"CTSI-Global delivers global vision with a local approach, supporting all modes for virtually any industry, country, currency, language and time zone."

CTSI-Global provides end-to-end supply chain solutions, including scalable TMS applications, flexible business intelligence solutions and industry leadership in freight audit and payment services.

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Cloudy outlook for IT investments

25% of business executives believe that cloud computing will influence business strategy, according to a January 2012 study from IDG Enterprise.

Worldwide spending for Software-as-a-Service is expected to increase by 17.9% in 2012, according to Gartner's figures released on April 10. Several regions are forecasted to have substantial spending and revenue increases from 2011 to 2012:

• Japan's SaaS market is projected to increase from $427 to $495.2 million (~16.0%).
• North America's SaaS market is projected to increase from $7.8 to $9.1 billion (~16.7%).
• Western Europe's SaaS market is projected to increase from $2.7 to $3.2 billion (~18.5%).
• Latin America's SaaS market is projected to increase from $331.1 to to $419.7 million (~26.8%).
• APAC's SaaS market (excluding Japan) is projected to increase from $730.9 to $934.1 million (~27.8%).

How do SaaS, PaaS and IaaS stack up?

In the words of Professor Christopher Barnatt, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) are "the three building blocks of cloud computing." As the video details, SaaS, PaaS and IaaS are suited to different uses because "each offers a different level of user flexibility and control."

• Software-as-a-Service (SaaS): Shipper runs cloud-hosted applications provided by a vendor.
• Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS): Shipper builds its own applications using the cloud vendor's tools and programming languages.
• Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS): Shipper runs its own software on cloud-hosted hardware.

Should shippers use PaaS or IaaS for TMS?

If a shipper were looking to build its own transportation management applications, Platform-as-a-Service would be one possible solution, although Barnatt warns that the shipper would not be able to transfer the apps it develops to a new vendor's platform.

If a shipper were looking to host transportation management software that it had developed internally, Infrastructure-as-a-Service would be a sensible solution to reduce hosting costs and the IT team's maintenance requirements.

Why use a SaaS-based Transportation Management System?

Software-as-a-Service is cost-effective for manufacturers and other shippers. Because of its multi-tenant architecture, SaaS is also scalable, which is necessary for a logistics service provider's TMS.

When using a SaaS-based Transportation Management System like the one CTSI-Global offers, the TMS provider is responsible for developing and maintaining both the software (applications) and hardware (servers). This enables the shipper or 3PL to focus on its core competencies while the TMS provider focuses on transportation solutions.

See also: INFOGRAPHIC: Get SaaSy: Top 4 reasons TMS needs SaaS

CTSI-Global partners with 3PL's and LSP's to give them a strategic advantage over their competition. Our world-class Transportation Management System (TMS) complements third-party logistics providers' existing operational strengths.

Key benefits include:

• TMS branded to your specifications and website
• Back-end support with 57 years of experience
• SaaS-based multi-client architecture
• Powerful rate engine supporting all modes & carriers
• Access to 400+ SMC Czarlite tariffs
• Access to 20+ mileage programs
• Manage buy / sell, gainshare, PP&A pricing
• Full EDI receipt of BOL, ASN, invoice receipt and related tracking feeds
• Hosted to maximize performance and minimize costs
• Fully compatible with all ERP, AP, WMS & related logistics technologies
• Minimal up-front costs with pay as-you-go pricing
• Financing available - GFS

Get a TMS specifically designed for you! Call +1-888-836-5135 today and get the technologies that today's clients expect from their logistics service provider.

See also: INFOGRAPHIC: Get SaaSy: Top 4 Reasons TMS Needs SaaS

As we quickly approach the passing of 2011, people and organisations begin the process of looking into the big crystal ball to see what 2012 will hold for them. I know that fortune tellers and supply chain gurus will be trembling with fear in the knowledge that I have dipped my toe into the supply chain prediction arena.

As I gaze into my crystal ball, it is hard to see anything but a difficult year ahead for all involved in the supply chain. The economic crisis within the EU will have a big impact globally and will lead to continued uncertainty within the business community. All areas of cost will continue to come under review. More...

View full-size: Get SaaSy: Top 4 reasons TMS needs SaaS

Why is Software-as-a-Service ideal for Transportation Management Systems? More...