and they will stay with us if we remain devoted to quality and excellence.

If you work in the technology field and/or buy or staff technology services, ISO Quality Management (QMS) is a familiar term. Companies that certified for ISO approach every development, testing, maintenance, support and IT consulting task with proven methodologies to ensure positive outcomes for the clients and optimal resource utilization for the IT consultant or partner.

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Expert Mobile Apps for Business = Swift ROI + Improved Competitiveness + Increased Revenue

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I recently attended a technology conference and was chatting with one of the presenters. I asked her, “What is toughest challenge you face as a technology expert?” She said that the pace of global technology change has increased to the point where it is nearly impossible for the average business person to keep up. When she is asked to consult, she first has to educate clients on the types of technologies available and the need to remain competitive with apps and functionality delivered via mobile devices.We are all struggling to keep pace with technology and, if we don’t understand the value of mobile applications and the return on investment for a well-conceived, well designed mobile app, we are missing a huge opportunity for our business.

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Do You Dream of Seamless Data Integration? If So, You Must be a Geek! BUT, Your Dream CAN Come True!

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Ah, the naivety of the 90s! Businesses clung to the hope that they could find ONE software solution that would satisfy every business needs and do so affordably and quickly. Today, the world of business incorporates legacy systems, best-of-breed solutions, reporting software, industry-specific apps, mobile applications for smart phones and tablets and every manner of sales, contact, inventory, warehousing, financial, production, distribution, legal and enterprise software.

If we have abandoned the dream of ONE solution, we haven’t abandoned the idea that we must integrate the data in all systems to avoid drowning in a sea of useless information. How can we integrate systems designed in different code, different data base configuration, and different platforms and frameworks and tools?

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Dear Abby: How Can I Avoid a Relationship with an Inexperienced Global IT Provider?”

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You remember the advice columnist Abigail Van Buren? She said, “If we could sell our experiences for what they cost us, we’d all be millionaires.”

Imagine buying the experience of businesses that made mistakes in selecting software, outsourcing partners or IT consultants. What would you pay to avoid choosing an IT firm that is unable to deliver world-class, global services that satisfy your needs?

It doesn’t matter whether you need software development, programming services, project management, application development and maintenance, content management systems (CMS), infrastructure management, staff augmentation, smart phone or tablet software development, system integration, networking or other IT services. What matters is whether the firm has global experience and can provide offshore outsourcing services, product development, and global support with proven processes, methodologies and affordable services and delivery models.

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Oh Woe Is Me! The Sad Tale of Failed Software Product Development

PDMS

I met Emily at a recent IT conference. She was part of a panel discussing application and product development. Emily cautioned the audience about the perils of developing a software application for sale. Any packaged application vendor will tell you that developing a software product is not risk free. It is costly and can be disastrous. You need the right skills, processes, methodologies and oversight. Emily talked about her company’s experience and how they abandoned the project after years of work and a gargantuan budget overrun.

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Overwhelmed with IT? It Helps to Have a Friend in the IT Business

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You know how it is. You have more IT work than resources so you pull a team member from one project to staff another. This can result in project delays and budget overrun and the work product can suffer if the team doesn’t have the skills you need to complete a task.

I understand. I’ve faced these issues too. Fortunately, I found a solution. My technology projects and support issues were a constant source of frustration. When I needed to finish a critical project, something would get in the way – network issues, technology deployment, or integration or migration issue – the list was endless.

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Offshore Service Providers and Outsourcing Is No Joke!

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There used to be a joke in the business world that went something like this, “What’s the scariest thing you can be for Halloween? An Offshore IT Service Provider!” Today, that joke is no longer relevant, because offshore IT consulting and outsourcing service providers are a proven, valued resource. BUT if you want to be happy with your offshore decision, you must carefully select your service provider. I could talk for hours about the selection process, but since none of us has the time, let me give you some quick tips!Requirements – Before you talk to offshore IT consulting firms and outsource service providers, be sure you understand your requirements. Do you need short-term services for application development or other project related tasks or a long-term partnership for things maintenance, upgrades and support – or both?

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Data Integration is the Key to Impressing Trudy’s (and YOUR) boss!

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I am not shy about accepting compliments. I am always willing to take a pat on the back, but I also know that I can’t succeed without at team that has the right support and skills. When it comes to IT, I know what I need to know to do my job and I leave the rest to the pros! That’s how I managed to integrate applications and data within my company.I understand that data value is limited unless I can integrate my systems to share, analyze and report. I want to simplify the use of technology without sacrificing functionality.

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What the Heck is OpenGL and Can it Really Help My Business?

Mobile-Application

Is there anyone out there in the technology profession who hasn’t yet heard of OpenGL? If so, let me tell you about this program. OpenGL enables unique application development and provides rendering, texture mapping, special effects, and stunning visualization, all with cross-platform flexibility and mobile application deployment.

The OpenGL solution satisfies even the most complex requirement for visual computing applications and provides fast, dependable 3D animation speed and visual simulation with high-quality and cutting-edge performance. OpenGL supports mobile applications and has a popular open graphics tool library that enables development of business and gaming applications.

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Don’t Be Like Joe! With the Right Help Your Business CAN Create a GREAT eCommerce or CMS Site!

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My friend Joe always complains about his technology problems. “We just started to look at a Content Management System and our online store software isn’t doing much for our revenue. Just when I think I’ve found the right solution, I find out my IT team can’t support it.”

Every company wants to establish an online presence to sell products or services and provide portable tools that enable employee collaboration across the enterprise and on the road. CMS, shopping carts, and e-commerce solutions help promote and sell products and generate revenue. They also provide a productive, collaborative environment. But, even if you choose the right eCommerce, portal, or Content Management System (CMS), your business still has to consider other issues. To build a strong foundation, you’ll need an expert who understands cross-platform interoperability, online stores, system integration, and mobile CMS and portal collaborative tools. An experienced IT consultant can build a flexible, affordable environment to support growth and comply with average user skills.

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