The Buying Process
Our products are delivered by a worldwide network of partner organizations that share our commitment to lasting customer relationships. Our partners provide personalized, local service—from planning, to implementation, to ongoing support. They help make sure you receive the business solution best suited for your precise needs.
The Buying Process
1. Find a Partner
2. Make a Plan
3. Document Requirements
4. Choose a Solution
5. Launch a Solution
1. Find a partner.
It's important to find a consultant who you feel comfortable working with. Look for someone who:
| • | Understands your local market and industry. |
| • | Wants to involve you in the selection and implementation process. |
| • | Has the necessary resources and proven experience. |
Contact us for help finding a partner in the U.S., or find your local country office for help outside the US.
2. Make a plan.
Some IT consultants focus on product functionality from the start, and are ready to quote a price immediately. The problem with this approach is that you risk ending up with a solution that does not match your real business needs. Look for a partner who:
| • | Identifies your business needs first. |
| • | Is willing to work closely with your key functional managers. |
| • | Maps out a solution that fits your business. |
Microsoft Certified Partners work with you to understand your business needs and goals. In order to become certified, partners have to prove their expertise not only in our technology, but also in business areas, such as e-commerce and supply chain management.
3. Document your requirements.
Your consultant should provide a complete list of features required to support the processes identified in the planning stage. This documentation, which should include a budget and timeframe, helps give the project focus and set expectations. Microsoft Certified Partners have helped launch hundreds of thousands of successful IT projects. Find a customer story that matches your industry.
4. Choose a solution.
Your consultant should map the list of required features to the products they know. They can then recommend a solution or solutions (software plus customizations) that match the needs of your business. Microsoft Certified Partners are experts in our technology. In addition, many of our partners have developed industry solutions and other specific functionality that is integrated with Microsoft Business Solutions products.
5. Launch the solution.
After a thorough job in the previous steps, you should be ready for a successful implementation together with your partner. Microsoft Certified Partners can help you develop and test customizations, interfaces, and data conversion tools; train end users; convert data; and launch the system.
Related Information
| • | |
| • | Gain an Overview of the Broad Range of Functionality You Can Choose from in Our Business Solutions |
| • | For Help Finding a Partner, Contact Your Local Microsoft Business Solutions Office |