Thinkronization Newsletter - October 2010
Fall is here, 4th quarter initiatives are under way as well as 2011 planning / budgeting, not to mention it is information technology conference season. Integration and supply chain professionals are busy meeting operational and planning deadlines as well as attending the occasional show and vendor events that go through early December. Find out about these events, integration news, and a few things regarding REMEDI in “THINKRONIZATION”, a REMEDI semi-monthly eNewsletter.
Integration Vendor Acquisition Updates
The consolidation continues, it seems like there is one every edition this year. HighJump Software acquires TrueCommerce, who provides end-to-end B2Bi partner connectivity and data transformation solutions through web forms and pre-defined ERP integration applications. The company provides solutions that enable vendors to become part of the business network of large EDI and ecommerce hub organizations.
Providing synergies among the organizations, HighJump Software has a supply chain application suite involving warehouse management systems, transportation management systems, route accounting systems, manufacturing execution, mobile sales and ERP data collection, making the organizations a good fit with one another.
Regarding the IBM purchase of Sterling Commerce, here are new developments since the August edition of “THINKRONIZATION”.
- Sterling is now referred to as Sterling Commerce, an IBM Company and remains in Dublin, Ohio as part of the software group’s Industry Solutions Group.
- As part of the transition to an IBM company email addresses for your contacts at Sterling will change on, or about, October 15, 2010. Check with your contacts for new email addresses.
- For those who have attended Sterling’s Customer Connections conferences in years past there is now IBM Impact 2011, April 10-15. As we understand this event is similar to Customer Connections with 6,000 people expected and an opportunity to get updated on Sterling products as well as IBM products in the integration portfolio.
Complimentary Assessments
Our business and data integration project assessments are offered year round and are even more popular during budget season. Contact us if you have an initiative for which you are planning. If your project contains a professional services component, we can help you consider that aspect of your project along with considerations of your project as a whole.Our planning and budgeting assistance includes some or all of the following depending on your needs:
- Scope Analysis
- Obstacle Planning
- Timeline Development
- Resource Requirements
- Project Costing
RDBMS Versus Real Relationships
by Charley HughesAbout a week ago we reposted a 2009 article entitled “Valuable Relationships in Tough Times”. While the information remains relevant in 2010, the supply and demand equation for highly skilled technology talent is “resulting in a smaller pool of qualified labor” according to the September issue of The DICE Report.
Our 2009 article focused on the value that a solid recruiting partnership brings during weak economic times through the methodical processes used to identify stronger candidates from among the flood of technology workers who find themselves in search of work. However with 2010 nearly gone, the pendulum of hiring activity is beginning to swing in the direction of a tightening tech labor market, making top talent harder to find, and tougher yet to win over.
Most likely, the professional you really need on your team will require a compelling reason to join your project or staff. This is because they are currently employed, have an active pipeline of opportunities because their skills are in demand, or simply because they are waiting on the recovery curve to steepen. This is why relationship building versus resume-database building makes REMEDI a more powerful recruiting advocate for companies who need top talent to compete.
Don’t get me wrong, we have an impressive database of well screened, highly qualified talent. But more importantly for our clients, candidates, and consultants, we invest significant time to discover what makes the Data Integration marketplace tick, and in the process enjoy strong relationships with our candidates and consultants. In many cases these relationships are in place long before an interview or offer is on the horizon. And, our candidates and consultants trust our knowledge of the data integration market when presented with competing opportunities.
The bottom line is that leveraging our Rolodex of relationships with hard to find Integration talent, along with our knowledge of today’s employment market, can make the difference between landing the All-Star you need in order to win, and having to settle for less than your first choice. And that’s better for your company’s bottom line.
Managed Services, Outsourcing, Hosted Solutions, SaaS, What Is Your Definition?
Ask five people what their definition is, and get five different answers. Find out our definition and tell us what you think.The B2Bi Stimulus Package
No political statement but an attention getter to point out the hidden value of B2Bi and automation within your company. Of course you know the advantages of integration and collaboration, and giving these projects, proposals, and initiatives flashy titles and drawing corollaries to current event themes might help you better get the ear of management and the business areas in which you serve.As an integration professional you are aware that solutions you develop result in better collaboration with partners in your business network, offer more efficient order to cash processes, provide enhanced procurement to payment, and result in a more sound supply chain overall. These are benefits that result from your solutions and if management is not aware of it they should be.
What I propose you do in your organization, if you are not already, is elevate your role to that of an integration evangelist. Business areas in your organization may not be keenly aware of what your solutions offer…efficiency, effectiveness, cost savings, revenue growth. And if your integration environment won’t allow you to deliver these results then maybe your integration environment is due for an upgrade, an investment that should also be championed.
Why wait for around for the stimulus to impact your organization, offer up a stimulus investment of your own. The return to your organization is cost savings and revenue growth that results from implementation of worthy integration solutions.
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As Thanksgiving Approaches...
Our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible. And in this spirit we say, simply, but sincerely, thank you and best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving!From those of us at REMEDI Electronic Commerce Group
