Launch signals a new chapter in Microsoft's enterprise resource planning (ERP) product offerings for the region

New ERP solution offers Arabic language support and provides extensive business intelligence and management capabilities

Dubai, UAE, October 20th, 2008 - Microsoft Gulf today announced the launch of Microsoft Dynamics AX (Axapta) 2009, furthering its commitment to developing a feature rich and comprehensive product eco-system under its Business Solutions portfolio. AX 2009 is an adaptable business management solution that offers powerful new capabilities to help organizations streamline processes, reduce operational costs and drive informed decision-making. With the new offering, Microsoft is set to leverage its expertise in the growing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software market in the Gulf, which is estimated to reach $300 million (Dh1.1 billion) by the end of 2009.*

*According to Madar Research

In Dubai to announce the launch at Gitex 2008, Henk Bruinekreeft, Regional Director, Microsoft Business Solutions, Middle East & Africa said, "Microsoft Dynamics applications are built using a research driven, 'customer centric' approach to understanding businesses. It helps fuel productivity by automating business critical operations and adapting into a customers business. As a result, we are seeing growing demand for our ERP offerings from the enterprise and mid-market sectors in the region. The launch of AX 2009 signals a new chapter in enterprise resource planning as it integrates with other leading Microsoft technologies, maximizing the benefits of any company's overall IT investments."

As businesses in the Gulf continue to face the increasing pressure of meeting global and local regulatory compliance, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 delivers core features to help companies limit these risks and lower total cost of compliance. These include:

A compliance center that provides one central, integrated view of internal processes and key performance indicators

Embedded workflows that automate business systems while enforcing standard operating procedures to limit risks

A flexible, service-oriented architecture (SOA), easy exchange of business documents, and Web services make it faster and easier to adapt Microsoft Dynamics AX to new business models and expanded partner relationships.

Use predefined cubes for Microsoft Office PerformancePoint Server 2007 to formulate effective business strategy, monitor performance, and analyze results across your entire organization.

Country specific functionality (Arabic language support) to help customers comply with local regulations

In a fast-paced world, people need software that helps them do their jobs more effectively and with minimal training," said Mr. Hussam Abu Loghod, Group CFO, Aerated Concrete Industries company (ACICO). Organizations such as ours are constantly looking for solutions that will help our businesses tackle the challenges that come with the explosive growth of information. To increase productivity and foster more confident decision-making, ACICO chose Microsoft Dynamics AX where our employees are able to experience the collaboration and information management capabilities that the technology delivers thereby driving greater business value."

Tamer Elhamy, Business Solutions Manager, Microsoft Gulf added, "Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 is proof that Microsoft is delivering on our commitment to developing next generation business applications. We are seeing rapid growth and adoption of our products across multiple verticals in the Gulf as businesses strive to develop efficient practices to expand and build competitive advantages. By delivering flexibility, adaptability and increased productivity, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 is set to transform the way businesses and users work, thereby enabling them to compete in today's global marketplace."

The Role Tailored design of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 gives employees access to critical business data through the following new features:

  • A Role Center that prioritizes tasks and real-time information for a majority of business functions

  • A user interface that looks and feels like familiar Microsoft Office software to help employees ramp up quickly, resulting in higher user productivity and adherence to business processes

  • Self-service business intelligence tools using Microsoft Business Intelligence technologies to simplify end-user reporting, which results in more informed decision-making?

-Ends-

About Microsoft Dynamics
Microsoft Dynamics is a line of financial, customer relationship and supply chain management solutions that help businesses work more effectively. Delivered through a network of channel partners providing specialized services, these integrated, adaptable business management solutions work like and with familiar Microsoft software to streamline processes across an entire business. For more information please visit http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/ax/product/overview.mspx 

About Microsoft Gulf
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:'MSFT') is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Gulf opened its Dubai-based headquarters in 1991. Microsoft Gulf today oversees Microsoft activities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE and Yemen. Microsoft Corporation's address on the World Wide Web is: www.microsoft.com Microsoft Middle East's Web site is: www.microsoft.com/middle east

© Press Release 2008