Like a physical supply chain, an information supply chain (ISC) is comprised of the organizations that connect with each other to produce a desired end — product or service — for a user.

Trust has always been the cornerstone of a successful business relationship. But in a global marketplace, your business partners may include a myriad of companies spread across the globe, linked by information gateways.

As chief information officer for the state of Arizona, Chris Cummiskey directs computer operations for 114 agencies ranging from the Acupuncture Board of Examiners to the Weights and Measures Department.

Last year, some 28 percent of corporate managers surveyed told Evans Data, a market research firm, that their primary driver for outsourcing was cost cutting. You'd think saving money would catch the eye of Wall Street but, in fact, it doesn't.

Few companies operate independently in the Electronic Age, which means that the security vulnerability of every business partner — outsourcer, client, whatever — whose computer system has access to yours is a potential portal to your most sensitive data.

Online retailers seek logistics service providers offering high-quality supply chain management knowledge. But new research by supply chain management professor Elliot Rabinovich shows retailers need to look before they leap into a contract with a provider.

In a recent study, researchers at the W. P. Carey School of Business found that only about a third of doctors use computers for patient notes, and about 10 percent prescribe electronically.

In 2003, when corporate turnaround wizard Champ Mitchell became chairman and CEO of Network Solutions, the company was in serious trouble.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems have a growing reputation for being big, slow, pricey and just about impossible to change once they're installed. Those aren't exactly promising survival traits in competitive environs that demand IT agility.

IBM's Customer Obsession Program (COP) is focused on achieving a world-class client experience, service delivery that is consistently the best, and a passionate commitment to the customer.