Author: Larry Barrett

NORA and ANNA

“Non-obvious relationship awareness” (NORA) software probes databases in any language, searching for obscure matches between relevant information. Anonymized data (ANNA) software uses the same technology

The Layton Companies: Paper Chaste

While building a multimillion-dollar structure, the imprecise choreography between a general contractor, a dozen or so subcontractors and hundreds to thousands of laborers is anything

Snyder’s of Hanover: Twisted Logic

It took Snyder’s of Hanover more than 94 years to become the world’s second-largest pretzel maker. But now the company, a family-owned and -operated firm

Capital Ideas

After three years of reluctance to invest in new technology companies, venture capitalists have begun to emerge from their Sand Hill Road bunkers—and enterprise software

Roadblock: Unequipped Sales Reps

The Obstacle: Choosing to design and make any product more than six months before it will get sold is a dicey proposition. Meeting demand that

New Balance: Shoe Fits

You are a salesman for the New Balance Athletic Shoe company. You’re driving to Boulder, Colo., one Monday in July to meet with the regional

LeapFrog: Trouble In Toyland

LeapFrog Enterprises may enjoy strong demand for its educational toys, but the Emeryville, Calif. manufacturer could use a primer on how a supply chain needs

FBI: Under the Gun

Darwin John had established himself as a bit of a miracle worker before being asked to lead an information- systems renaissance at the Federal Bureau