Performance management is transforming forward-thinking organizations, according to Howard Dresner, consultant, author, former Gartner analyst and inventor of the term "business intelligence" (BI). Corporate performance management (CPM), also known as business performance management (BPM) or enterprise performance management (EPM), helps companies use the insight gleaned from BI systems to align strategy and execution, which ultimately improves efficiency and the bottom line, according to Dresner.

While early CPM programs often focused solely on finance functions such as budgeting and forecasting, successful performance management programs now reach enterprise-wide. CPM is not just a software component -- it's a program that often involves a shift in organizational cultures, processes and technology, Dresner said. That means it's not always easy or inexpensive, but the benefits are ultimately worth it, he said.

In this 20-minute podcast, appropriate for executives, business and IT leaders, listeners will:

• Learn more about modern CPM and find out how it differs from basic budgeting programs of the past
• Get advice for how to begin, or expand, CPM initiatives and find out more about the business case for CPM
• Find out important trends today's CPM market, including Dresner's take on CPM vendors such as Microsoft
• Hear more about the relationship between ERP, business intelligence and CPM