Software Giant Reaches Out to the Business Interests of the Common Man: The Conception and Evolution of Microsoft’s Project Green Molly Hicks CIS November 22, 2005

Microsoft: What comes to mind? Mega-billion dollar company Bill Gates, the Patron Saint of Geeks The personal computing programs and operating system we use each day: Windows, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint

Microsoft Business Solutions One of Microsoft’s major divisions Typically caters to large businesses However, Microsoft has begun to reach out to the small- and medium-sized business (SMB) sector through a research and development effort termed “Project Green”

Project Green: Specifics Original code name for the next phase of Business Solutions software to be offered by Microsoft Important factors: software must be  User-friendly  Affordable  Functional with other Microsoft applications such as Office suite

Project Green: Specifics Programs would have the following functions: To provide a shared user interface To help companies manage finances To help enhance customer relations To create supply-chain management programs

Convergence 2005: San Diego Microsoft announces its plans for the future of Business Solutions and Project Green "Windows® and Office are a powerful foundation…[We build] on that foundation to deliver world-class business applications that are simpler and less expensive, offering more companies new ways to enhance the way they work."

Project Green: Shift in Strategy In the six months after Convergence 2005, Microsoft continued to develop plans for Business Solutions Announced in September that what used to be called Project Green is now called Microsoft Dynamics This unified branding strategy is consistent with the mission of being consumer-friendly  Quote from Tami Reller, Corporate Vice President

Microsoft Dynamics: Programs Microsoft CRM becomes Microsoft Dynamics CRM Microsoft Business Solutions-Great Plains becomes Microsoft Dynamics GP Microsoft Business Solutions-Axapta becomes Microsoft Dynamics AX Microsoft Business Solutions-Navision becomes Microsoft Dynamics NAV Microsoft Business Solutions-Solomon becomes Microsoft Dynamics SL

Microsoft Dynamics GP 9.0 First of new Dynamics programs to be released Main Features Role-based desktops Web services access points Business analysis features Personalized company reports Standard Edition starts at $3,500 Professional Edition starts at $7,500

A Dynamic Future Ahead GP is only the first in a wave of new software releases, scheduled from now until 2007 A second wave of releases will begin in 2008 Microsoft continues to expand its market by reaching out to all types of businesses: this strategy is sure to keep it at the top of its game

Works Cited “Microsoft Executives Outline Business Applications Strategy and Solutions Road Map at Convergence 2005.” Microsoft.com. 7 Mar Nov < press/2005/mar05/03-07Convergence05UmbrellaPR.mspx> “Microsoft Introduces Microsoft Dynamics Brand.” Microsoft.com. 6 Sep Nov < features/2005/sep05/09-06Brand.mspx> “Microsoft reaches out to SMB.” Microsoft.com. 26 Sep Nov < /2005/9/26/business/ &sec=business> “Microsoft Releases Microsoft Dynamics GP Version 9.0.” Microsoft.com. 15 Nov Nov < microsoft.com/presspass/press/2005/nov05/11- 15MicrosoftDynamicsGPPR.mspx>