word processing

Launching successful projects

Mon, 14 May 2007 20:01:39 -0400

The most successful projects deliver tangible business value in the first 30 days. By quickly delivering value business people can immediately use, stakeholders can see clear evidence that the project is headed in the right direction and will live up to expectations. Another way to ensure that stakeholders see value immediately is to keep the scope narrow by delivering 20 percent of the capabilities that provide 80 percent of the value. And keep it really simple; it's often better to build systems where the user interface is composed of common office productivity tools like spreadsheets, web browsers, word processing, and personal databases. People already know how to use these tools so there is much less of a learning curve. IT agility like this delivers major business benefits at a fraction of the time and cost otherwise incurred if companies go the conventional route of buying and installing large, complex, all-in-one packages.

Read more about successful IT projects:
- read the blog at CIO

ALSO:
- read this on why too many software projects invite trouble
- and this for tales of projects that crashed and burned

Improving communication across business units

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 19:01:39 -0500

Getting teams to work together--especially teams from different areas of the company--can be challenging under the best of circumstances. Different viewpoints, different ways of working and geographical distance all contribute to the strain. Inter-departmental projects are often the only way to ensure a good outcome, and that means finding a way to communicate and work together effectively. Often, CIOs are put in the position of having to find the common ground that levels the playing field. Technology can help, especially in cases where physical distance presents obstacles. Technologies that can help include remote access, WiFi, videoconferencing, Web conferencing, audio conferencing and presence management. Even the revisions function of word processing applications can help the collaborative process. It's also important to create measures that are based on the overall organization's mission, vision and strategies and that are understood by all parties.

Read more about inter-departmental collaboration:
- read the article at Silicon.com

Will desktop apps fall victim to the Web?

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 19:01:39 -0500

Most companies long ago standardized an office suite--generally Microsoft Office. But Web-based word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and other office productivity programs are gaining steam, and many of them are cheap or free. These programs, from heavyweights like Google as well as smaller companies like ThinkFree and Zoho, provide a full suite of office applications and online collaboration tools that are downright attractive both from a cost and functionality standpoint. But weigh the pros and cons carefully; while these programs provide a great value, they don't work unless you're connected to the Internet, and a fast connection is critical.

Learn more about the growing use of Web-based office tools:
- read the article at CIO Today

ALSO:
- Google launches enterprise application suite. Article
- The future of Web 2.0. Article

Google makes inroads with business users

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 19:01:39 -0500

Google is going head-to-head with Microsoft in providing applications for the business world, and the buzz so far has been largely positive. In fact, many believe it's cheaper, less complex and just as good or better than Microsoft's offerings. Google is starting its foray into the business world with Google Apps Premier Edition, a $50 per user suite that provides word processing, email and spreadsheets, as well as 10GB of storage per user. Anything that provides transportability, ease of use and reliability is worth consideration, many believe.

Read more about the battle between Google and Microsoft for the enterprise:
- read the article at DailyTechRag