NRF 2011 – Microsoft Showcases Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail R2, Kirill Keynotes and More…
Yesterday, at the NRF, we announced the upcoming release of Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail R2, the next iteration of Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail, which was originally made generally available in August 2010. Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail R2 will be available in more than 50 countries starting Feb. 1, 2011. Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail R2 includes the following enhancements:
- Insight. Retail Role Centers mean key data can be surfaced quickly and easily, helping people make more informed decisions and be productive
- Loyalty. Expanded scenarios and centralized management out of the box help retailers enhance the customer experience
- Simplicity. New interfaces for assortment and item management speed workflows and help drive productivity
- Global availability. New localizations and translations further support the needs of multinational and growing organizations
You can read the press release in full here. Also yesterday at NRF, our CVP Kirill Tatarinov took center stage together with Chairman of China Horizon, Bill Fields for a super session entitled “Making the Retail Business Dynamic.” You can get a brief overview of the session here on the NRF blog. During the session we also showed a brand new video of iconic New York retailer J&R Electronics, which we will be releasing soon for full consumption. On that note I wanted to share a quick Q&A with Business & Decision‘s Cathy Laflamme, Director of Sales for their Microsoft North America Practice (B&D is the partner involved in the J&R implementation) who shared some thoughts on the world of retail and Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail with me at the show:
LS: Tell us a little bit about Business and Decisions?
CL: Business & Decision is an international Consulting and Systems Integration (CSI) company. We are a leader in Business Intelligence (BI), Enterprise Performance Management (EPM), Data Warehousing, Master Data Management (MDM), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). In addition, we have an FDA regulated focused Hosting Center in Philadelphia supported by Managed Services for all industries. Founded in 1992 and listed on the Euronext, the group has gained its leadership by leveraging its functional and technological expertise to successfully address customers most critical challenges. Located in 19 countries, with a strong Microsoft Practice in North America, Business & Decision currently employs more than 2600 people worldwide.
LS: Where do you see the retail industry moving? Some of the trends driving change and things to come in the future?
CL: Retailers are looking for better ways to take full advantage of the technology available today. Retailers want to be done with multiple systems that are costly to maintain and difficult to adapt to in an-ever-demanding and competitive retail environment. Retailers are also wanting to simplify their business with a seamless integrated system (including POS) across all channels which is instrumental in increasing their profits. Ultimately, Retailers also want technology to deliver better insight into customers’ buying patterns while providing a vital customer-retail experience.
LS: What kind of opportunity do you see with Microsoft in the retail space?
CL: Microsoft seems to be extremely prepared in the retail space and has not only listened to customers’ needs and concerns but has provided a Retail Solution that Retailers are seriously looking into and adopting as they take their business into the future. Very Optimistic!!!
LS: And what about Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail?
CL: Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail provides Retailers with countless benefits and great value. It’s a true end-to-end retail solution that Retailers can trust and grow their business with for years to come. Their employees will be able to adapt at no time at all, executives will have “live” insight to important information (with the tailored role centers to better run their business) while having one platform that will allow them to better grow their business and gain market share.
Regards
Luke Shave
Sr. Industry Marketing Manager
Follow us on Twitter and befriend us on Facebook
