Joseph C. Panettieri

A lot of people think Windows XP is big news for systems integrators and solutions providers. Im not one of them. When Microsoft officially launched Windows XP last week, I made a conscious effort to tune out the noise. I have nothing against the product, but from what Ive seen, Windows XP doesnt have any […]

IN THE SPOTLIGHTLotusphereDate: Jan. 27-31Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando, Fla.Why Go?: Use this show to get closer to Lotus and IBMs other product groups CIRCLE THE DATES SymobileDate: Nov. 12-15Location: McCormick Place, ChicagoWhy Go?: Symbols conference for vertical-market developers Oracle OpenWorldDate: Dec. 2-7Location: Moscone Convention Center, San FranciscoWhy Go?: More than 300 strategic partners will […]

Microsofts Great Plains division is stealing a page from the Windows NT/Windows 2000 certification team. Much like the world of Windows 2000, Great Plains partners will need to take updated tests each time the software company ships a major product upgrade. The new Great Plains certification program includes online testing and online training. Online training […]

Despite falling sales, Ingram Micro Inc. met Q3 earnings expectations because of stringent internal cost controls. Moreover, the distributor says the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks did not have a significant impact on Q3 results. Revenue for the quarter was $5.83 billion, down from $7.56 billion for the corresponding quarter last year. Net income (before specialty […]

Avaya has inked a multi-year outsourcing agreement with Accenture. Under terms of the deal, Accenture will provide Web-based e-learning and classroom-based training, to Avaya employees, customers and Business Partners. Accenture also will assume management of Avaya Universitys global network of professionals. Avaya University currently offers approximately 2000 courses to customers, associates and Business Partners. The […]

Covansys is making house calls. In recent months, the solutions provider has been calling and visiting health-care customers, to see if they need HIPAA assessment services. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is a controversial initiative from the government that may force health-care providers to overhaul many of their IT systems (see http://www.zdnet.com/sp/stories/issue/0,4537,2814570,00.html). Most […]

Lucent Technologies has deployed a new Web-based procurement solution, as part of the companys struggle to regain profitability. Alliente, KPMG Consulting and Ariba worked behind the scenes to pull together the new system, known as EZBuy, for Lucent. EZBuy provides customized procurement services for goods and services—including computer equipment and maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) […]

Michael Leblanc is cashing in on convergence, one customer at a time. Leblancs integration firm, dubbed Leblanc Communications, has overseen roughly 60 CTI (computer-telephony integration) installations in Connecticut and surrounding areas. His business strategy encompasses a rather simple three-step process: Leblanc works closely with vendors like 3Com, sells repeatable CTI solutions that generate a fast […]

After stumbling in the late 1990s, 3Com hopes to get a lift from CTI (computer-telephony integration). Toward that end, 3Com quietly acquired NBX Corp. in 1999 for $90 million in cash. At the time, 3Com was focused primarily on Ethernet cards, modems and the pending spin-off of Palm Inc. The NBX deal, though nominal in […]

For most of late September, my daily schedule was devoid of business meetings. It seemed as if the entire high-tech industry was too shocked and too upset to conduct business during such a tragic time for all Americans. It will never be business as usual, but Im pleased to say that my phone is ringing […]