To examine the advantages and disadvantages of software outsourcing, as well as the application of lean principles to software development, Harvard Business School has done a case study on Wipro's innovative Factory Model approach. It specifically explores Wipro's experimental use of lean principles as a source of new competitive advantage in software services.

The case study addresses the advantages and disadvantages of software outsourcing and how to mitigate the effects of, for example, lock-in and hijacking. Explores how Wipro has helped its customers deal with these issues and looks at the changing competitive role of Indian outsourcers (from low-cost, to high-quality/rapid turnaround). Specifically explores Wipro's experimental use of lean principles as a source of new competitive advantage in software services. Also addresses the issue of standardization in information technology, examining why companies progressively develop so many standards and how companies like Wipro can help them standardize, thus limiting one of the primary drivers of companies' IT costs.

A copy of the case study can be retained from either Wipro or Harvard Business School.

VISIBILITY.net is one of the first Enterprise business applications to be written from the outset entirely using Microsoft.NET framework and Web services architecture. This methodology provides engineer-to-order (ETO) manufacturers with a distinct set of advantages when deploying the enterprise resource planning (ERP) application. VISIBILITY.net has a highly functional user interface, providing the user with a multi-document interface (multiple windows) in a single browser session.

Visibility extended the standard Microsoft ASP.NET development environment by providing a highly intuitive, interactive user experience that would not usually be possible within an Internet application. This accomplishment is achieved with a zero client interface. VISIBILITY.net does not download any software onto client PCs to operate. Any client PC with Internet Explorer 5.5 or later is capable of operating with VISIBILITY.net.

VISIBILITY.net is deployed as a true internet application - the system administrator need not know anything about the client hardware because no installation is necessary. In doing so it provides ubiquitous access for users inside the four walls of your organisation, for users at remote plants and sales offices, and for users 'on the road'.

* Internet Standards based - some ERP vendors have put a 'tick in the box' against industry standards such as HTTP, XML, .NET and Web services through the use of 'bolt-on' technology modules.

The very core of the VISIBILITY.NET application makes use of this technology today, without the need for additional middleware or integration applications. Read Full article here...