Microsoft has launched the first wave of its Microsoft
Dynamics product set to enable companies to improve their business
processes while using familiar user interfaces.
The offerings includes financial, customer relationship
management (CRM) and supply chain management solutions, designed to
help businesses work more effectively.
They are delivered through a network of channel partners
providing specialised services. The solutions integrate with
familiar Microsoft software products to streamline processes across
the entire business.
The first wave of Microsoft Dynamics solutions focus on
delivering a “roles-based user experience” with “deep integration”
with the Microsoft Office and Microsoft SQL Server platforms, said
Microsoft.
The next wave will build on the user-centric design with the
addition of a model-driven development and customisation
environment, for increased business process flexibility and support
for collaboration scenarios, said the company.
“Microsoft Dynamics is focused on the business needs of
customers with solutions that are familiar to Microsoft users,
helping fuel their productivity and enabling confident
decision-making,” said Jeff Raikes, Microsoft business division
president.
“By researching and then aligning the software development to
the way individuals work day in and day out, we have the
opportunity to completely transform the workplace,” said
Raikes.
Solutions now available as part of the first wave, include
Microsoft Dynamics GP 9.0.
Microsoft Dynamics GP 9.0 delivers 21 role-based desktops, a
familiar Microsoft Office 2003 user interface, new Business
Analysis Cubes for Microsoft Excel, expanded reach and
functionality around the Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services, and
deep integration with Microsoft Dynamics CRM.
In addition, there is Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0. This provides
a complete suite of marketing, sales and service capabilities, all
with a familiar and consistent user experience based on Microsoft
Office and Microsoft Office Outlook.
In addition to a native Office environment, Microsoft CRM
delivers event-driven workflow capabilities and reporting and
analytics capabilities based on Microsoft Excel and Microsoft SQL
Server Reporting Services for real-time visibility into every
business process and customer interaction.
There is also Microsoft Dynamics AX 4.0. Shipping later this
year, Microsoft Dynamics AX 4.0 is a multi-language, multi-currency
enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution with core strengths in
manufacturing and supply chain management, as well as the wholesale
and services industries.
Also in the stack is Microsoft Dynamics SL 6.5, formerly called
Microsoft Business Solutions–Solomon.
Microsoft said this product is designed to enable project-,
service- and distribution-driven organisations to simplify the user
experience while receiving the benefits of a complete business
management solution.
Microsoft Dynamics SL 6.5 includes expanded out-of-the-box
Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services-based support for
user-specific scheduling of reports and processes within the
application server, new Bank Reconciliation and Purchase
Requisition modules, and more than 100 enhancements for
project-driven organisations and distributors.