Microsoft plans to provide Dynamics ERP as SaaS service

September 27, 2010 | Author: Michael Stromann
Microsoft Dynamics ERP

Michael Park, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft’s Business Solutions team, shared some plans about the future of company's SaaS suite Microsoft BPOS. BPOS (Business Productivity Online Services) currently includes MS Exchange Online, MS SharePoint Online, MS Office Communications Online and Office Live Meeting. And Microsoft is going to add Dynamics CRM and Dynamics ERP to this package. While it's no surprise with CRM (Microsoft has been providing the SaaS version Dynamics CRM Online for quite a long time), the SaaS ERP from Microsoft - is something new. Today some Microsoft partners are already providing vendor's ERP solutions as hosted services, but Microsoft never told about the release of the own SaaS ERP version.

Moreover, Park used the title "MS Dynamics ERP". As we know, Microsoft actually has 4 ERP systems: Dynamics AX (Axapta), Nav (Navision), GP (Great Plains) and SL (Solomon). All these solutions have been acquired by Microsoft and the company hasn't yet succeed in combining them into single solution. Although recently, Microsoft representatives frequently use the title MS Dynamics ERP, preparing people to the fact that 4 systems will merge into one.

In addition, Microsoft plans to move BPOS with CRM and ERP to the Azure platform (currently they work separately). It will be a good step for Microsoft and for its clients. First, all applications will run on the single infrastructure that will allow to integrate them more easily. Second, there will be a single sign-on. Third, there will be a single billing.

Besides, in order to motivate partners to sell the SaaS solutions, Microsoft is going to double the margins for those who sell the hosted bundle.

And most probably BPOS will be renamed to Union. And not just because ERP and CRM are not "Productivity" tools. More than a few Microsoft critics have referred BPOS as “Big Piece of Shit” and Microsoft bosses are not happy with that.

See also: Top 10 Online ERP software

Author: Michael Stromann
Michael is an expert in IT Service Management, IT Security and software development. With his extensive experience as a software developer and active involvement in multiple ERP implementation projects, Michael brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his writings. Having previously worked at SAP, he has honed his expertise and gained a deep understanding of software development and implementation processes. Currently, as a freelance developer, Michael continues to contribute to the IT community by sharing his insights through guest articles published on several IT portals. You can contact Michael by email stromann@liventerprise.com