November 12, 2007

FEATURE 1   The Progress of SaaS   The number of companies that have adopted the use of SaaS for applications that are provided as services over the Internet has been increasing steadily. Sompo Japan Insurance is using SaaS as a strategic platform for 16 businesses. Some companies are even using it for human resources and ERP. We look at these along with a local investigation of the latest trends in the USA that stands at the leading edge of SaaS use.   The sense of speed is on a different level   The latest news from the USA: procurement, human resources, ERP are all moving towards service   The points to keep in mind are becoming clear   Decisive Factors in Product Selection   Video Conferencing Systems Creating denser communication channels through enhanced image quality. Be careful about inter-connection.   Dedicated video conferencing systems are gaining in popularity as a means of allowing people to talk over long distances. While prices are continuing to drop, more products using HD (high-definition) imaging are becoming available, and “Telepresence” products that make it seem like everyone is in the same room are beginning to appear. Since these use IP networks, the involvement of the IT division is desirable in introducing such products.   FEATURE 2   The Growing Complications of Mental Health The focus of care is shifting from the individual to entire organizations

 

REPORT

 

Hot News

SAP Japan’s introduction of SaaS products will happen after 2008

 

News & Trends

 

Operation of the Japanese accounting system being developed by NTT Data, Fujitsu and Hitachi fades into the distance

 

A system of internal control for multiple contracting structures

 

SAP of Germany wants to get closer to its users

 

JCB further delays start of backbone system operation

 

A service to reduce the burden of auditing consignees within the J-SOX framework

 

Numerous corporate-use mashup tools hit the market

 

Completion of computer-aided name identification for pensions by March 2008 looks hopeless

 

Cisco introduces new pricing system to promote Unified Communications

 

NTT announces NGN outline but yet to determine application offer

 

Microsoft reaches settlement with EU over antitrust problem

 

The Practical Side of Introducing a BCP

Kobe Steel tests its ability to deal with IT emergencies

 

The Leading Edge of RFID

Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ prevents leakage of important documents

 

News Flash by Industry

 

Finance:

Aeon Bank finally opens fully-staffed branches

 

Public Sector:

University of Tokyo will start operating a supercomputer with 1120 Xeon cores in January 2008

 

2 Weeks from IT Pro

 

Trouble feared with billing of charges for pay after delivery mail

 

Hitachi stops PC production but stays in strategic area of thin clients

 

People

 

Interview

Dave Duffield - Co-founder and CEO of Workday, founder of PeopleSoft

We will beat both SAP and Oracle with SaaS

 

Real Feelings Expressed by Top Executives

Kanchu Kanamoto, President and CEO, Kanamoto Co., Ltd.

 

Turning Points for System Division Heads

Tsuyoshi Onozuka, operating officer and manager of information systems division, Gonzo Rosso K.K. (GDH Group)

 

CASE STUDIES

 

Projects: The Trajectory to Completion

Tobu Department Store

Total backbone system renewal at half the market price

Reducing costs by investigating requirements thoroughly

 

Strategic Studies - IT Utilization by Breakthrough Companies

NETOFF

Sustaining a low-profit high turnover business by wise of rationalization

 

A Computer That Does Not Work

Chiba University Hospital

1300 PCs infected with virus

 

MANAGEMENT/TECHNOLOGY

 

Lecture: Oracle Database 11g - Final Part

Strengthening the administration and development environment for large volume, multiple type data

 

Basic Knowledge for the IT Manager - The Art of Communication from A to Z

Work Motivation - The root of work motivation in an employee lies in recognition by the boss

 

Taizo’s “Phrase a Day” - Part 12

Grasp the state of progress quantitatively and don't rush in too easily into process changes

 

A Training Course on the Basics for IT Architects - Part 4

Points to consider when selecting elemental technologies from hardware to network

 

A Course on IT Management for Small- and Medium-Sized Companies - Part 4

Breaking through the multiple walls in a restructuring by being earnest about it