Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Launches Worldwide

REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: "MSFT") today announced that Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 is available to customers around the world in 25 countries and 23 languages. Kicking off a series of more than 100 global launch events celebrating the general availability  of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, CEO Steve Ballmer and Microsoft Business Solutions President Kirill Tatarinov joined industry experts, customers and partners to share how technology innovations enable companies to be more agile, breaking down the barriers and limitations of outdated enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions.

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"Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 is a new generation of business applications. It's the ERP solution that sets customers free and puts them in control of their business," Ballmer said. "Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 helps companies be more agile, simplify decision-making and succeed in any environment."

The flexible architecture of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, which includes built-in capabilities for multiple industries and geographic regions, lets people make quick and easy changes to processes and personal experiences to fulfill the shifting needs of their business, no matter how complex the organization. The simplicity of the Microsoft Dynamics RoleTailored experience gives people across the company the information they need to do their job, access to the Microsoft productivity tools they use every day, and built-in, contextual business intelligence, empowering better decisions. And because Windows Azure-based cloud services, such as Rapid Start, Site, Payment and Commerce services, are directly accessible from within Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, companies can immediately realize the benefits of public cloud services from within their private cloud or on-premises deployment.

"When the CEO tells me about his new business idea and how he wants it done in two weeks, I know I can do it in one week with Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012," said Rif Kiamil, chief information officer of JJ Food Services Ltd., a U.K.-based food service distribution company. "Microsoft has really thought about what ERP should be."

As enterprise organizations recognize the limitations of legacy ERP solutions to enable their dynamic businesses, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 serves as a highly scalable, yet cost-effective, solution for their operations, subsidiaries or divisions to maintain a competitive edge, while retaining their legacy investment to cover administrative ERP needs at the corporate level.

At the same time, large and midsize companies are looking to Microsoft as a safe haven from current ERP vendors that may not offer clear product road maps or commitment to long-term innovation. One such customer is the City of Redmond, which chose to replace its JD Edwards system because it couldn't support the city's operations, was hard to use and caused concerns about continued support. The City of Redmond implemented Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, significantly improving operations, user satisfaction and efficiency. City employees are now provided with transparent, relevant and rich information so that they can provide innovative services to their citizens.

To help businesses transition to Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 more easily, Microsoft will offer a range of incentives. The first of those is a 50 percent license discount on Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 for eligible customers with valid Lawson S3 or M3 licenses who make the switch. In addition, qualifying partners can receive a revenue credit for each Lawson-certified consultant that obtains Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 certification. These offers are valid from Sept. 8, 2011, until June 22, 2012. Customers and partners can learn more at http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics/switch-to-ax.aspx.

While all customers and partners benefit from the prebuilt industry capabilities in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, global independent software vendors, such as Aldata, Ferranti, Harris and LexisNexis, take things a step further, embracing Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 as the core foundation they offer to customers, complemented with their own unique solutions across a wide range of verticals and industries, such as retail, utilities, professional services and legal services, to name a few.

More information about Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, a replay of the opening keynote webcast and information about local launch events can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/ax2012launch. The Microsoft Dynamics ERP team can be followed on Twitter at @MSFTDynamicsERP and by using the hashtag #AX2012.

About Microsoft Dynamics

Microsoft Dynamics CRM and ERP solutions empower your people to be more productive and your systems to last longer and scale as your business grows, while enabling you to derive the insights necessary to respond quickly in an ever-changing world of business.

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.