Microsoft Dynamics RMS Partners Revitalized by Next Gen RMS Plans

As the Retail Realm 2013 conference in Las Vegas wrapped up recently, attendees and  exhibitors alike voiced a renewed sense of hope that Microsoft Dynamics was again committed to retail.

That excitement was mixed with a good dose of relief, as well, as the Microsoft Dynamics retail team unveiled a demo of its "Next Gen RMS." The newest version of RMS for small- and medium-sized business (SMBs) will be released late this year, according to Michael Griffiths, Microsoft Dynamics global product industry director, Retail and Distribution, Microsoft Business Solutions.

A working title, Next Gen RMS refers to the new product based on the same code base as Dynamics AX, Microsoft's ERP offering designed for and marketed to larger enterprises.  With Next Gen RMS, Microsoft plans to offer the SMB retail market the advantages of AX, minus the unnecessary features.

A warm reception from partners

"Next Gen RMS will help us," said Anthony Ludmilin, a vendor and exhibitor at Retail Realm.  Ludmilin, who is the president of the Vancouver, B.B.-based Retail Hero, was please with the unveiling of the newest version of RMS at the 3^rd annual Retail Realm, saying, "This is an opportunity."

"It's like RMS on steroids," said Michael Biscotti of DataTech. "They haven't upgraded (RMS) in years because Microsoft was getting out of the retail business. But they stayed in."

Renewed faith in Microsoft's retail interest

Some Microsoft Dynamics for Retail Partners were at the end of their rope, waiting for something new on the RMS front. IFIX Computers owner Radel Pederson, of Branson, Mo., was one of those pretty much giving up hope prior to Next Gen ...