ASPs (application service providers) have been on the scene for about two years now. During that time, their early, almost exclusive, focus on ERP applications has expanded to include everything from e-mail to business intelligence. These applications are offered on a pay-as-you-go rental basis, which slashes the initial investment required to begin using them.

There were a number of interesting announcements at Java One and I'll be considering various different ones and their implications in upcoming few weeks.

When we are behind schedule, we often compound our problems by acting like we're behind schedule. The trouble is, we're behind schedule and don't realize what we are doing. There are, however, things we can do to break this downward spiral.

When we are behind schedule, we often compound our problems by acting like we're behind schedule. The trouble is, we're behind schedule and don't realize what we are doing. There are, however, things we can do to break this downward spiral.

ASPs (application service providers) have been on the scene for about two years now.

ASPs (application service providers) have been on the scene for about two years now.

When we are behind schedule, we often compound our problems by acting like we're behind schedule. The trouble is, we're behind schedule and don't realize what we are doing.

When we are behind schedule, we often compound our problems by acting like we're behind schedule. The trouble is, we're behind schedule and don't realize what we are doing.

There has been much debate recently over the definition of risk management. Cutter Consortium recently surveyed IT managers about their organizations' risk management practices. Some interesting findings about the definition of risk surfaced.

There has been much debate recently over the definition of risk management. Cutter Consortium recently surveyed IT managers about their organizations' risk management practices. Some interesting findings about the definition of risk surfaced.

Whether you are trying to initiate a software metrics program or trying to sustain one due to organizational changes, budget constraints, or other factors, the benefits must be continuously sold within the IT organization. Software metrics is often perceived as intrusive, therefore, the benefits must be understood in relation to achieving business objectives, because that is the bottom line.

Last month's ITMS discussed the use of metrics in managing deadlines for IT projects. We took two perspectives. One was a forward- estimation view in which we were tasked to forecast the time a project might take, along with effort estimations, staff requirements, and optimization suggestions. The other was a reverse-estimation perspective -- starting with a deadline and working the problem backward to quantify what could be done within certain time limits.

It is an ambitious goal to convey the teachings imparted by a veritable master using merely written words. Edward Tufte (pronounced TUFF-tee) is a true showman and a genius when it come to communication and the display of information. This article summarizes the material presented in Dr. Tufte's fascinating presentation on 25 June 1999 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, so that others may also benefit from his teachings.

"There are three kinds of people: those who can count and those who can't." -- Anonymous

We hear almost daily about the imperative need to align our IT infrastructure and systems with the business activity. IT must not only support our business processes within a fast-changing environment, but also be responsive to new demands for managerial information.