Catapult Public Relations

ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATES INTRODUCES ITIL TRAINING AND HANDS-ON IT MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:13:40 +0000

New training-focused offerings help organizations get ITIL V3 certified,
quickly up-to-speed on new IT disciplines

BOULDER, Colo., Aug. 19, 2008 - Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) (www.enterprisemanagement.com), a leading IT management research and consulting firm, today announced two new service offerings designed to educate enterprise IT professionals about ITIL V3, IT Service Management (ITSM) best practices, and emerging IT management disciplines like Data Center Automation, Virtualization, Service Catalog and the Configuration Management Database (CMDB). The new offerings include a full range of ITIL Training Courses and a variety of hands-on EMA^TM Workshops.

"Managing IT by service and not technology is the message of ITIL V3. Unfortunately, most IT professionals struggle with getting started. In fact, some 30 percent of ITSM projects are delayed by the inability to define a comprehensive plan," said Dan Twing, COO at EMA. "These new services provide both introductory knowledge and advanced training to help companies get their IT teams ITIL V3 certified, transition to ITSM and advance the maturity of their IT organizations."

The new EMA service offerings include:

EMA ITIL Training Courses
The new training courses are offered together with itSM Solutions - an accredited courseware and training provider (ACP/ATP). Courses are offered onsite or online with a live certified mentor to help participants internalize the concepts of ITSM and ITIL while preparing for the certification exam. Offerings include accredited ITIL V2 to ITIL V3 Bridge and ITIL V3 Foundation training courses to help organizations get certified on ITIL V3, as well as introductory ITSM orientation courses designed to help companies get on the road to a successful ITSM or ITIL initiative.

EMA Hands-On Workshops
These onsite workshops are designed to help enterprise IT teams tackle common challenges or quickly get up-to-speed on a new IT discipline. Led by a seasoned EMA analyst or consultant, each workshop uses a combination of interactive lectures, real-world case studies, and hands-on exercises to engage attendees in addressing the issues specific to their organization.

Available topics include:

How to Define Detailed Requirements for Your Enterprise CMDB Project
How to Effectively Jumpstart Your Service Catalog Project
Developing an Effective Change Management Strategy
Designing a World-Class Release Management Organization
Jumpstarting Your Data Center Automation (DCA) Strategy

Making the Most of Virtualization Technologies in the Enterprise

Contact sales@enterprisemanagement.com or +1.303.543.9500 to learn more about the full range of EMA ITIL training courses and hands-on workshops.

NOTE TO EDITORS

For more information, contact Guy Murrel at gmurrel@catapultpr-ir.com at 303-581-7760 x17

About Enterprise Management Associates
Founded in 1996, Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) is a leading industry analyst and consulting firm dedicated to the IT management market. The firm provides IT vendors and enterprise IT professionals with objective insight into the real-world business value of long-established and emerging technologies, ranging from security, storage and IT Service Management (ITSM) to the Configuration Management Database (CMDB), virtualization and service-oriented architecture (SOA). Even with its rapid growth, EMA has never lost sight of the client, and continues to offer personalized support and convenient access to its analysts. For more information on the firm's extensive library of IT management research, free online IT Management Solutions Center and IT consulting offerings, visit www.enterprisemanagement.com.

EMA ANNOUNCES IT MANAGEMENT WEBINARS FOR AUGUST

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:01:49 +0000

Analysts will share highlights from new research studies on IT service catalog, CMDB and enterprise application management

BOULDER, Colo., July 30, 2008 - Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) (www.enterprisemanagement.com), a leading IT management research and consulting firm, today announced it will host a number of free Webinars focused on IT management during the month of August 2008.

The EMA^TM Webinars set for August include:

Tuesday, August 12, 2008 - 2 p.m. Eastern
Service Catalog - A Service Management Keystone and Much More
http://www.emausa.com/ema_lead.php?ls=servcatpr0808&bs=servcat0808

Recently, EMA completed extensive primary research to gain a better understanding of how IT service catalogs are selected, deployed and utilized in the enterprise. Senior analyst Paul Burns will share highlights from this study during this Webinar including topics such as: the expansion of the service catalog outside of IT; stand-alone vs. integrated service catalogs; business drivers for service catalog deployment; and expected benefits and returns on investment.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008 - 2 p.m. Eastern
CMDB Deployments in 2008: the Search for Value
http://www.emausa.com/ema_lead.php?ls=cmdbreswebpr0808&bs=cmdbresweb0808

In the past few years, the meaning of the Configuration Management Database (CMDB) has changed as strategies evolve, adoption accelerates and budgets increase. However, most CMDB deployments still suffer from politics, communication issues and confusion, and many still struggle to demonstrate value to business and IT leaders. During this Webinar, EMA vice president Dennis Drogseth will share key findings from Enterprise Management Associates' new research on how CMDB deployments are evolving in 2008. Some of the key points he will cover include where and why investments are being made; how and to what extent metrics are being applied; recommendations for success; and regrets about what adopters would do differently.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008 - 2 p.m. Eastern
IT Speaks: Practices and Trends in Enterprise Application Management
http://www.emausa.com/ema_lead.php?ls=appmanwebpr0808&bs=appmanweb0808

Deploying business applications and vertical industry applications can be complicated and time-consuming. Managing them is even more of a challenge. Recent EMA research indicates that enterprise IT organizations know how to successfully deploy and maintain infrastructure. However, they continue to struggle to effectively deploy and manage the business services and applications that the infrastructure supports. Senior analyst Julie Craig will lead this Webinar, which will share highlights from a new survey of more than 200 IT professionals with application management responsibilites. She will cover strategies for managing enterprise applications; pain points; "most wanted" technology capabilities; and measurements of success in taking on this complex responsibility.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

For more information, contact Terri Douglas at tdouglas@catapultpr-ir.com or 303-581-7760 x 18.

About Enterprise Management Associates

Founded in 1996, Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) is a leading industry analyst and consulting firm dedicated to the IT management market. The firm provides IT vendors and enterprise IT professionals with objective insight into the real-world business value of long-established and emerging technologies, ranging from security, storage and IT Service Management (ITSM) to the Configuration Management Database (CMDB), virtualization and service-oriented architecture (SOA). Even with its rapid growth, EMA has never lost sight of the client, and continues to offer personalized support and convenient access to its analysts. For more information on the firm's extensive library of IT management research, free online IT Management Solutions Center and IT consulting offerings, visit www.enterprisemanagement.com.

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EMA’S ANDI MANN TO DISCUSS BUSINESS DRIVERS FOR VIRTUALIZATION AT 2008 VIRTUALIZATION CONFERENCE EAST

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:28:00 +0000

Mann explores the keys to successful virtualization at New York conference

WHO: Andi Mann, Research Director, Enterprise Management Associates (EMA)

Mann has more than 20 years experience with large-scale enterprise systems software on mainframe, midrange, server and desktop systems. He has worked within the IT departments of various global corporations, and with several enterprise software vendors, leading diverse technical, sales and marketing teams. Andi has extensive industry and presentation experience.

EMA is a leading industry analyst and consulting firm dedicated to the IT management market. www.enterprisemanagement.com.

WHAT: Presentation - The Business Drivers for Virtualization

There is plenty of discussion about virtualization, but who does it really benefit? How can enterprises adopt virtualization technologies to address real business problems? Is virtualization just another consolidation technology? How are other businesses using virtualization? Is there more that it can do to drive competitive advantage, business efficiency, security and compliance? Drawing on the industry's most in-depth independent research into virtualization to date, Mann will explain what are the key business drivers for virtualization, where to expect significant benefits and how to make sure that virtualization delivers strategic advantages.

WHERE: Roosevelt City
New York, N.Y.

WHEN:           Tuesday, June 24, 2008
   Session 11 - Track 3
6:20 p.m. - 7:05 p.m.

CONTACT: For more information or to set up an interview with Andi Mann, please contact Guy Murrel at Catapult PR-IR (303) 581-7760, ext. 17 or at gmurrel@catapultpr-ir.com
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EMA LEADS IT SERVICE MANAGEMENT TRACK

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:23:49 +0000

EMA founder Rick Sturm chairs ITSM track - analysts deliver presentations on ITSM and CMBD best practices

BOULDER, Colo., April 28, 2008, Enterprise Management Associates (EMA), a leading IT management and consulting firm, will share its in-depth knowledge and expertise on IT Service Management (ITSM) at Interop Las Vegas. EMA president Rick Sturm is serving as the chairman of the Interop ITSM Track, with Hank Marquis, EMA director of ITSM consulting, and Chris Matney, consulting director of IT services at EMA, presenting real-world guidance and findings based on the firm's extensive work in this area.

"IT Service Management provides a structured approach to help organizations address challenges such as IT service quality, controlling IT costs and aligning IT with business," said Sturm, "This track will provide actionable expert advice and hands-on tools to help companies jumpstart their CMDB, service catalog and other ITSM initiatives."

EMA presentations include the following:

Hank Marquis, Tuesday, April 29:

2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. - How to Get (and Keep) Your ITSM Initiative on Track

Many ITSM projects fail. The service catalog and service portfolio management usually are hidden initiatives that can help organizations focus on services that are crucial to business. This session will discuss how, when done correctly, the service catalog can help organizations layout a roadmap for overall IT success.

3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. - How to Define IT Services: The Cornerstone of ITSM

Most IT professionals struggle with defining IT services. In fact, about 30 percent of ITSM projects are unable to move forward because of this roadblock. IT service definition is the first step in ITIL and ITSM initiatives from CMBD to service desk. This session will provide attendees with the tools and knowledge required to effectively define IT services.

Chris Matney, Wednesday, April 30:

10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. - Don't Lose Your Mind or Your Job: What Every IT Professional Should Know About CMBD

EMA research has shown that more than 75 percent of IT projects fail. Major IT initiatives, including CMBD projects, are risky and often put IT leaders' reputations on the line. This presentation will address what every busy IT leader needs to know about CMBD. Included are 10 questions every IT leader should ask when deciding whether or not CMDB is a good choice for their company and real examples of what to do (and avoid) when taking on a CMDB initiative.

11:30 a.m-12:30 p.m. - How to Scope Your CMDB Project Successfully: Big Vision, Baby Steps

Understanding the detailed requirements for CMDB projects, with detailed scope and project timelines, is the cornerstone of successful implementations. Matney will discuss techniques used by some of the largest companies in the world to overcome "analysis paralysis" and move forward with CMDB projects. He also will explain how to create a requirements document that will correctly scope, set priorities and make CMDB projects actionable.

The conference will be held April 27-May 2, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev. Interop is the leading Business and Technology Event, with more than 20,000 attendees. It blends thought leadership across the range of IT areas with a focus on interoperability—more important than ever as a new wave of technologies promises unprecedented access to information and increased productivity.

For more information on Enterprise Management Associates visit www.enterprisemanagement.com

NOTE TO EDITORS

For more information or to speak with EMA on ITSM trends please contact Guy Murrel at gmurrel@catapultpr-ir.com at 303-581-7760 x17

About Enterprise Management Associates

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EMA ADDS TWO NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO ITS POPULAR ONLINE

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:21:14 +0000

New topics in the IT Management Solutions Center include Service Catalog and Network Change and Configuration Management

BOULDER, Colo., March 27, 2008, Enterprise Management Associates (EMA), a leading IT management research and consulting firm, today announced the availability of its new Network Change and Configuration Management (NCCM) Solutions Center and Service Catalog Solutions Center, both part of the firm's IT Management Solutions Center, a free online resource that provides the industry's most comprehensive third-party analysis of IT management vendors and technologies.

With the addition of these new topics, the IT Management Solutions Center now covers 15 important IT management technologies, including:

Configuration Management Database (CMDB)
Service Desk
Next-Generation Asset Management
Service Level Management (SLM) and Business Service Management (BSM)
Virtualization
Information Security
Systems Change and Configuration Management

Designed to help IT professionals quickly narrow down a short list of vendors for their key initiatives, the IT Management Solutions Center provides in-depth information on hundreds of IT management solutions in one location. It allows users to review objective EMA analyst profiles of top products and compare solutions from different vendors side-by-side to find those that best meet their needs.
The new solution centers are available now for free to registered users. Register for free access at: http://itsolutions.emausa.com/register.php?ls=genitscpr0308

NOTE TO EDITORS:

For more information, contact Terri Douglas at tdouglas@catapultpr-ir.com or 303-581-7760 x18

About Enterprise Management Associates
Founded in 1996, Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) is a leading industry analyst and consulting firm dedicated to the IT management market. The firm provides IT vendors and enterprise IT professionals with objective insight into the real-world business value of long-established and emerging technologies, ranging from security, storage and IT Service Management (ITSM) to the Configuration Management Database (CMDB), virtualization and service-oriented architecture (SOA). Even with its rapid growth, EMA has never lost sight of the client, and continues to offer personalized support and convenient access to its analysts. For more information on the firm's extensive library of IT management research, free online IT Management Solutions Center and IT consulting offerings, visit www.enterprisemanagement.com.

EMA Points to Web Browsers as Emerging IT Security Threat

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:56:05 +0000

Critical to everyday business life - IT moves to 'secure the browser' to thwart malware and new forms of security risk

BOULDER, Colo. Feb. 26, 2008 - Web browsers have emerged as a favorite vulnerability point for nefarious attackers looking to breach corporate IT security systems. Vital to everyday business operations, the Web browser must be protected from malware lurking on a fast-growing number of infected Web sites, according to Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) www.enterprisemanagement.com, a leading IT management research and consulting firm.

According to recent analysis by Mike Montecillo, analyst, security and risk management for EMA (Fear Your Browser: It May be the Biggest Hole in Your Security Strategy), the increasing technology integrated into today's Web browsers has made them an easy target for computer attackers and hackers. Hacking continues to evolve in sophistication and the Web browser now presents an opening for sensitive information to be stolen by increasingly simple methods. This includes basic coding that allows malicious Web sites to automatically steal sensitive information from visitors. Commonly associated with "seedy" Web sites ("warez," gambling and pornography), the threat of browser-based attacks has expanded to more "acceptable" sites that might include social networking, religious organization and university sites.

Further complicating the issue is the high demand for browser functionality that often outweighs the demand for security. Many well-known and useful technologies that are integrated with current browser environments, including Flash, ActiveX, QuickTime, Java and JavaScript, each pose a potential attack vector into the enterprise. Other vulnerabilities include how browsers themselves handle particular pieces of code, such as iFrames, whose weaknesses have been known to cause massive incidents in enterprises when exploited.

"Each and every Web site is a potential host for malicious code as hackers could potentially exploit even the most legitimate site as a means of hacking thousands of computers without the fear of reprisal," said Montecillo. "There is no end in sight to the number of malicious Web sites and browser-related vulnerabilities that can end up causing enterprise-wide breaches and incidents."

To help thwart browser-based security threats, IT security professionals increasingly are focusing resources and attention at better protecting the Web browser through hardy URL filtering solutions. These Web content filtering solutions block sites that are not related to business activities, greatly reducing the risk of browser-related infections. However, simple filtering methods will not completely eliminate the malware danger. More sophisticated solutions, such as anti-malware, automated code filtering and botnet detection, are currently being added to Web filtering technologies in an effort to thwart complex browser-related attacks.

Looking forward, EMA believes that the number of Web pages posing a serious threat to corporate IT will continue to increase at an alarming rate, raising browser vulnerabilities throughout 2008. Given the continued demand for an ever-wider range of browser functionality, Montecillo does not expect root-cause fixes to happen within the browser application. He does, however, anticipate that IT security vendors will launch new and innovative solutions during the year to advance Web content filtering to higher levels to meet the needs of increasingly sophisticated browser-based security strategies.

For information on security tools available to defend against Web-based attacks please visit EMA's Security Solutions Centers at http://itsolutions.emausa.com

NOTE TO EDITORS:

For more information on this topic or to arrange an interview with Mike Montecillo, please contact Guy Murrel at gmurrel@catapultpr-ir.com or 303-581-7760 x17

About Enterprise Management Associates

Founded in 1996, Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) is a leading industry analyst and consulting firm dedicated to the IT management market. The firm provides IT vendors and enterprise IT professionals with objective insight into the real-world business value of long-established and emerging technologies, ranging from security, storage and IT Service Management (ITSM) to the Configuration Management Database (CMDB), virtualization and service-oriented architecture (SOA). Even with its rapid growth, EMA has never lost sight of the client, and continues to offer personalized support and convenient access to its analysts. For more information on the firm's extensive library of IT management research, free online IT Management Solutions Center and IT consulting offerings, visit www.enterprisemanagement.com.

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