Microsoft Introduces Dynamics AX for Retail—Promises “End-to-End” Offering

Microsoft announced "a new end-to-end offering" for midsize retailers using Microsoft Dynamics AX.

Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail "offers retailers a deep level of integration across point of sale, store management, supply chain, merchandizing and financials," the company said.  

The announcement represents another implementation step in Microsoft's verticals strategy, announced last September, when it announced acquisitions in process manufacturing, professional services, and retail solutions. The retail component, it said at the time, was based on IP acquired from LS Retail EHF and To-Increase Denmark A/S, a wholly owned subsidiary of Columbus IT Partner A/S.  "We are taking a very different approach than other businesses," said Kees Hertogh, product manager for Microsoft Dynamics AX.  "Instead of cobbling together a solution, we decided to buy IP where a partner has extended our own solution to provide a completely integrated solution."

The package will be available this summer in 16 countries, with a plan for further expansion to the full range of AX-supported locales by the end of 2010.  According to Crispin Read, general manager of Microsoft Dynamics ERP, the store management and point-of-sale components of Dynamics AX for Retail will be available first, to be followed by other components in coming months.

He added, "Because we have enabled a truly connected retailer experience through a single, end-to-end Microsoft-provided solution, customers can lower the total cost of ownership, reduce complexity and improve the accuracy of information, all of which is vital in today's evolving retail environment."

In future releases look for features including assortment planning, back office processes, and merchandising.  Many of these features come from acquired IP that has not yet ...