MarketWatch

— September 20, 2006

Emirates SkyCargo Unveils I.T. Cargo Management System
Emirates SkyCargo has developed a new, end-to-end cargo management system, offering a centralized reservation service among other features. Known as SkyChain, the service is compatible with wide-host customer systems, can accommodate upgrades and changes through Java architecture, and provides real-time access to data, including status updates. Developed over two and a half years, SkyChain was implemented in August of 2006. It was built in Dubai by a team of more than 150 I.T. and cargo professionals. The system represents “the largest single software development project in the aviation industry in recent times,” according to Emirates.
http://mediacentre.ekgroup.com/

Sterling Automates Collaborative Supply-Chain Management
Sterling Commerce has delivered a new software application that automates and provides for collaborative execution of supplier management. Sterling Supply Chain Visibility combines real-time visibility of supplier data with proactive exception management. Built on a service-oriented architecture (SOA) model, the tool helps users to automate manual processes, while providing full alerting, notification and automated action capabilities. Supply Chain Visibility is part of Sterling's portfolio of supply-chain applications, addressing such functions as warehousing, distributed order management, visibility and transportation management.
http://www.sterlingcommerce.com/

Intermec Introduces New Mobile Computers, Barcode Scanner
Intermec Inc. has introduced a new rugged mobile computer for the warehouse that is able to support multiple communications protocols. The CN3 includes integrated global positioning system (GPS), Bluetooth, 3G Wide-Area Network (WAN) and Cisco-compatible wireless (WiFi) connectivity. The design allows for turn-by-turn voice navigation, onscreen and hands-free. In addition, users can choose between GSM/EDGE and CMDA/EV-DO standards. Also included in the unit is either an area imager or 1.3-megapixel camera, allowing users to scan and decode any kind of barcode or to capture still images, such as signatures or video images that can be stored for later use, or sent immediately anywhere in the world. Equipped with a color display, the CN3 incorporates the features of a cell phone, GPS unit, pager, laptop and camera. It was designed for Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 software, with the Messaging and Security Feature Pack, including Direct Push Technology for wireless e-mail. It comes with a standard keyboard or optional numeric keypad. The unit will be available worldwide in the fourth quarter of 2006. Intermec has also introduced the CV30, a rugged, fixed-mount computer that can be operated in dirty and dusty environments, freezing conditions and in areas with water wash-downs. It can be used on a forklift, in a cab or as a stationary terminal. The CV30 was scheduled to be released worldwide on Sept. 15. Yet another new Intermec product, the Intellibeam EX25, is a scan engine which reads and decodes 1D and 2D barcodes in any orientation from six inches to 50 feet, as well as composite and postal codes. The EX25 can also photograph proof-of-delivery documents and evidence of damaged, expired or unsealed goods. It will be available in the first quarter of 2007.
CN3: http://www.intermec.com/
CV30: http://www.intermec.com/
EX25: http://www.intermec.com/

MIT Forms New Group to Aid in Matching Supply With Demand
The Center for Transportation & Logistics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has launched a research project to develop new methods for matching supply and demand “in an increasingly uncertain business environment.” Formation of the MIT Demand Management Solutions Research Group is in response to increased volatility of markets, as well as greater demands by customers for service quality, according to Larry Lapide, the center's research director. The survival of many companies today depends on their ability to anticipate demand and deliver products precisely when customers want to purchase them, he said. All research and educational direction for the group will be provided through MIT's Center for Transportation and Logistics. Association and event-management services will be handled by Larstan Business Reports, Inc. Jennifer O'Grady, organizer of a recent MIT executive roundtable in Chicago, and publisher of the MIT Supply Chain Strategy Newsletter, will serve as executive director of the new organization. She can be reached at jogrady@larstan.net.
http://ctl.mit.edu/

Dassault, IBM Team Up Once Again on Latest Version of PLM
Dassault Systemes and IBM have jointly announced the release of Version 15, Release 17 of their product lifecycle management (PLM) software. The suite of applications consists of CATIA, for collaborative product development, and ENOVIA VPLM and SmarTeam, for collaborative lifecycle management. Dassault also announced DELMIA V5R17 for virtual production and its V5R17 sourcing software (Collaborative Enterprise Sourcing) for ENOVIA VPLM. The newest version of CATIA features enhancements in 3D electrical harness flattening and Machining NC programming and simulation. The new ENOVIA applications enhance versioning and embed new configuration management tools within VPM Navigator. ENOVIA offers additional support for digital mockup, 3D XML and security components. The latest release of DELMIA introduces the Product Process and Resource (PPR) family of applications for unified V5 access on products, processes and resources stored in the Manufacturing Hub. As a result, DELMIA users can navigate and author manufacturing information within the context of the product definition, and under lifecycle and configuration control.
http://www.3ds.com/

Sonasoft Releases Updated SonaSafe Suite for Microsoft
Sonasoft Corp. has made available a new version of the SonaSafe Suite for Microsoft Exchange, SQL and Windows servers. SonaSafe is an application for data backup and disaster recovery. It maintains a redundant, standby server by continually updating the data with that retrieved from the primary system. The standby system can take over instantly in the event of primary system failure. The standby system can be on-site or located at a remote site for protection against nature or man-made disasters. The latest release of SonaSafe includes dynamic mailbox backups, customized ports, enhanced repetition and recovery capability. Dynamic mailbox backup incorporates automatic splitting of mailboxes with sizes over 2 gigabytes. The complete backup of a mailbox has to be taken only once, with incremental backups thereafter. If an e-mail or folder is lost, recovery can take place within seconds, Sonasoft said. The new SonaSafe also provides backup and recovery at the intelligent file level. The feature serves companies that need to have instant backups available for important files and folders at the time of a disaster, the vendor said.
http://www.sonasoft.com/

CargoSmart Allows Connection to Non-Member Ocean Carriers
CargoSmart Limited, a provider of application and integration services for the ocean container transportation industry, is now allowing shippers and transportation intermediaries to connect to all of their ocean carriers through the vendor's portal for $2 per shipment. Customers who use CargoSmart to manage all of their ocean-carrier shipment information pay only for the non-member carriers' portion of their shipments. They will continue to have free access to member-carriers' shipment data. Those customers will also have access to the vendor's full suite of advanced online functions, customized integrations using extensible markup language, electronic data interchange and Web services, as well as a dedicated support team. CargoSmart claims more than 45,000 globally active users. To support their customers on the portal, carriers can use the Carrier Customer Service Center, which allows them to manage registrations, set up reports and monitor customers' shipment data.
http://www.cargosmart.com/

UGS Makes Solid Edge 2D Drafting Software Available for Free
Solid Edge 2D Drafting software from UGS Corp. will now be available worldwide for free, to anyone who requests the software through a new online download. The application previously cost $995. UGS has made it available in this manner because of “the commoditization of 2D and the emphasis on the value of managed 3D modeling.” There is no cost to download or license the software, although optional support and automatic upgrades for the product are available for a price. Solid Edge is the CAD (computer-aided design) component of the new UGS Velocity Series portfolio. Solid Edge 2D Drafting provides capabilities for creating 2D documentation. It includes drawing layout, diagramming, annotation and dimensioning controls which automatically comply with popular drafting standards. It also provides intuitive wizards for translation, to ease the transition from 2D AutoCAD and other drafting applications. The software features an engineering sketchpad, which allows designers to sketch ideas and turn freehand sketches into accurate 2D dimension-driven drawings. The free download is available at http://www.solidedge.com/
http://www.ugs.com/

China Airlines Inaugurates Freight Service at Houston Airport
China Airlines will inaugurate scheduled all-cargo service from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, TX on Sept. 30. Linking Taipei, Taiwan and Houston with a 747-400F freighter, the service will fly twice a week. It represents Houston's first scheduled Asian air-cargo flight. Planes will depart Taipei every Tuesday and Saturday at 1:20 a.m., arriving in Houston at 8:15 a.m. the same day. The return flight will depart Houston the same day at 10:35 a.m., arriving in Taipei at 4:55 p.m. the following day. China Airlines expects to focus on freight generated by Houston's petrochemical, medical, aerospace and information-technology industries. Petroleum exploring equipment is one of the area's major cargo exports to Asia, according to the Houston Airport System.
http://www.fly2houston.com/

SPL, Riva Combine Capital Planning With Asset Management
SPL WorldGroup, a vendor of enterprise asset management (EAM) software, has entered into a strategic partnership with Riva Online, a provider of tools for infrastructure valuation analysis. Riva will integrate its strategic long-range capital-planning capabilities with the SPL Enterprise Asset & Work Management application. The pre-integrated tool draws on the physical and financial status of assets captured in SPL's EAM software, to build “best-fit” budgets that support long-term strategies for infrastructure maintenance. The combination allows Riva to read and analyze asset data directly from SPL's EAM application, to develop “what-if” capital-planning scenarios. Users can model infrastructure lifecycle costs to optimize an asset's lifespan, schedule capital improvements and plan for infrastructure replacement. Riva converts the resulting data into the organization's capital plan and capital project-management system. The plan then flows back to SPL's EAM application for work execution, which the linked systems track through completion.
http://www.splwg.com/

Syspro Offers Updated ERP Tool With New Reporting Feature
Syspro has released the newest version of Syspro 6.0, the vendor's enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. Version 6.0 Issue 010 contains added functionality across all areas of the platform, including financial, distribution and manufacturing, the vendor said. Also included are new customization capabilities and modules. The update debuts Syspro Reporting Services, a reporting tool which incorporates an embedded version of Crystal Reports XI. Syspro Reporting Services offers interactive reporting with scheduling and archiving capabilities. Reports and themes can be customized, with the ability to translate headings into specific languages for companies with international operations, Syspro said. Issue 010 also introduces Electronic Signatures, giving users the option of authenticating operators as they are processing transactions. The feature generates a log for auditing, along with the ability to activate triggers for notification via e-mail or for integration to third-party products or custom procedures. Electronic Signatures aids in meeting compliance requirements by regulatory bodies, Syspro added.
http://www.syspro.com/

Infravio Pens Guide to SOA Governance, Lifecycle Management
Infravio, Inc. has published a comprehensive guide to service-oriented architecture (SOA) governance and lifecycle management. The white paper is aimed at corporate software architects and developers, SOA practitioners, information-technology staff, and lay persons with an interest in SOA. It discusses the link between SOA adoption and governance, as well as detailing the key requirements that underlie the current demand for end-to-end SOA governance and lifecycle management. Lifecycle management establishes orderly processes and cuts down on risk in SOA implementations, Infravio noted. But the adoption of that process is only the first step toward full SOA. A comprehensive SOA governance policy infrastructure depends on the alignment of diverse groups from central and business-unit I.T., as well as external customers, partners and suppliers.
http://www.infravio.com/

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