Interview:
Mogens Elsberg and Bjarne Schon, Microsoft Dynamics
12 July 2007
Microsoft has developed Microsoft Dynamics AX Mobile Sales and Microsoft Dynamics Mobile Development Tools, a new solution and a set of tools for customers and partners to develop mobile applications that work with Microsoft Dynamics AX.
Mogens Elsberg, general manager of Dynamics AX/Nav and Bjarne Schon, product unit manager at Mobile Applications Group spoke to Microsoft press team about the launch. The Q&A is detailed below.
What is Microsoft announcing at Worldwide Partner Conference 2007?
Elsberg: The availability of mobile solutions for Microsoft Dynamics AX, including a new mobile application, and software development tools that extend the value of the Microsoft Dynamics AX business management solution. Microsoft Dynamics is also announcing an additional partnership with Motorola, with the goal of helping the partner channels of both companies collaborate to deliver complete mobile solutions that include both mobile line-of-business software and mobile devices.
We know that the mobile workforce needs flexible, familiar solutions that help them be more productive, and we're going to demonstrate increasing focus on extending our business applications to the mobile environment. Mobile solutions for Microsoft Dynamics CRM are already in the market and in use by customers; with this announcement, we're bringing the benefits of mobile technology to our Microsoft Dynamics AX customers. Over time, we'll continue to bring new mobile solutions and technology to all the Microsoft Dynamics business solutions.
How does this mobile solution cater to the needs of the mobile employee?
Schon: By delivering role-tailored, task-oriented mobile applications, we're enabling mobile workforces to work more quickly and more efficiently. They now have the data they need when they need it on the road and not stuck back at the office. We've targeted the mobile applications specifically to the form factor of the mobile device, making them intuitive for people to use.
Also, we are not only releasing applications: we have extended the Windows Mobile platform with tools and frameworks that enable customers, partners and ISVs to build specialised applications for Microsoft Dynamics AX, which means that customers are able to quickly produce high-quality solutions that meet their specific needs.
How will these benefits impact customers?
Schon: For example, Masterplast, a building materials wholesale company working with partner XAPT of Hungary, is already using mobile solutions to improve its field sales efficiency. Wherever they are, Masterplast sales representatives can enter and modify real-time customer, sales and inventory data, review sales orders, on-hand inventory data, payment status, credit availability and access Masterplast's special loyalty system. Then they can immediately transmit sales information back to head office. In just a short time Masterplast is already reporting that this solution is allowing sales representatives to spend 20 per cent more time on customer service rather than error-prone administrative tasks.
Can you tell us more about the partnership with Motorola?
Elsberg: The partnership with Motorola for this initiative is an extension of the overall Microsoft-Motorola partnership and is designed to help our channel partners deliver a complete mobile solution in both hardware and software.
It's natural for Microsoft's channel to work with Motorola's channel, because customers need devices as well as software in any mobile deployment. Microsoft and Motorola will be engaging in a number of co-marketing activities worldwide to encourage even greater channel cooperation. For example, we've designed events to bring these channels together, so that both types of partners can contribute their unique expertise.
What is the opportunity for Microsoft Dynamics AX and Motorola channel partners?
Elsberg: These mobile solutions enable Microsoft Dynamics AX channel partners to provide new value for existing customers, as well as target a whole new set of customers for whom mobility is a strategic element of their business. They can do this in one of two ways:
Microsoft Dynamics AX partners can team up with other partners who have expertise in mobile technologies to deliver the complete solution to customers. In this case, the Microsoft Dynamics AX partners would provide the expertise in integrating and customising the mobile solution to work with Microsoft Dynamics AX.
Or, Microsoft Dynamics AX partners can provide the complete mobile solution and all related services, including the integration with Microsoft Dynamics AX. In this case, partners would need to develop expertise in mobile devices and technologies.
Motorola channel partners will now also be able to work with solutions that integrate seamlessly to Microsoft Dynamics AX, meaning they can spend more time developing or implementing mobile solutions for customers. They can also work with Microsoft Dynamics AX partners to deliver a complete solution.
What about independent software vendors (ISVs)? How can they take advantage of this opportunity?
Schon: ISVs can use the Microsoft Dynamics Mobile Development Tools to build end-to-end solutions for Microsoft Dynamics AX, create vertical applications quickly, and reduce the application development time for mobile implementations. This is possible because of an open architecture that enables out-of-the-box integration with Microsoft Dynamics AX. In addition, ISVs will be able to sell their solutions in partnership with both the Motorola and Microsoft Dynamics channels.
What's next for mobile solutions and Microsoft Dynamics AX?
Elsberg: We believe strongly in enabling the mobile workforce, and we will continuously bring out additional mobile applications for Microsoft Dynamics. For example, we're working on a mobile business intelligence application for executives, as well as other role-tailored solutions. We're also planning to add more languages and country localisations for major European countries by end of 2007. In addition, we plan to next enable Microsoft Dynamics Nav with mobile solutions.