Acquisition of Inform Will Shake Up Workforce Analytics Market SAP's New Co-CEOs Must Focus on Restoring Trust IBM Targets Healthcare and Government With Initiate Buy Google Bids for Enterprise E-Mail With New Mobile Features No Short-Term Resolution Is Likely in IBM-Neon Dispute 3 February 2010 IBM's answer to Neon's suit includes counterclaims alleging copyright infringement, false advertising and interference with IBM contracts and customers. IBM's response suggests this battle will likely be protracted. Storage Vendors Find Creative Ways to Win Customers in Tough Economic Times 4 February 2010 IT managers looking for ways to justify storage purchases in 2010 may find some help in marketing guarantee programs. Compellent, Isilon, NetApp, Pillar Data, and now 3PAR and Hitachi Data Systems, are offering capacity reduction and utilization rate guarantees to encourage new storage purchases. Informatica Moves Into the MDM Market by Acquiring Siperian 2 February 2010 This deal allows Informatica to expand beyond its current strength in the data integration and data quality markets into the packaged master data management market. Intuit and Microsoft Partner for Collaboration in the Cloud 26 January 2010 Microsoft's cloud computing partnership with Intuit creates collaboration service opportunities. It could lead to more market share for the Windows Azure platform via offerings from independent software vendors. NewsGator Buys Tomoye to Broaden SharePoint Bond 25 January 2010 The acquisition of Tomoye will enable the social software vendor NewsGator to broaden its strategy of adding social capabilities to Microsoft SharePoint by adding complementary Tomoye products and services. Nokia's 'Free' Navigation Creates Contextual Opportunities 22 January 2010 Zero-cost worldwide mapping and navigation will be available on all Nokia smartphones. This will enable Nokia to better compete with Google Maps Navigation and will provide a foundation for future contextual applications. IBM Joins the Race to Revolutionize Collaboration 22 January 2010 IBM Project Vulcan represents a vision for a new kind of work environment. IBM may capitalize on this vision if it can execute, but the race for next-generation collaboration is wide open. Nokia's Free Ovi Maps Will Fuel Shift in Navigation Industry 21 January 2010 Nokia's offer of free Ovi maps marks its leadership position in the navigation market, and will shift the market's emphasis from simple routing information to relevant location-specific information. Benefits of HP-Microsoft Deal Will Take Time to Realize 19 January 2010 HP and Microsoft plan to collaborate to advance HP's Converged Infrastructure and enable simplification of packaging, delivery and management of Microsoft applications. HP-Microsoft Partnership Will Shake Up the IT Management Market 19 January 2010 This partnership focuses on managing the virtual, dynamic IT infrastructure. Its potential benefits will initially be offset by the uncertainty it introduces into firms using HP products to manage Windows platforms. Callidus Consolidates Position in Healthcare With ActekSoft 19 January 2010 The consolidation is a positive move for both companies. Callidus Software gains 30 new customers along with ActekSoft's software assets and skilled staff, while ActekSoft gains needed support for its offerings. BitArmor Buy Will Strengthen Trustwave's PCI Services 18 January 2010 Trustwave customers will benefit from its purchase of data encryption provider BitArmor, but the deal will have a limited effect on the mobile data protection market, which established vendors will continue to dominate. CA Upgrades Service-Level Reporting With Oblicore Acquisition 15 January 2010 Oblicore will add stronger service-level reporting to CA's portfolio. But its service catalog construct is duplicated in the existing CA Service Catalog product, necessitating product rationalization or integration. Liaison Buys Advanced Data Exchange to Expand B2B Portfolio 14 January 2010 Liaison Technologies' purchase of Advanced Data Exchange further strengthens its portfolio of business-to-business offerings. It will also allay customer concerns about the long-term viability of Advanced Data Exchange. Geezeo's PFM Platform Lets Smaller Banks Get 'Personal' 13 January 2010 Online banking is no longer a differentiator; personalization that enables personal financial management is. Small banks and credit unions aren't waiting for larger banks to prove the technology to achieve personalization. Creation of Peopleclick Authoria Bolsters Bedford's TMS Portfolio 12 January 2010 The acquisition of Peopleclick and the creation of Peopleclick Authoria will enable Bedford Funding to elevate its profile and become a more significant competitor in the emerging talent management suite market. Silver Creek Buy Begins to Clarify Oracle's Data Quality Strategy 11 January 2010 Acquiring Silver Creek enables Oracle to exploit demand for stand-alone data quality solutions and provide data quality support for other offerings. But it won't result in a single, comprehensive data quality solution. Phurnace Acquisition Will Enhance BMC Server Automation Suite 7 January 2010 The acquisition of Phurnace will enable BMC to offer more comprehensive application release management capability, specifically for high-volume and mission-critical Java EE environments. Proposed Rules to Promote EHRs Stress 'Meaningful Use' 7 January 2010 The criteria truly require meaningful use of some of the key features of electronic health records. Care delivery organizations must decide realistically whether to pursue the incentives. EMC Buys Archer Technologies for Enhanced IT GRC Capabilities 7 January 2010 While EMC's acquisition of Archer Technologies will benefit IT governance, risk and compliance use cases and legal GRC use cases, it likely will slow Archer's advance in the enterprise GRC platform market. Genband Makes Bold Bid for Nortel CVAS Unit 30 December 2009 Genband looks to expand its IP multimedia subsystem and unified communications presence by bidding for Nortel's Carrier VoIP and Application Solutions division. It's an ambitious move. T-Systems Enhances Position in South African ICT Outsourcing 23 December 2009 T-Systems has bolstered its position in South Africa's fragmented information and communication technology services market by buying state-owned provider Arivia.kom. But acquisitions always bring integration challenges. Lotus Sametime 8.5 Enhancements Heat Up Competition in UCC 22 December 2009 Enhancements to Sametime 8.5 could extend its appeal beyond Lotus Notes users. But Microsoft remains a formidable rival in the unified communications and collaboration market, and other vendors are also trying to break in. Avaya Builds UC Presence With Nortel Buy 21 December 2009 Avaya has gained substantial market share and communications technology by acquiring Nortel's enterprise solutions. Now it must focus on building customer and channel confidence. IBM Buys Lombardi: Strengthens BPM 'Sweet Spot' Support 18 December 2009 This acquisition strengthens IBM's support for the BPM "sweet spot" buying segment, where Lombardi has already prevailed. Yet the chasm between their cultures, R&D priorities and sales strategies could impede success. Neon and IBM Lawsuit May Impact Mainframe Software Pricing 17 December 2009 Neon has filed a lawsuit against IBM alleging that IBM is unfairly inhibiting Neon's ability to sell its zPrime product to customers. The outcome may impact current mainframe software pricing models. Opalis Buy Moves Microsoft Into IT Operations Run Book Automation 16 December 2009 This deal gives Microsoft an established product that delivers IT operations process automation. But Microsoft will sell it as part of a "suite," which could make decision-making focused specifically on RBA difficult. GXS/Inovis Merger Will Change the B2B Landscape 15 December 2009 The merger of leading business-to-business solution providers GXS and Inovis will fundamentally alter the landscape in the B2B market. But the larger entity faces a large debt burden and product rationalization challenges. Sentillion Deal Will Bolster Microsoft's Healthcare Solutions 14 December 2009 The acquisition of the healthcare technology provider Sentillion will strengthen Microsoft's healthcare integration solutions and could provide synergies with its overall identity and access management strategy. Uncertainty Is the Cost of Independence for Siemens Division 8 December 2009 Siemens IT Solutions and Services is likely to separate from its parent company Siemens. The move could accelerate its growth, but the company must win sizeable new deals to ensure its long-term independence. Proof of SAP Maintenance Value Still Pending 2 December 2009 SAP plans to postpone a maintenance fee increase due to further investigation of key performance indicator benefits. This temporary solution may not change the long-term impact of increased maintenance fees. AgencyPort Buy Signals Sword's Commitment to Insurance Vertical 30 November 2009 Acquiring AgencyPort will enable Sword Group to enter the U.S. admitted insurance market. But Sword will initially struggle to establish brand recognition for property and casualty policy administration outside of the U.K. Lawsuit Highlights the Hidden Risks of PCI 'Compliance' 30 November 2009 A lawsuit serves as a reminder that card-accepting businesses can be held liable for Payment Card Industry security compliance failures, even when they have been told their vendors or service providers are fully compliant. BMC/Salesforce.com Provide Service Desk SaaS Tool 25 November 2009 Partnering with salesforce.com will enable BMC to quickly offer its small-to-midsize-business IT service desk tool, Service Desk Express, as a software-as-a-service solution within a fast-growing market segment. Microsoft Adds Social Features to Outlook to Fend Off Rivals 20 November 2009 The addition of social capabilities to Outlook 2010 reflects the convergence of social networking and e-mail. Market pressure is forcing Microsoft to focus on true innovation of the Outlook client. Canon and Oce Print Powerhouse Will Benefit Customers 20 November 2009 By joining forces, Canon and Oce will benefit from synergies resulting in an enhanced customer offering. The planned merger will also enable Canon to enter or strengthen its position in several important markets. Promising Shared Resource Computing for Schools From Microsoft 19 November 2009 Microsoft enters the shared resource computing area via Windows MultiPoint Server 2010, offering schools a way to extend computing power to more students at lower cost. Settlement Is a Victory for Intel, AMD and Globalfoundries 17 November 2009 The settlement between Intel and AMD ends a nine-year dispute. It leaves AMD in a much stronger financial position and paves the way for a full spin-off of AMD's manufacturing operations as an independent foundry. Infosys to Enter Life Insurance BPO Market With McCamish Buy 17 November 2009 This acquisition will provide Infosys with business process outsourcing capabilities for the life insurance sector. But the deal's U.S.-centric nature and the need to modernize the McCamish platform could slow its progress. Logitech to Buy LifeSize for Enterprise Videoconferencing Move 16 November 2009 The agreement to purchase LifeSize marks Logitech's first real effort to capture share in the enterprise videoconferencing market. The deal gives LifeSize the stability to become a major force in the videoconferencing space. HP to Double Its Enterprise Networking Business With 3Com Buy 13 November 2009 With the acquisition of 3Com, HP will become a formidable competitor in the enterprise networking market. Enterprises will benefit, as HP brings new economics to enterprise networking. JDA Tries Again for i2, Reducing Choice in SCM Market 12 November 2009 JDA Software has made another deal to acquire i2 Technologies. This latest attempt might be good for stockholders, but not necessarily customers or the supply chain management marketplace. Cisco Collaboration Offerings Show Promise, Challenges Remain 11 November 2009 Cisco has issued a slew of announcements about its collaboration products and road map. The announcements show Cisco is serious about the market, but it must address five major challenges. Exchange 2010 Faces a Crowded E-Mail Market 11 November 2009 After three years in development, Microsoft released a new version of its Exchange e-mail platform which seeks to lower costs and improve uptime and compliance. The release coincides with tumultuous times in the e-mail market. Cisco Confronts Microsoft With Cloud E-Mail Service 11 November 2009 The battle for the collaboration market moves to a new stage with the release of Cisco's cloud-based WebEx Mail Service. Cisco enters the field at a time of great flux, characterized by rapid price erosion. Proposed U.S. Data Breach Laws Need Further Work 10 November 2009 Previous attempts at passing a U.S. federal law to protect businesses and consumers against data breaches failed to make it out of the Senate. The third attempt is an admirable effort, but focuses on yesterday's problems. LTE Concept Car Shows New Vehicle-to-Cloud Opportunities 10 November 2009 The recently revealed LTE Connected Car represents a next logical step in integrating the automobile more easily into the expanding fabric of connected, anytime, anywhere information. Novell Pulse Jumps Into Fourth Generation Collaboration 9 November 2009 Novell seeks to recharge its collaboration business with an innovative, real-time platform that works with Google Wave. Novell Pulse is another sign of the emerging fourth generation of collaboration services. Partner Endorsements Are Key to Success of VCE Coalition 9 November 2009 Cisco Systems, EMC and VMware have created a joint venture to sell their solutions together in a single package, the Virtual Computing Environment. To succeed, the VCE must attract other partners and appeal to third parties. Microsoft Cuts Cloud Collaboration Prices to Rival Google, Others 6 November 2009 Microsoft slashed prices on its cloud collaboration services to spur demand and fend off aggressive competition from Google, IBM and Cisco. Microsoft Reduces Prices to Win CRM SaaS Business 5 November 2009 Microsoft made two announcements about its Microsoft CRM Dynamics Online software-as-a-service (SaaS) offering. Both announcements are consistent with Microsoft's CRM SaaS strategy to aggressively gain market share. M86 Acquires Finjan to Bolster Anti-Malware Capabilities 5 November 2009 M86's acquisition of Finjan gives it strong real-time anti-malware capabilities. It faces challenges around product integration and cross-selling its solutions into new markets. U.S. Economic Report Does Not Justify 2010 IT Budget Increase 2 November 2009 CIOs should not view the U.S. Commerce Department's announcement that the U.S. economy grew during 3Q09 as a leading indicator that the U.S. or the rest of the world has returned to a sustained period of business growth. Cisco Will Target Large Enterprises for ScanSafe SaaS Services 30 October 2009 Cisco's acquisition of the market-leading secure Web gateway service provider ScanSafe represents a strategic commitment to the fast-growing market for security services delivered as software-as-a-service. Dassault/IBM PLM Deal Will Produce Broad Benefits 29 October 2009 Dassault Systemes' agreement to acquire of IBM's product life cycle management sales and service operations is positive news for customers of Dassault Systemes and IBM PLM. BMC Will Use Tideway Technology to Shore Up Its CMDB Offerings 26 October 2009 BMC Software has acquired Tideway Systems, the last stand-alone vendor that specialized in IT service dependency mapping. Tideway technology will help broaden the appeal of BMC's Atrium configuration management database. Assess Your BCM Plan Against Proposed PS-Prep Standards 22 October 2009 The need for supply chain resilience could push still-unready organizations to attain business continuity management program certifications. Monitor the PS-Prep program and associated standards to ensure you are prepared. Oracle's Proactive Support Success Relies on Customer Adoption 21 October 2009 Proactive support capabilities in My Oracle Support now span Oracle's entire product portfolio. Barriers to service adoption are likely to be nontechnical, such as a lack of awareness. Cognizant/UBS 'Captive' Deal to Boost Mainland Europe Offshoring 20 October 2009 UBS's sale of its Indian "captive" frees up cash for UBS and gives Cognizant domain expertise and a foothold in mainland Europe. Increased competition will push other mainland European banks toward offshoring. Oracle Moves Toward Integrating HFM, Enterprise GRC Manager 19 October 2009 As demonstrated at Oracle OpenWorld, the integration of functions in Hyperion Financial Management with Enterprise GRC Manager supports risk-based scoping of the chart of accounts for audit planning. Starent Buy Would Strengthen Cisco's Mobile Carrier Strategy 16 October 2009 Starent Networks would give Cisco expertise in long-term-evolution Evolved Packet Core mobile switching software. This could help increase the customer base for the Cisco 7600 platform and enhance its competitiveness. Purewire Brings Barracuda Networks Critical SaaS Capabilities 15 October 2009 The acquisition of Purewire's software-as-a-service capabilities will strengthen Barracuda Networks with small and midsize businesses. But time and resources will be needed to make Barracuda an enterprise player. Ciena's Bid For Nortel MEN/Optical Unit Is a Calculated Risk 14 October 2009 Ciena aims to gain specific technologies from Nortel and deepen its North American carrier relationships. But merging similar Metro Ethernet and optical portfolios will create unavoidable integration challenges. Compuware Acquires Gomez to Extend Its APM Capabilities 12 October 2009 Compuware is acquiring Gomez to extend its on-premises application performance monitoring capabilities to end users across the Internet. Compuware will need to retain Gomez's service business expertise in this area. IBM Hits Cloud E-Mail Market With $3 Mailbox 9 October 2009 IBM has waded into the cloud-based e-mail market with LotusLive iNotes, a low-cost, low-function system for users with less sophisticated e-mail needs. IBM is a late joiner, but this market is still in its early days. Adobe's New Collaboration Services Can Enhance Applications 9 October 2009 Adobe's LiveCycle Collaboration Service will allow application developers to make enterprise applications more valuable by embedding real-time collaboration functions that are Flash-based and hosted by Adobe cloud services. Developers Benefit as Adobe Offers iPhone Support 9 October 2009 Apple's iPhone is a popular device for mobile applications, and Adobe is taking a practical approach to allow Flash developers to create applications for it. Nvidia's Fermi Architecture Will Offer Improved Visual Computing 7 October 2009 Nvidia's Fermi architecture and software development tools are part of the next generation of high-performance visual computing. Its success depends on cost-effective production in quantity and fulfilling delivery targets. Cisco Sharpens Video Focus With Deal to Acquire Tandberg 7 October 2009 Cisco plans to acquire videoconferencing provider Tandberg to gain access to advanced telepresence, endpoint and infrastructure technology. Cisco's globalization strategy will likely lead the combined entity out of Norway. Microsoft Pushes Interoperability With XMPP Support 5 October 2009 Microsoft's long-delayed support for the XMPP protocol in its Office Communications Server product line is a competitive move aimed at strengthening its OCS base as it moves forward with UCC initiatives. Ebix Buys E-Z Data to Strengthen U.S. Life Agent Support 5 October 2009 The purchase of E-Z Data expands Ebix's offering to independent life insurance agents. It expands Ebix's functionality by creating a platform for improved integration, and it also offers cross-selling opportunities. FinancialForce.com Seeks to Capitalize on salesforce.com Platform 5 October 2009 FinancialForce.com, a new company formed by Coda and salesforce.com, is an important development in software-as-a-service-based financial management applications. However, FinancialForce is building from a small base. Xerox Will Acquire BPO Service Muscle With ACS Purchase 1 October 2009 Xerox's planned purchase of Affiliated Computer Services should significantly enhance its business process outsourcing capabilities, provided Xerox can leverage its software and hardware advantages. Open Mashup Alliance Needs More Support to Create Standardization 30 September 2009 Proprietary approaches have slowed the adoption of enterprise mashup capabilities. The OMA offers a vendor-driven standards-based approach, but its efforts will be hampered by lack of support from larger players. U.S. Healthcare Reform Bill Would Require Insurers to Modify IT 28 September 2009 A U.S. Senate healthcare reform proposal would create Web-based insurance exchanges to promote universal coverage. Healthcare insurers must begin to act now to make necessary IT and business operation changes. Acquisition of ESS Could Help IHS Broaden Its Focus on EH&S 24 September 2009 IHS's acquisition of Environmental Support Systems is a sign that the environmental, health and safety market is still consolidating. ESS's experience with a broad solution set could help IHS expand its focus. Dell's Perot Systems Buy Continues IT Service Consolidation 24 September 2009 With its planned purchase of Perot Systems, Dell makes its long-anticipated move to become a full IT service provider. Further consolidation in the IT service industry is likely. HP and Canon Alliance Will Benefit MPS Customers 22 September 2009 The HP/Canon partnership enhances the companies' copy and print capabilities. But more importantly, the new alliance puts competitive pressure on managed print service megavendors such as Ricoh and Xerox. Sun Oracle Database Machine Focuses on Optimizing Mixed Workloads 22 September 2009 The Sun Oracle Database Machine hints at Oracle's plans to meld its software into Sun hardware after the acquisition closes, stressing high-performance database management system I/O throughput to mixed workloads. With Mint.com, Intuit Aims to Offer Range of Financial Brands 18 September 2009 In buying the online personal financial management site, Intuit will exploit the Mint.com brand -- a small but growing brand in the new direct-to-consumer financial services arena -- and leverage its technology assets. Adobe to Buy Omniture, Gain Differentiation and Integration 18 September 2009 The acquisition of Omniture would expand the breadth of Adobe's offerings by providing native Web analytics to creative, marketing and technology professionals. NetQoS Acquisition Rounds Out CA's Network Management Portfolio 17 September 2009 CA's portfolio includes strong network fault management and network performance reporting, but has lacked the ability to analyze network traffic at a granular level. The acquisition of NetQoS will fill this gap. Better Place's Boosted Strategy May Impact Partner Prospects 17 September 2009 The introduction of Better Place's service platform addresses a key success factor for electric-vehicle adoption, but it could interfere with other industry initiatives and imperil some partnership opportunities. IEEE Ratifies 802.11n to Begin New Era of High-Speed WLANs 17 September 2009 The ratification of the IEEE 802.11n-2009 amendment standardizes a tenfold increase in wireless LAN throughput while providing robust access-layer communication for data, voice and video applications. Pitney Bowes Enters High-Speed Production Printer Market 16 September 2009 Developed with HP, the IntelliJet 30 Printing System is Pitney Bowes' entry into the high-speed production printer market. Its success will depend on Pitney Bowes' execution of marketing and sales. Symantec Norton 2010 Releases Offer 'Quorum' Security Approach 16 September 2009 Norton Internet Security 2010 and Norton AntiVirus 2010 will use "Quorum" technology, which focuses on the gray area between whitelisting and blacklisting strategies. This may supplement a global whitelisting effort. Vericept Deal Will Bolster Trustwave PCI Managed Services 15 September 2009 Trustwave customers will benefit from its acquisition of Vericept, but the deal will have a limited effect on the data loss prevention market and will likely not result in Vericept's resurgence in the market. Avaya Faces Hard Work After Winning Bid for Nortel Enterprise 15 September 2009 Avaya offered the winning bid in the auction for Nortel Enterprise Solutions. But the deal still faces regulatory approval, and Avaya must take on the daunting challenge of merging two large communications players. RightNow to Acquire HiveLive to Extend Social CRM Ability 10 September 2009 RightNow Technologies will expand into social software with the planned acquisition of HiveLive, following RightNow's strategy that a CRM suite tied to online communities will positively impact consumer-centric businesses. CEP Market Consolidates Further as Informatica Buys Agent Logic 10 September 2009 The complex-event-processing software market is still consolidating. By acquiring Agent Logic, Informatica will add real-time data and event correlation capabilities to its arsenal of data integration technology. Mammoth Korean IT Initiative Aims to Improve Support Services 9 September 2009 The Korean government has unveiled its fourth-generation ICT policy. To succeed, this initiative must look beyond its key strategies and focus on the interrelationships among the five elements. 3D Systems Likely to Continue Desktop Factory 3D Printer Plans 8 September 2009 3D Systems acquired the assets of shuttered industry pioneer Desktop Factory. The deal is further evidence of the unsettled, emerging state of low-cost, three-dimensional printing technology. EMC Seeks to Extend Its E-Discovery Position With Kazeon Buy 4 September 2009 The acquisition of Kazeon will enhance EMC's e-discovery offerings with policy management, litigation hold and other functions. Kazeon technology will also play a key role in EMC's information governance strategy. Symphony Takeover Keeps MSC Customers Safe for Now 4 September 2009 MSC Software and Symphony Technology Group outlined terms and conditions to privatize MSC in a proxy statement filed 31 August 2009. Existing customers are safe for now, but investing in new applications could be risky. Dell's 2Q10 Results Show Continued Weakness in Hardware Market 3 September 2009 Dell's fiscal 2Q10 results confirm that weakened demand continues to affect the hardware market. Although the market hasn't improved significantly since the previous quarter, demand appears to have stabilized. Nokia Booklet 3G Targets an Opportunity Beyond Smartphones 26 August 2009 Nokia faces heavy competition for the mini-notebook market opportunity. While Booklet 3G includes some standout hardware features, differentiation will depend on how Nokia chooses to integrate it with services like Ovi. Major Financial Services Firms Call Online Banking Dangerous 31 August 2009 FS ISAC has warned its members that online business banking is not safe. Its alert highlights the lack of regulatory protections for business accounts and the danger posed by sophisticated criminal hacking capabilities. Exchange Support in New Mac OS Will Create End User Demand 26 August 2009 "Snow Leopard," Apple's Mac OS X 10.6, is most noted for its native support of Microsoft Exchange 2007 for e-mail and calendaring. While Exchange support is appealing, it does not signal Apple's enterprise readiness. Quarterly Financial Results Position HP for Growth in 2010 21 August 2009 HP's financial results reflect a troubled economy but also indicate that the bottom of the downturn is likely behind us. IT buyers should use downturn activity constraints to evaluate strategic opportunities with vendors. Accenture Leadership Changes Show Integrated Delivery Focus 17 August 2009 Accenture's reorganization primarily affects its design of service delivery units. It appears to accentuate end-to-end delivery of services and business processes. Keane's New President and CEO Will Support Growth Plans 17 August 2009 Keane has made a smart move by appointing highly experienced IT service executive John W. McCain as its new CEO. Nexsan, FalconStor Team Up to Challenge Deduplication Leaders 17 August 2009 The new Nexsan DeDupe SG family of deduplication appliances will be a powerful competitor to deduplication appliances from vendors such as Data Domain, IBM and Quantum, especially on energy and space savings. Social Software Vendors Jostle for Enterprise Attention 14 August 2009 A series of recent announcements indicates that large software vendors and social software vendors are moving toward one another. Social vendors want to speed up enterprise adoption and large vendors want to offer customers viable options for social functions. SpringSource Buy Extends VMware's Market Reach 14 August 2009 VMware's plan to acquire the Java technology leader SpringSource would expand the range of its product strategies from virtualization to cloud computing platforms. New GM/eBay Promo Must Ensure Total Transaction Transparency 12 August 2009 The General Motors/eBay "click and buy" promotion in California advances an alternative retailing concept and further empowers the consumer. Aligning technology with process changes will be key to the program's success. MQSoftware Buy Helps BMC Application Management Capabilities 10 August 2009 BMC Software's acquisition of MQSoftware will provide it with improved application management capabilities, especially for WebSphere, where it has lagged. Customers of both companies should benefit. ExcellerateHRO Drops Utility Platform for Comprehensive HR BPO 6 August 2009 ExcellerateHRO, owned by EDS/HP, is discontinuing its utility-based delivery platform for comprehensive HR BPO. It continues to offer benefits administration BPO, but use caution until EDS clarifies its strategy. McAfee to Enter E-Mail Security As a Service With MX Logic 6 August 2009 With its MX Logic acquisition, McAfee will finally get into the security-as-a-service landscape, but gaining sales and product management traction may prove to be more difficult. U.S. Firms Could Benefit From New Solar Electricity Financing 5 August 2009 New funding for solar power purchase agreements from Borrego Solar and Renewable Ventures could help U.S. enterprises reduce electricity costs by adopting photovoltaic systems without a large capital expenditure. WatchGuard Strengthens Protections With BorderWare Acquisition 5 August 2009 New e-mail and other protections may make WatchGuard Technologies' offerings more attractive to enterprise customers. But WatchGuard must diversify its sales and marketing to maximize this acquisition's potential. IBM Mainframe Price Actions Lower TCO for Linux Workloads 31 July 2009 IBM has improved the price/performance ratio of its high-end mainframe for new workloads, particularly for running Linux work on System z. Ericsson's Bid for Nortel Assets Shakes Up Wireless Market 30 July 2009 By winning parts of Nortel's wireless business, Ericsson puts pressure on Nokia Siemens Networks, Alcatel-Lucent, Motorola and Huawei as they pursue network migration contracts with North American wireless carriers. DRI and NFPA Announce New BCM Auditor Certifications 29 July 2009 Two new business continuity management auditor certifications will enhance recipients' professional knowledge, although they don't yet qualify a recipient to conduct certification audits for BS 25999 or PS-Prep. Coalition to Lobby U.S. Government to Promote Open Source 28 July 2009 A large group of vendors and U.S. universities organizes to boost awareness and advocate more governmental use of open-source software to save money on application development. GoldenGate Buy Will Boost Oracle in Data Integration Tools 28 July 2009 Oracle will become more competitive in data integration tools and may enhance its high-availability products by buying GoldenGate. Non-Oracle customers should wait for product road maps to gauge Oracle's commitment. Yahoo Moves To Make E-mail a Social Hub 24 July 2009 Yahoo seeks to address a gap in its business strategy with the acquisition of Xoopit, which will enable Yahoo to transform its popular consumer e-mail service into a hub for diverse multivendor social interactions. Wolters Kluwer's Axentis Acquisition Fills Gaps, Raises Issues 22 July 2009 Wolters Kluwer's CCH division's acquisition of Axentis offers the potential for a strongly competitive enterprise governance, risk and compliance platform. CCH must develop a common platform for its GRC offerings first. GigaSpaces Focuses on Cloud-Enabled XTP With XAP 7.0 21 July 2009 GigaSpaces' eXtreme Application Platform 7.0 is one of the first industry examples of a cloud-enabled, extreme transaction processing platform. It gives GigaSpaces a technology advantage over IBM, Microsoft and Oracle. Bid for Nortel Enterprise Assets Will Fortify Avaya's Position 21 July 2009 If Avaya's bid for Nortel's enterprise division succeeds, Avaya will have leading market share in enterprise voice, re-enter the data market and grow its channels. But other potential buyers still have a chance to bid. Allegiance Buys Inquisite to Strengthen Focus on EFM 20 July 2009 Enterprise feedback management solution provider Allegiance has purchased a complementary competitor, Inquisite. This is part of Allegiance's strategic push in this crowded market. HP MPS Payback Guarantee Could Cut Costs in More Than One Way 20 July 2009 Office print cost savings are "low-hanging fruit," yet most enterprises are reticent about implementing managed print services. HP intends to overcome those objections with its guaranteed payback program. Changes in Microsoft Office 2010 Require Careful Evaluation 20 July 2009 Office 2010 offers collaboration tools and a free Web version aimed at recouping mind share from competitors. The Web version will suffice for some, but users should consider privacy issues and the limited feature set. Software AG Plans IDS Scheer Buy to Solidify BPM Direction 17 July 2009 Software AG's plan to buy IDS Scheer is evidence of its goal to be a leader in business process management disciplines and technologies. Google Chrome OS Points to Cloud- and Standards-Oriented Future 14 July 2009 Google's blog entry outlining its strategy to develop the Google Chrome operating system has sparked chatter in technological circles. Nevertheless, Google's plan will not affect enterprises for many years. SecureWorks/VeriSign Deal Answers Some Questions, but Not All 10 July 2009 The long-awaited sale of VeriSign's managed security services business will help to ensure continuity of its services. But SecureWorks, the new owner, will need to rationalize different technologies and contractual commitments. Indian Budget Signals a Shift Toward Policy Continuity 9 July 2009 India's Budget for 2009-10 didn't include the bold reformist policies that enterprises expected. Instead it indicated a move toward policy continuity and included some positive announcements for the IT industry. Attacks Show Lack of Basic Internet Protections 9 July 2009 A highly publicized series of "cyberattacks" really just represents business as usual on the Internet. Businesses and government agencies that depend of the Internet should already have protections against such attacks. Google Drops Gmail Beta Label in Nod to Enterprise 8 July 2009 Google stripped the beta label from its commercial Gmail services. This move eliminates a symbolic barrier to enterprise adoption and shows that Google is taking the enterprise market more seriously. Data Encryption Not Enough to Prevent FTP Credential Theft 6 July 2009 The reported theft of 88,000 FTP credentials reaffirms that using SSL technologies or encrypting the payload is not enough to secure managed file transfer solutions and avoid regulatory and compliance audits. 'Green Dam' Delay Gives China Market PC Vendors a Respite 6 July 2009 PC vendors serving the China market should hold off making any sizeable investment in the now-controversial Green Dam software until the situation that led to the government delaying the installation mandate clears up. QinetiQ/Cyveillance Deal Will Boost Cyberintelligence Market 1 July 2009 The U.S. government has approved QinetiQ of North America's acquisition of Cyveillance. Gartner expects further deals as firms seek competency in cyberintelligence as a competitive edge in national cybersecurity efforts. I-many Deal Will Benefit Revenue Management Software Market 30 June 2009 I-many's change in ownership and the release of its latest contract analytics product will benefit both users of its contract management solutions and the larger pharmaceutical industry market for these solutions. VIP's Clear Demise Leaves Fate of Personal Data Unclear 30 June 2009 The abrupt demise of Clear, a fast-track airport security system for U.S. travelers, raises serious questions regarding the private and secure disposal and transfer of databases full of sensitive information. Nokia/Intel Collaboration Raises Stakes in Mobile Chip Market 29 June 2009 The broad mobile collaboration between Intel and Nokia validates Intel's mobile strategy. The announcement is strong on good intentions, but weak in offering concrete actions. Microsoft Frees Up Its Consumer Security Software Product 26 June 2009 Microsoft's free consumer security offering, Microsoft Security Essentials, will spur more free offerings from its competitors. But Gartner expects adoption to be slowed by users' preference for security-focused vendors. Microsoft Brings Consumer Energy Efficiency Into Hohm 26 June 2009 Microsoft's move confirms our prediction that end-user energy efficiency will be a consumer technology vendor play. With Hohm, Microsoft departs from its model by owning the application rather than supporting partners. Enterprises Should Demand Windows Upgrade Option 26 June 2009 Microsoft has limited the number of free Windows 7 upgrades that can be claimed via its Windows Upgrade Option. Organizations need to understand their Windows 7 requirements and obtain rights for the best value. IBM-Siemens Pact Opens New Ways to Streamline PLM Processes 23 June 2009 The IBM-Siemens technology integration opens new product life cycle management opportunities. Gartner views the potential ability to manage embedded software more integrally as the most important benefit of the integration. Bid for Wireless Assets Means Big Changes for Nortel Customers 23 June 2009 Nokia Siemens Networks has bid for part of Nortel's wireless division. The deal should add value for CDMA and LTE carrier customers. But other Nortel customers must prepare for further sale announcements in coming weeks. Bull Blade Servers Aim for the High-Performance Computing Market 22 June 2009 The new bullx family gives Bull a purpose-built high-performance computing architecture that it hopes will distinguish it from commodity clusters, particularly for the divisional and supercomputing end of the market. U.S. Financial System Regulatory Overhaul Brings More Scrutiny 19 June 2009 Regulatory reforms proposed by the Obama administration will require CIOs and IT managers to review their risk management and compliance activities and investments. Comment on Meaningful Use of EHR but Understand It First 18 June 2009 The draft criteria on the "meaningful use" of electronic health records offer healthcare providers and other stakeholders an opportunity to influence the complex process that leads to the final criteria. HP and Fortify Aim to Advance Application Security Testing 17 June 2009 HP's partnership with Fortify indicates growing industry understanding that application security testing, both static and dynamic, should be an integral part of software life cycle processes and platforms. Microsoft Bows to Growth of Online FSNs in Closing Money Plus 17 June 2009 The end is near for software-based financial management consumer tools. Financial social networks and other online options will better meet consumers' money management and planning needs, at less effort and cost. Antenna-Dexterra Deal Further Advances Mobile Consolidation 17 June 2009 Antenna's Dexterra purchase reflects rising consolidation in mobile applications. The combined entity will be stronger than the separate parts, if Antenna can integrate the platforms and stay focused on its core business. Siemens to Provide Important SaaS Talent Management Test Case 15 June 2009 Siemens' selection of SuccessFactors will provide an important test case for implementation of a large, complex, global software-as-a-service talent management suite. Google Gmail Support for Outlook Challenges Exchange 10 June 2009 Taking its campaign to capture enterprise e-mail seats to a new level, Google released client-side code which allows Outlook to work natively against the Gmail back end. YouSendIt Seeks Wider Enterprise Adoption Through Prosumers 9 June 2009 Moving files between users represents the most ad hoc, unmanaged and ungoverned aspect of file transfer. YouSendIt Tracker for iPhone could enhance IT governance by giving enterprises greater visibility into file traffic. OutStart/Hot Lava Merger Advances Support for Social Learning 8 June 2009 OutStart's merger with mobile content and learning provider Hot Lava Software is another indicator of the growing market for supporting social learning with content "courselets" delivered on demand. New Identity Federation Moves Should Help Increase Adoption 8 June 2009 New developments in Liberty Alliance interoperability testing, and especially increased multiprotocol support from Microsoft, should ease enterprises' concerns about competing identity federation mechanisms. Dell 1Q10 Results Offer Proof of Market Downturn's Severity 5 June 2009 Dell's fiscal 1Q10 results show that, like other hardware vendors, the weak economy has affected it. But Dell hopes that business changes it is making will drive improvements and position it for the eventual recovery. SolarMagic Design Tackles Solar Panel Obstruction Issues 3 June 2009 The innovative design of National Semiconductor's SolarMagic power optimizer could help improve the power output and return on investment of photovoltaic solar energy systems. Continental's AutoLinQ to Fuel In-Car Web Applications 2 June 2009 Continental's AutoLinQ open platform approach will reduce barriers for developers and automakers to offer contextual, driving-specific Web experiences and lead to new business models. EMC Continues Acquisitions Strategy With Configuresoft Buy 2 June 2009 EMC's planned purchase of Configuresoft continues its strategy of filling out its portfolio of IT operations management solutions and broadens its compliance focus. The Web Wins Whether or Not Google Wave Succeeds 2 June 2009 Google Wave demonstrates substantial innovation in product, platform and protocol. This initiative will take many years to affect the enterprise but will change competition and opportunities in the workplace IT market. Nokia's Ovi Maps Aims to Change Navigation Value Proposition 27 May 2009 Nokia has expanded and opened Ovi Maps to consumers and developers with the goal of designing a contextual, location-aware service foundation. This will directly impact automotive and navigation solution companies. Solidcore Acquisition Helps McAfee Span Security and Operations 27 May 2009 This deal will add Solidcore's lockdown and change control solution to a broad security portfolio. It expands McAfee's presence in the server and dedicated device security market, but won't impact PC security until 2011. HP's 2Q09 Results Dim Hopes for Imminent IT Industry Recovery 22 May 2009 HP's 2Q09 earnings results reflect the company's strategy during the economic downturn. This includes strategic and tactical cost-cutting to maintain margins, and squeezing inventory and supply chains to release cash. Historic Indian Election Results Bode Well for Indian IT 21 May 2009 India has voted its current government to a second five-year term. This could help deliver the political stability, legal reforms and economic growth needed to enable Indian industry to integrate and expand globally. Oracle's Deal With Virtual Iron Alters Virtualization Market 20 May 2009 Oracle's acquisition of Virtual Iron would strengthen its position in the virtualization space and help to polarize the Xen market around Citrix and Oracle with Sun. It would have lasting effects on Microsoft and VMware. Battery Switch Demo Is Critical Step for Better Place 20 May 2009 For electric vehicle services provider Better Place, getting traction for its automated battery switching technology in the form of government and auto company buy-in is crucial to its long-term development strategy. HP and Microsoft Unite for the Coming UCC War 20 May 2009 HP and Microsoft escalated the battle to supply unified communication and collaboration services to enterprises with a partnership that will deliver integration, sales/marketing and joint product development. Antitrust Ruling Against Intel Unlikely to Have Lasting Effect 19 May 2009 The European Commission has fined Intel for engaging in anticompetitive activities. Gartner believes Intel's recent dominance is due to market forces at work and not because the company has engaged in illegal practices. Nortel's 1Q09 Earnings Show Why Customers Need Contingency Plans 18 May 2009 Nortel's continuing losses will not only deter potential sales, but spur many customers to develop backup plans and look elsewhere. Saba-IBM Collaboration Bolsters Support for Social Learning 15 May 2009 A new agreement between Saba and IBM reinforces the importance of learning in achieving the larger goal of talent development to support of business performance. Both companies will benefit from this relationship. SumTotal Bidding War Signals Change, but Clients Shouldn't Panic 14 May 2009 Two private equity firms are vying to buy SumTotal Systems, one of the largest vendors in the corporate learning systems market. Despite the likely acquisition, current SumTotal customers shouldn't expect much to change. Clear Standards Buy Will Add GHG Management to SAP Solutions 14 May 2009 SAP's deal to purchase Clear Standards is the first of many acquisitions that Gartner expects major software vendors to make within the rapidly evolving technology area of greenhouse gas emissions management. Acquisitions Would Benefit Micro Focus by Broadening Its Message 13 May 2009 Borland's and Compuware's automated software quality tools for distributed platforms will increase Micro Focus' revenue and broaden its message. But it will be challenged to manage complex and overlapping product lines. Participation Key to Heartland Effort 13 May 2009 Heartland Payment Systems will offer end-to-end encryption to re-establish its credibility as a secure processor and strengthen its security practices. To work, its plan must be adopted by merchants and card brands.