As the role of cloud computing is growing significantly in its ability to deliver business applications, many IT decision makers are facing challenges with their existing network infrastructure to support the migration of their business applications to the cloud.

Analyst house Gartner has given its full backing to mobile device management, saying it is essential for IT success.

Without a doubt, the economic downturn was difficult on everyone. Significant cutbacks in production left thousands of smaller suppliers struggling to remain in business. In the midst of this bleak scenario, some large manufacturing organizations have opted to share financial expertise, efficiency and lean manufacturing knowledge - and, in some cases, actual capital - with their smaller, highly valued suppliers to pull them from the brink.

The Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) reports that RFID-based container locks can effectively improve the security, convenience and visibility of the customs process for cargo entering the airport.

President Obama issued May 1 an executive order that aims to foster international trade by promoting greater cooperation with other countries on the development and implementation of regulations that affect global commerce. The order notes that foreign regulatory approaches may differ from those taken by U.S. agencies and that in some cases the differences might be unnecessary and impair the ability of U.S. businesses to export and compete internationally.

"Where and how should the forecast organization report?" That's the number-one question that Lora Cecere, partner with the Altimeter Group, is asked as an analyst. Her answer: "It needs to report to an organization that's neutral."

Natural gas prices are at a 10-year low, and this has increased industry interest in the feasibility of natural gas vehicles for transporting freight. While compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles are appropriate for "return-to-base" vehicles like school buses, garbage trucks and local delivery trucks, liquefied natural gas (LNG) vehicles, because of their increased range, are currently a better option for long-haul, heavy-duty trucking.