Microsoft Dynamics Cited as an Order Management Hub Solutions Leader by Independent Research Firm

REDMOND, Wash., Aug. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) today announced that Microsoft Dynamics AX earned recognition from Forrester Research Inc., a leading independent research firm, as a Leader in The Forrester Wave™: Order Management Hubs, Q3 2010 (August 2010). To participate, vendors had to meet specific requirements, including an ability to provide support for market-leading industries, to demonstrate a broad business process footprint and to target organizations with 500 or more employees. These vendors were then evaluated against 112 criteria based on current offering, strategy, and market presence. According to Forrester, Microsoft Dynamics AX was one of the vendors that earned a Leader designation because of "strong support for end-to-end management processes and forward-looking product strategies."

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"We believe being named a Leader in the Forrester Wave is a reflection of the investment in our Microsoft Dynamics ERP industry road map, our support for two-tier ERP implementation scenarios and our Dynamic Business vision," said Crispin Read, general manager, Microsoft Dynamics ERP. "By delivering on a market vision focused on simplifying the user experience, increasing productivity and delivering continuous innovation for customers, we are able to help them keep pace with the rapid rate of change in today's complex business environment."

Results From Forrester Research

According to Forrester, "Microsoft enters the Leader band for the first time based principally on the strength of its strategy, including a top three product and go-to-market strategy as well as market-leading ownership costs."

The report also states, "Microsoft's product strategy represents a compelling vision for end-to-end order management. As large and enterprise-sized companies continue to experience difficulty with existing systems, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 will play an increasing role as a key alternative for divisions and subsidiaries looking for lower-cost and more effective alternatives. Microsoft placed third of vendors evaluated for its corporate and go-to-market strategy due to strong customer reference and extended global reach through partnerships."

Earlier this year, Microsoft announced plans to deliver a connector in the third quarter of 2010 that will accelerate two-tier ERP deployments between Microsoft Dynamics AX and SAP Business Suite.

A number of customers are using Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 to increase productivity and savings including Integrated Silicon Solution Inc. (ISSI), a fabless global manufacturer. ISSI evaluated SAP and Oracle solutions before selecting Microsoft Dynamics AX to integrate global operations, reduce inventory, improve productivity and be more proactive in decision-making.

The Forrester Wave: Order Management Hubs, Q3 2010 (August 2010) report is available here. Those interested in learning more about Microsoft Dynamics ERP should visit this page, follow the Microsoft Dynamics conversation here, and engage with the community.

About Microsoft Dynamics

Microsoft Dynamics is a line of easy-to-use, integrated and adaptable ERP and CRM applications that enable business decision-makers to quickly respond to market shifts, take advantage of new trends, increase their competitive edge and drive business success. Microsoft Dynamics solutions are delivered through a world-class network of reselling partners providing specialized services and additional innovation to help customers excel in their industries.

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.

SOURCE Microsoft Corp.