Microsoft has announced a new performance management
application, boosted by analytics and visualisation technology from
the acquisition of specialist software firm
ProClarity.
The announcement is part of a Microsoft push deeper into the
business applications market, launched earlier this year and backed
by a $500m (£285m) marketing campaign. The software giant’s new
focus on business intelligence has also seen a series of tie-ups
with enterprise software firms, including Hyperion, Siebel and
SAP.
The new product, Office Performancepoint Server 2007, puts data
and business intelligence requirements onto a centrally managed
server. It offers business scorecarding, analytics, budgeting,
forecasting, consolidation and financial reporting features,
accessed through Microsoft Office’s Excel, Outlook and SharePoint
applications.
It incorporates a business modeler design and modeling
component, aimed at enhancing the partnership between IT and
business analysts. The modelling tool is designed to allow business
managers and analysts to manage roles, workflows, rules and data
without the need for IT support.
A beta version of Performancepoint Server will be available in
the autumn with a full launch set for the middle of next year.
Microsoft also plans to incorporate Performancepoint with its
Dynamics Enterprise Resource Planning applications.