Microsoft has announced the release of Microsoft Dynamics GP 9.0, the next release of the popular financials product formerly known as Microsoft Great Plains. Dynamics GP 9.0 represents the first manifestation of Microsoft's next generation business software strategy, Microsoft Dynamics (known earlier as 'Project Green'). This new version has been developed around 21 specific roles within an organisation, an approach developed following extensive research by Microsoft into how people actually work. Barbara Hoyle, a Microsoft Dynamics GP customer and beta tester, and financial controller for the Blackburn Rovers told FSN, the new product is going to save time and she is looking forward to implementing a roles based approach next year.
Microsoft Dynamics GP is the first solution released as part of Wave One of Microsoft's next-generation solution formerly known as "Project Green" and now renamed Microsoft Dynamics. This release delivers 21 role-based desktops, a Microsoft Office-like user interface, new business intelligence capability deeper integration with the upcoming release of Microsoft Dynamics CRM and web services.
With this new approach to role-based desktops, companies running Microsoft Dynamics GP will deploy preconfigured software targeting the core processes and reports that are relevant for specific jobs in a company. These 21 role-based desktops are integrated with Office and the Web, making it easier for individuals in a company to be more productive without extensive software training.
Barbara Hoyle, financial controller for the Blackburn Rovers, who has used the former Great Plains for over five years says that the company will benefit greatly form the software even though the finance department has only six personnel. She told FSN, "the ability to personalise the 'my reports' section of the software will save a great deal of time. Users will be able to display just the reports relevant to their roles with the exact selections and preferences saved. Just having the reports available immediately in one place for each user is a major benefit and will also make training of new recruits much easier." Hoyle also pointed to the improved integration with Microsoft Office, for example to generate debtor letters or to communicate with suppliers.
Although the Blackburn Rovers has not gone live with roles based processing this is on the cards for next year. With roles based processing, users can store tasks, processes and menu options that pertain to their role so that they have a uniquely relevant view of the application each time that they sign on to the system. The roles come pre-configured but can be adapted as required by the company.
Martin Goodman, Finance Director at the Blackburn Rovers is delighted with the changes. He told FSN, "This release further improves what we have found to be a very stable and reliable package."
Microsoft Dynamics GP is available in select regions and countries - including the Americas , the United Kingdom , the Middle East, Africa, Australia and New Zealand through reselling partners. A single-user financial solution, Microsoft Dynamics GP Standard Edition, starts at $3,500 ( U.S. ), and Microsoft Dynamics GP Professional Edition starts at $7,500 ( U.S. ).
