This MDM Special Report looks at five areas where distribution companies have started to take advantage of newer technologies to run their businesses better:

The first, cloud computing, provides a cost-effective, efficient way for distributors to implement technology in their businesses. The cloud has advanced to a point where it's a viable alternative to client-server ERP, according to some experts, and more distributors are using cloud-based services to gain competitive advantages.

Next, we look at tools that are helping distributors optimize their pricing practices. Pricing continues to be an area ripe for improvement, and advanced technologies now make data-based decisions on pricing much easier for distributors of all sizes.

Mobile technologies, the third area we examine in this report, is playing a growing role in how distributors do business and in the services they are able to offer their customers.

Business intelligence tools - delivered over a number of platforms, including mobile - are providing actionable data for distributors to be more strategic about their next moves in their markets.

And finally, e-commerce has evolved beyond what many think of as a B-to-C approach. More and more distributors are using online platforms with a B-to-B mindset to complement their sales and marketing efforts.

These articles were originally published in the second half of 2011.

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