MST Blog

This blog has moved

2010-03-31T10:54:00.001-04:00

This blog is now located at http://moonstonetech.blogspot.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://moonstonetech.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.

Maximizer CRM Mobile Updated in Version 11

2010-03-31T10:20:00.002-04:00

Maximizer CRM Mobile has been updated in version 11 with a new UI, navigation and media support.

Read article in Blackberry Cool.

Maximizer Software Releases CRM 11

2010-03-29T09:30:00.000-04:00

An improved user interface, Firefox browser support, a revamped Blackberry mobile solution, a new licensing model, and much more - Maximizer provides SMBs the tools they need in today's business environment.

As a Maximizer Certified Consulting Partner (CPP), Moonstone is trained and certified on this exciting new release.

Read article in eWeek

Google's Computing Power Betters Translation Tool

2010-03-09T08:51:00.002-05:00

NYT details a less controversial side of Google - its commitment to translation. Google Translate provides an indispensable tool for many, including MST in its work with overseas clients. Read the story.

Google Buzz: Forget Twitter, Microsoft's SharePoint is a Bigger Target

2010-02-10T09:51:00.002-05:00

In this author's opinion, Twitter's the first target, but the ultimate goal is SharePoint. Read the post and some heated comments between M$ haters and MS supporters.

SAP: New Leadership, Same Old Story?

2010-02-08T09:55:00.004-05:00

Leo Apotheker resigns as CEO, replaced by co-CEOs. Will the changing of the guard bring SAP's business into the 21st century?

MST echoes the comments of Vinnie Mirchandani -
The reality is the customer has been forgotten in enterprise software, not just at SAP. It’s about squeezing as much out of old technology as possible…I wish the other bigger vendors had the cajones to acknowledge they similarly mostly live off profits from software 15- 20 years old, from consultants which implement that old software and provide services from data centers which were designed during the Cold War.

Read ZDNet post here.

Apple iPad - The Case Against

2010-02-03T11:40:00.002-05:00

There's no shortage of pro-Apple coverage of the iPad, but the author provides 10 reasons that she won't be lining up to buy the new tablet (article)

Bandwidth-Consuming Devices Taxing Carrier Networks

2010-01-29T15:20:00.002-05:00

Ubiquitous media puts cell carriers and their data networks into a can't-win situation.

Read the NYTimes article (As Devices Pull More Data, Patience May Be Required) here.

A Little 'i' to Teach About Online Privacy

2010-01-27T11:28:00.001-05:00

The advertising industry provides help in an area where they are oft-maligned - online advertising

Read the NYTimes article (Jan. 27, 2010) regarding the new "power i"

MST Client Garners 2009 Mobilizer Award for Maximizer Mobile CRM Solution

2010-01-13T17:40:00.010-05:00

2009 Mobilizer Awards: Best Mobile SFA/CRM
Mobile Enterprise Magazine (story)
Since implementing Maximizer CRM, the sales force has seen a significant increase in productivity, says Moonstone's Joey Annan. "Their expectation was six calls a day. That's been moved up to seven," he says. "Reps have better planning of itineraries and spend less time driving around. They also spend less time hunting for information, and they're able to use their time more productively."
(Maximizer Press Release)

CNet's Top 10 Technology Stories of the Decade

2010-01-05T12:22:00.002-05:00

As hard as it may be to remember now, the dot-com boom was nearing its dizzying peak... (story)

Maximizer Software Inc. Goes Private

2009-12-30T11:44:00.002-05:00

Maximizer Software Inc. Receives Shareholder and Court Approval for Going Private Plan of Arrangement

Read press release (Dec. 11, 2009)

MST Delivers Value

2009-12-14T14:46:00.006-05:00

here's a test post from JDA. Not only a test post, but one with a lot of content that will wrap.
New line here.

Moonstone Extends ERP to the Web

2009-08-10T16:08:00.000-04:00

Challenge

Moonstone Technologies worked with a medical manufacturing company to extend its core ERP solution to the Web.

While the vendor offered some Web-enabled applications, these were basically browser-based data entry screens of potential use only to remote customer service personnel. The customer sought to achieve a competitive advantage in its marketplace by providing a flexible, "Amazon-like" online ordering experience for its dealer network.

The delivered solution now sets this client apart in the US and Canadian market places, and now accounts for 25% (and increasing) of sales.

Solution

Moonstone brought together its expertise in ERP back-office systems and Web-based end-user applications to deliver to the customer a B2B (business-to-business) application. Hosted by a third-party provider, the application uses Active Server Page (ASP) and Microsoft SQL Server technologies.

Solution features include the following:
• Real-time sales order entry, and lookup of inventory availability and order status.
• Secure integration through industry-standard firewall technology
• Customized rules engine that configures user controls based on the customer's specific product attributes, rather than the hierarchal breadcrumbs of many plug-and-play solutions.
• Order confirmation emails and online tracking number - features available only to online customers!
• Online order history and detail print.
• Multi-language support for French-language sales in Quèbec.
• Three order entry methods -
Novice - Point-and-click catalog shopping
Expert - Quick Entry by product code
High-volume - Bulk file upload of spreadsheet data directly into the shopping cart
• Support for dealer drop shipments directly to the product end user.
• Online catalogs for easy fitting reference.
• Administrative interface to enable business to own and support application, not IT

Finally, Moonstone utilized its eMarketing capabilities to deliver online Flash tutorials to serve as both a selling tool and training material.

Benefits

This custom extension to the customer's core ERP investment currently accounts for 20% of North American sales order activity. That volume is growing as more targeted functionality is added, and as word spreads throughout the dealer network.

Customers enjoy improved communication, with immediate email confirmations, and online history and shipment tracking. And it shows - the ability to buy online, rather than call or fax in an order, has improved customer satisfaction and cemented customer loyalty for some key accounts.

Specific benefits include the following:
• Six-month ROI.
• Competitive advantage. Online application unique to the marketplace.
• Increased customer satisfaction.
• Customer service savings, as fewer representatives are required to process phone and fax orders. Also enables more time for internal marketing efforts by the customer service staff.
• Improved order accuracy.