At Latest Event, Dynamics RMS Distributor Retail Realm Sees Demand for Broader Range and Vision for Microsoft Retail Solutions

Microsoft has put plenty of effort recently into marketing its launch of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 for Retail, but some might be left to wonder what room is left for strategizing on the future of Dynamics RMS and its related software and hardware solutions.  

Sensing this concern way back in 2010, Retail Realm, a major Dynamics RMS distributor, set about organizing its inaugural Microsoft Dynamics Retail conference.  The live event featured Microsoft retail staff, education on RMS, and sponsors from both the hardware and software worlds, but it also gave Microsoft a chance to start explaining where RMS and AX for Retail were going. 

"[The 2011 event] cleared up a lot of previous confusion and miscommunication issues throughout the channel in terms of Microsoft's commitment to retail," according to Louis Piedra, VP sales and marketing at Retail Realm.

The response at the 2011 event was so strong that Retail Realm held its second annual event in January 2012. This time, they focused on RMS and RMS Next-Gen, but also on Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail in order to connect with the ERP community.

"One of the biggest messages from Microsoft is how committed they are to retail," said Pierda. "In the coming years, they are investing a considerable amount to time, support, and money to Microsoft Dynamics RMS, RMS  Next-Gen, as well as Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail. Microsoft's Global Director for Retail & Distribution, Michael Griffiths, delivered two of the keynotes at our conference and emphasized that there is a huge retail market that needs a consistent message and common platform. "

This year's event ...