Abstract: Application Service Provision (ASP).There has been a trend in recent years towards the use of remote software services through application service providers. These are companies who make software applications available via the Internet to users who, rather than buying software, pay rental fees for it. The software does not have to be installed locally, the application being available through any web browser, and all support and maintenance is handled by the service provider. CMMS vendors are not the only ones offering these solutions. CAD modelling, engineering design, finance packages, purchasing, ERP and even your company Intranet can now be rented. This is an expanding sector and the signs are that major growth is about to take place. Earlier problems with slow data transfer speeds, communication costs and data security have largely been eliminated and this has made ASP a very attractive proposition. This is clearly illustrated by the proliferation of systems that have become available over the last three or four years with most of the major CMMS vendors now offering an ASP option.

Abstract: The free cartoon character cursor provided by Comet Systems Inc. tracks and stores the web visits of millions of people. This potential privacy issue was discovered and announced by the same security consultant who discovered, in March of 1999, that Microsoft Windows was inserting unique serial numbers into many documents created within Office 97 programs like Word and Excel.

Abstract: Change happens, and it will always happen in virtually every business environment. The underlying enterprise system should thus be an aid to changing the business, rather than an obstacle, as is the usual case today.

Abstract: This article describes the author's experience with the development of the first Yugoslav Internet payment processing system. The system's architecture is very similar to the Three Domain (3D) model that started to emerge later. This success story is worthwhile sharing with a wider audience.

Abstract: This year, the market can be summed up as 3D: Dell Direct Desktop. In comparison, Compaq and IBM are looking a little flat.

Abstract: Supply chain management is a truly dynamic field. Over the last few years the fundamental structure of the chains has changed to the point where many of the working assumptions have to be reevaluated. ChainLink Research’s new 3D approach provides a useful framework for evaluating supply chain solutions.

Abstract: ThyssenKrupp manufactures and configures custom elevators. To shorten sales cycles, reduce costs, and simplify ordering for agencies, distributors, and customers, ThyssenKrupp opted to implement the Cameleon Commerce Suite e-commerce platform and product configurator. Sales teams can now generate accurate real-time estimates and plans, and validate configurations for their customers using 3D visualization. Find out how.

Abstract: After adopting two-dimensional computer-aided design (2D CAD) in the 1990s, Dalian Shipyard discovered that 2D technology didn’t meet the real-world challenges facing ship designers. For example, 2D CAD could not graphically reproduce real ship design challenges, such as collisions. Dalian Shipyard needed better product lifecycle management (PLM) tools. The solution: CADDS 5i—a complete 3D CAD tool for shipbuilding.