At Deadline

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Information Builders Launches WebFOCUS 5.3, Extends Decision-Making Power Across the Enterprise

Information Builders Launches WebFOCUS 5.3, Extends Decision-making Power Across the Enterprise Information Builders has further solidified its position as champion in operational business intelligence (OBI) with the release of WebFOCUS 5.3. At the foundation of this latest release are performance and functional features that will help organizations extend business intelligence to encompass operational data and engage users from across the enterprise.

Many Information Builders customers already use WebFOCUS to handle not only historical reporting, but as a fast and effective way to quickly deliver information to employees and partners directly involved in their business processes.

The industry is recognizing operationally focused, action-oriented applications as a significant emerging business intelligence trend. Ventana Research, the leading provider of performance management research and advisory services, recently unveiled the results of the Business Intelligence for Operational Performance study, which captured responses from more than 500 organizations.

"Companies are now implementing business intelligence technology-based applications to provide mission-critical information to their line-of-business workers. These applications directly support operations and enable operational performance management," said Eric Rogge, Ventana Research vice president and research director for Business Intelligence. "Using BI technology for delivery of information to operations shortens time to deployment and allows for greater adaptability to unforeseen operational challenges." (See related Q&A, this issue.)

iWay Software Creates New Adapter Factory to Support Growing Partnership With SAP AG

iWay Software, an Information Builders company and the world's leading adapter vendor, has formed a new Adapter Factory, a software development and sales support unit that will be managed jointly between iWay Channels Sales and iWay Software, and dedicated to supporting its growing alliance with SAP AG.

The creation of an Adapter Factory dedicated to the partnership with SAP will help ensure SAP requirements are met for additional product development and technical certifications.

And the Award Goes To…

Two of Information Builders' flagship customers – Holland America Lines and TELUS, Inc. – have been named winners of the 2004 InfoWorld 100 awards for their creative use of technology in order to meet arduous business demands. The InfoWorld 100 recognizes the most innovative corporate IT solutions across a range of vertical markets, highlighting organizations that use multiple technologies beyond the typical plug-and-play offerings to achieve distinct business goals.

"This year, InfoWorld honors a host of innovative projects that highlight the resourcefulness of the IT community," said Eric Knorr, senior features editor. "IT department have learned hard lessons about business realities and realistic ROI. The InfoWorld 100 provides a forum for IT managers to get the recognition they deserve for smart projects from an audience of their peers."

Holland America Line, a leader in the hospitality industry, was acknowledged for their innovative use of Web-based reporting to help improve customer satisfaction and stimulate revenue growth. With the use of Information Builders' WebFOCUS solution, Holland America can analyze and report on critical data from diverse operational sources, helping employees to anticipate and respond to passengers' needs quickly and pinpoint areas where ongoing improvements can be made.

TELUS Corp., the second-largest telecommunications provider in Canada, was recognized for their use of business intelligence (BI) technology to maximize productivity amidst various corporate acquisitions. TELUS uses a sophisticated Web-based scorecard application to deliver information from field service reps directly to managers, helping to optimize overall performance metrics and exploit internal business opportunities. (See cover story, this issue.)