Microsoft Offers NetSuite Customers Incentive to Switch to Dynamics ERP

REDMOND, Wash., March 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Microsoft Corp. is offering midsize businesses looking to benefit from advanced functionality, easy interoperability with other line-of-business applications, and strong business intelligence reporting options a new incentive to switch from NetSuite to Microsoft Dynamics ERP. Companies in the U.S. can receive a credit of up to $850 for every NetSuite user that switches to either Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics NAV or Microsoft Dynamics SL. The new promotion is available until June 25, 2010. Businesses interested in learning more about the benefits and capabilities of Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions can attend a free educational Web seminar on March 30 by registering at https://www.eventbuilder.com/event_desc.asp?z=g9q82p&p_event=2d5b0f03. They can also visit http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/rightstep.

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Companies Making the Move

Many organizations wanting greater efficiencies and an improved ability to manage change are looking to Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions. Archipelago Learning, a leading subscription-based online education company, and Winshuttle Inc., the leading provider of Microsoft Excel-based business process improvement solutions for SAP users, recently upgraded to Microsoft Dynamics ERP from NetSuite. With Microsoft Dynamics ERP, Winshuttle now has the multicurrency management it needs, while Archipelago Learning has virtually eliminated time spent on basic integration issues.

"The interoperability with Microsoft SQL Server means the ease of moving data between our data warehouses is just fantastic. In the past, I'd have to extract data from NetSuite, deal with throttling limitations, and eventually get my work done days later," said Ray Lowrey, executive vice president and chief technology officer, Archipelago Learning. "With Microsoft Dynamics GP, I don't have to be on the phone with software support technicians, escalating problems to try to get them resolved, because our experience is that Microsoft Dynamics GP simply runs without any problems."

Choice of Deployment

Microsoft understands that as organizations change, customers want the option to have their solution delivered by partners either on-premise or via on-demand and subscription-based hosting models. According to Forrester Research Inc., "SaaS alone is constraining as an enterprise ERP delivery model, due to the wide variations in customer requirements.(1)"

"To assume that a single deployment model for ERP will work for every business is unrealistic," said Crispin Read, general manager of Microsoft Dynamics ERP. "By having a choice of owning an on-premise solution, subscribing to a hosted solution or combining the two at any point and time, companies have the option to make wise decisions that satisfy their specific business requirements."

Microsoft Dynamics ERP customers can also choose to deploy a collection of online services to help them quickly increase their business capabilities, from the more than 150 Microsoft Dynamics partners across the globe delivering subscription-based Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions. Connect Service and Payment Services are available now. Sites Service and Commerce Service are expected to be available in the first half of 2010.

"The hosting of Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions is solid, proven and flexible," said Olivier Meynier, director of SaaSplaza USA. "The real differentiator compared to NetSuite is the freedom of choice: We can incorporate Microsoft Dynamics with other solutions under one umbrella, or customize it with a large selection of vertical solutions and add-ons. This, coupled with our ability to offer state-of-the-art SAS70 II compliant hosting services, makes every SaaS Dynamics ERP implementation a sound business case for our customers."

Microsoft Dynamics solutions are sold through an extensive network of more than 10,000 Microsoft Dynamics business partners. These partners have the advantage of extensive resources such as training, marketing, and field and sales engagement opportunities to help deliver customer satisfaction.

"This new offer enables our partners to provide customers with more options and is one of many investments we make in sales support," said Doug Kennedy, vice president of Microsoft Dynamics Partners. "To deliver a choice of options, Microsoft Dynamics ERP partners who offer on-premise deployments can partner with hosting providers to provide the best level of technical expertise and skills for their customers and prospects."

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 that provides 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.

(1) "Trends 2010: ERP Applications," Forrester Research, Inc., December 2009.

SOURCE Microsoft Corp.