Real Issues - Real Solutions - Real Business
"Although talk of an economic recovery is gathering steam, organizations are taking a 'wait and see' approach to increasing IT investment,"
CIOs juggling with grand plans but flat budgets
CIOs report that IT budgets will remain depressed for the coming year - but many say they are preparing for major projects using cloud computing, social media and analytics. Jessica Twentyman, whose work has appeared in leading publications like The Financial Times, Sunday Telegraph, Director, Computer Weekly and Information Age, investigates.
In
recent months, there have been grounds for cautious economic optimism,
with the U.S., France and Germany all posting positive quarterly growth
in GDP. But CIOs expect to wait a while longer before they see the
green shoots of renewal in their own departments.
Opinion
Where next for cloud computing?
At many companies, it's hard enough for executives to
define what cloud computing could mean for the business next quarter. Defining
what it could mean in ten years is even harder. Embracing this challenge is
Thierry Coupaye, Senior Research Expert at Orange Labs, who has been working
with colleagues across Orange to envision the ways in which cloud computing
models might evolve.
Technology
Mapping a smoother path to unified Communications
Despite the complexity and integration challenges, many companies
are embracing unified communications. When projects are guided by a
thoughtful plan and strong business case, obstacles can be avoided.
Anyone
who's ever worked with a team of colleagues on a time-sensitive project
or process knows how a missed call or unanswered emails can derail
deadlines. In an age where employees use more communication tools than
ever before and often work remotely, pinning down the right person, at
the right time, can be a real challenge.
Technology
Move over HDTV, 3D is here (almost)
3D displays are on the cusp of mainstream adoption in the office, at home and on digital signage. The good news is you may be able to ditch those plastic glasses.
Forever told that mass-market 3D display technology was coming, it seems that tomorrow is almost here. New products are being developed that will enable a lower-cost 3D experience, leading to an increased investment in order to commercialize solutions. Although much of the focus is on the consumer market, business-oriented products are also being explored by vendors as a way to grow revenue and generate experience in a less cost-sensitive environment.
Emerging Markets
New connectivity to boost sub-Saharan Africa
Extending reliable communications infrastructure beyond the major urban
centers and to the rest of the world will be a key element in the
economic development of sub-Saharan Africa.
For some time
sub-Saharan Africa was the "odd man out" when it came to international
subsea cable connectivity, particularly along its east coast. However,
various planned and recently completed projects are boosting the
region's communications links with the rest of the world.
This
improved connectivity can play a role in helping the 40-plus nations in
the region to escape the worst effects of the global recession.
Case Studies
A quick start for faster setups
3G mobile broadband brings new sites online quicker for leading fastener manufacturer.
Fabory
Group, a Netherlands-based distributor of industrial fasteners, faces
the same challenge as nearly all businesses: time to market. The
rapidly expanding business was experiencing delays when bringing new
locations online. Its goal was to reduce the time taken to make a new
site operational, and it looked to Orange Business Services for ideas.
The global fastener company, established in 1947, offers an array of
products, such as bolts, screws, nuts, pins, nails, washers, adhesives
and sealants.
Solutions
Service Management: How process can rise above complexity
In a world where the performance and specification of many technologies is similar, the one differentiating factor is how that performance is managed and enhanced by the service provider. With many companies expanding outside of their IT and communications comfort zone, sourcing a service management provider is becoming a key strategic consideration.
Service management - or the art of successfully meeting business objectives by optimizing the IT and communications network - is often seen as a complex "black art." In some respects, it deserves this label: many firms can find it challenging to understand how the performance of their infrastructures and services can be maximized to improve profitability, customer care goals or security requirements, for example.
Opinion
How IT can create business value
By Dr. Norbert Kleinjohann, CIO, Siemens AG
Dr. Norbert Kleinjohann explains how Siemens is transforming its IT,
moving away from bespoke solutions and customized software by deploying
standardized solutions such as software-as-a-service.
The technology market is always evolving, and today is no exception.
Companies are reassessing the way they consume IT in light of the
growing commoditization of IT and the emergence of enterprise-grade
software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions.
Editors Choice
Short news
Top ratings earned from Telemark in latest Global Data VPN Executive Briefing and ICT Service Supremacy reports. Orange Business Services received recognition from Telemark for its high customer satisfaction ratings as both a global data VPN service provider and an ICT service provider. In the latest Telemark Global data VPN Executive Briefing, Orange Business Services...
Read more France Telecom received an overall "Strong Positive" rating in Gartner's Vendor Rating: France Telecom Group reportAccording to the report, a "Strong Positive" rating means that the vendor "is viewed as a provider of strategic products, services or solutions: customers should continue with planned investments and potential customers should consider this vendor as a strong choice for strategic investments." "We are very pleased that France Telecom received a 'Strong Positive,' the...
Read more Orange is the only operator in the Leaders' Quadrant of ground-breaking reportOrange, through Orange Business Services -- its division for enterprise customers, leads the sustainable telecoms market, according to a ground-breaking report published recently by Verdantix, an independent analyst firm that provides commercial analysis of climate change, sustainability and energy issues."Among Europe's leading telecoms operators, only Orange stands out as a firm that has made deep...
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