Friday, April 30, 2010

Microsoft Previews Next Generation ERP

News Press Release

REDMOND, Wash. — Jan. 10, 2011 — Defining a new generation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq “MSFT”) today revealed significant advancements to the architecture of the next version of Microsoft Dynamics AX, code-named Microsoft Dynamics AX “6,” that will enable independent software vendors (ISVs) to bring solutions to market faster, and at the same time lower product life-cycle investments and expand market opportunity.

“Building on the proven strengths of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009, Microsoft Dynamics AX ‘6’ brings rich functionality, advanced architecture and the full power of the Microsoft stack to the business application developer,” said Hal Howard, corporate vice president, Microsoft Dynamics ERP Research and Development. “As we introduce these powerful new innovations, we maintain our focus on simplicity by streamlining application deployment, maintenance and upgradability.”

Significant new innovations in Microsoft Dynamics AX “6” include the following:

More than 100 ISVs around the world have been working with Microsoft Dynamics AX “6” in a variety of early adopter programs over the past six months. Many of these ISVs are already building their vertically focused next-generation products on Microsoft Dynamics AX.

“We’re looking to the future with Microsoft Dynamics AX ‘6’ and are confident that its robust and scalable foundation can be counted on to help our business grow,” said Bob Hadingham, platform director at LexisNexis UK. “We have been very impressed with how quickly and easily we have been able to extend our offerings for law firms and expand our international market opportunities, by being able to focus our R&D efforts on application development for our core expertise, instead of investing in platform development.”

“Many of the ISVs we are working with have their own end-to-end vertical solutions, often built on aging legacy platforms. The combination of the next-generation architecture of Microsoft Dynamics AX and Microsoft’s partner programs creates a long-term sustainable business opportunity for these ISVs,” said Doug Kennedy, vice president, Microsoft Dynamics Partners. “We are already seeing strong momentum for the solution with ISVs.”

Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 is generally available today. A Community Technical Preview of Microsoft Dynamics AX “6” is planned for February, and general availability is planned for the third quarter of 2011.

About Microsoft Dynamics

Microsoft Dynamics is a line of simple to learn and use ERP and CRM solutions that work with your existing technology and scale as you grow to give you long-term value. By using software and online services that work the way people and organizations work, businesses are better able to make informed decisions and adapt to rapid change. Microsoft Dynamics helps your people be more productive and your investments in existing systems last longer, while enabling your business to derive the insights necessary to respond quickly and have a competitive edge in an ever-changing world of business.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Software reseller AX Global finds its niche on service side

San Antonio Business Journal - by Mike W. Thomas

Jim McGraw has a large rock in his front yard.

The rock used to be in a ditch at the back of McGraw’s property. It was the rock that he was sitting on in 2003 on the day he decided to start AX Global, Ltd.

It reminds him of how far the company has come.

AX Global is a reseller and value-added service provider for Microsoft Dynamics AX, an enterprise resource planning, or ERP, software. Last year, AX Global had about $1.6 million in revenues with most of that coming from the value-added reseller services the firm provides. The company has consultants worldwide.

Dynamics AX was developed in Denmark through the 80’s and 90’s, McGraw says. At the time, it was written to align specifically with Microsoft products.  The program grew in popularity and was purchased by Microsoft in 2002, since then the computer software giant has continued product investment and expansion.

Microsoft Dynamics AX is a comprehensive business management solution, also called ERP solution, that makes it easy to do business across locations and countries, consolidate and standardize processes, improve productivity, provide visibility across your organization, and simplify compliance.

Today, McGraw says, Microsoft Dynamics AX is a top-tier ERP system and competes head-to-head with other major players in the market, such as SAP and Oracle.

“Microsoft is the third largest ERP vendor, but the majority of sales take place through partnerships with companies like us,” McGraw says. “Of the three major players, we offer the better, more compelling product, and we provide added value through implementation and other services.”

AX Global has carved out a niche for itself by focusing primarily on professional service organizations.  Lately, however, the company has branched into product sales through the www.axappstore.com where customers can purchase and download Dynamics AX zip codes and postal codes and more.

“The web store is a great way to deliver value to the Dynamics AX community,” he says.

Growth

McGraw recently hired Dan Blau to be the company’s national sales manager. Blau is a longtime acquaintance and former colleague of McGraw’s with many years of experience in technology sales.

“We brought Dan on board to build on our reputation for delivery and manage sales,” McGraw says.

Blau says he was eager to come and work with his old friend because McGraw has built a solid company with a steady client base. They have implemented Dynamics AX for 80-plus customers worldwide.

The recent economic downturn may have hurt software sales but it likely boosted revenues on the service side, McGraw says.

“The recession has not impacted us as heavily as some.” he says. “By pursuing a global market we have increased our business network and increased our market presence.”

One way to get ahead and stay ahead, McGraw says, is to become a domain expert and deliver value.

“Our consultants bring immediate value to our clients because we specialize in deploying Dynamics AX for professional services organizations. It is what we do better than anyone else, and we’re known for rapid and cost effective implementations around the world.”

“In consulting, you thrive,” he adds, “by leveraging your company’s knowledge to deliver value for the client.”