New strategic directions for medium-sized companies

More than 500 customers and partners are expected to attend the first business summit of the Microsoft Business Summit, where the company will present its technologies for midsize companies and plans to work more closely with them. At the event, Bill Gates, president and chief software designer of Microsoft, and CEO Steve Ballmer will outline his future plans for Microsoft’s midsize business applications. Relying on its partners in various industries, the company develops customized solutions for midsize companies.

 

Microsoft has announced that it will focus on developing a role-based software concept that focuses on business applications, server infrastructure, and operational efficiencies in the implementation of its plans under the motto “Together We Build Business”. integrated to cover the unique needs of medium-sized companies. At the heart of the strategy are Microsoft Dynamics, the company’s new family of business applications, a new infrastructure solution codenamed “Centro,” tailored to that market segment, and Office, which is constantly evolving as a business platform. Microsoft has also announced a number of programs and tools that make it easier for midsize companies to manage business relationships with Microsoft.

 

 

Microsoft Dynamics: Microsoft announces a new brand name: Microsoft Dynamics, a comprehensive suite of business applications based on technologies from a research and development project formerly known as “Project Green”. Utilizing the results of extensive customer research, the Microsoft Dynamics product family is built on 50 key technology bases defined by jobs in midsize companies. This role-based business solution is highly integrated with Microsoft Office and Microsoft SharePoint applications, Microsoft SQL Server reporting services, and the entire Microsoft platform for affordability and adaptability to individual market conditions and the needs of midsize companies.

 

Newer releases of existing Microsoft Business Solutions products will be available under the name Microsoft Dynamics next year after taking on the features of Project Green technology. Microsoft will launch newer versions of Microsoft Dynamics GP (formerly Great Plains) and Microsoft Dynamics CRM (formerly Microsoft CRM) later this year, and in 2006 Microsoft Dynamics AX (formerly Axapta), Microsoft Dynamics NAV (formerly Navision) , and other versions of Microsoft Dynamics SL (formerly Solomon).

 

Microsoft Windows Server Centro: In addition to the above, Microsoft is working to develop a new server infrastructure solution to meet the needs of overcrowded IT professionals in midsize companies. The new infrastructure solution for the midsize enterprise segment is codenamed “Centro,” which integrates technologies from Windows Server codenamed “Longhorn,” next-generation Exchange products, and various security solutions, all combined with a new, integrated management approach. With the new solution, midsize businesses can save time and money, and IT professionals have the opportunity to achieve greater efficiency with less effort. “Centro” is expected to appear shortly after Windows Server “Longhorn” hits the market.

 

Microsoft Office System: Microsoft Office has evolved significantly from a family of personal productivity products to a more comprehensive and integrated system of programs, servers, and services that form the basis of Microsoft's role-based approach. Microsoft Office is becoming an increasingly essential part of companies' business application strategies, as Office is now constantly evolving as a platform, adding additional features such as integrated XML, workflow services, or portal / business integration.

 

For midsize companies, technology has the potential to significantly increase revenue and boost growth opportunities, according to a study conducted at the request of Microsoft by Keystone Strategy, Inc. led by Marco Iansiti, a professor at Harvard Business School. According to the study, medium-sized companies with strengthened IT backgrounds reported higher sustainable revenue growth than their peers.

 

The market segment of medium-sized companies is also a significant force in the global economy, especially when we consider technology investments and expected growth. According to research conducted by AMI, the segment consists of 1,4 million businesses worldwide with an expected annual growth rate of five percent. Medium-sized companies have 68 million personal computers per company, an average of 49, and 4,8 million, an average of 3,4 servers per company. Examining investments in IT, the study found that mid-sized companies spent $ 2004 billion on software and IT services in 162. By 2009, these investments are expected to reach $ 235 billion.

 

Research shows that midsize enterprise customers expect a closer and more customized relationship from their primary software vendor. To this end, Microsoft is introducing programs and tools that make it easier for customers to manage their relationship with Microsoft - according to customer needs. A central element of this strategy is the new web-based information center for medium-sized companies (http://www.microsoft.com/midsizebusiness), where customers can find useful information for midsize companies, assess their IT capabilities, find local partners with the expertise to meet their needs, and access online technical support. The company is also further developing its Open Value licensing program, which it creates specifically for midsize companies, enabling easier tracking of licenses, tighter control of upgrade cycles, and more effective control of software costs.

 

In order to serve its mid-sized customers at a higher level and connect them with industry partners who can meet their unique business needs, Microsoft recently launched a customer-centric service called “Solution Finder” that allows customers to find Microsoft by keyword search. com provides appropriate solutions and services from Microsoft partners. Microsoft expects up to 12 solutions to be posted to this site over the next 10 months. More information can be found at: http://solutionfinder.microsoft.com/sf.

 

For more information about the Microsoft Business Summit, visit the event's Virtual Press Room at: http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/events/bizsummit/default.mspx.