Make the comparison: Evaluate Microsoft Business Solutions

Updated: October 14, 2005

If your job is to make strategic IT investments—for a small or mid-size business, a large organization, or a division of a global enterprise—you have a lot to consider. This page includes case studies about businesses that were once faced with the same decision you are, as well as white papers, expert opinions, and analyst reports—all designed to help you decide what solution is right for your company.

Compare Microsoft Business Solutions to other software

If your business is currently using or considering products offered by one of the following software providers, here’s information to help you make a comprehensive comparison:

•	J.D. Edwards
•	PeopleSoft (Oracle/PeopleSoft)

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See what the experts say

Industry experts are a tough audience to please. Here's what they have to say about the business management products and services offered by Microsoft.

•	Nucleus Research: ROI tools for Microsoft Business Solutions Nucleus Research is a global provider of research surrounding return on investment (ROI) in technology solutions, and related advisory services. Get ROI modeling tools and customer case studies.
•	Nucleus report: 75% of Microsoft Axapta customers achieve positive ROI within 2 years The results of this independent study show how companies that have invested in Microsoft Business Solutions–Axapta are faring on ROI.
•	Nucleus Research ROI report: Microsoft Great Plains for small and midsize business The results from this independent study show 87% of small and midsize businesses using Microsoft Great Plains realize a positive return on investment (ROI) within an average payback period of 21 months.
•	Nucleus Research ROI report: Microsoft Great Plains for enterprises View this report to see why Microsoft Great Plains is a good choice to help enterprises manage their operations.
•	The Accounting Library: Research which business solution is best for you Learn how a widely used software comparison tool can help you navigate the crowded business management and accounting solutions market. Then see how our solutions measure up.
•	Microsoft Great Plains 8.0 and MAS 90/200 comparison See how Microsoft Great Plains compares to MAS 90/200 in this report prepared by accounting industry expert J. Carlton Collins.

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Find out how other companies are using Microsoft Business Solutions

A broad range of organizations rely on Microsoft Business Solutions to realize their goals and objectives.

•	Hardys and Hansons, an integrated brewer, wholesaler, and pub retailer in the UK, recently selected Microsoft Navision over SAP and J.D. Edwards, and has realized a rapid ROI due to reduced time spent doing data entry and greater data accuracy.
•	Prosero, a procurement solutions provider, switched from SAP and saved 90 percent in annual maintenance costs, and increased efficiency and insight with superior reporting capabilities.
•	While Danish chewing gum manufacturer Gumlink A/S considered SAP to consolidate its multiple, aging systems, they instead chose Microsoft Axapta as it offered them all of the functionality they needed at half the price.
•	Cosa Instrument switched from Salesforce.com to Microsoft CRM for better integration to their back office system and gain better control of their valuable business data. An added bonus was that, when amortized over three years, they found Microsoft CRM to be less expensive than Salesforce.com.

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Invest in the present and the future: A technology roadmap

With the future of businesses like yours in mind, Microsoft recently reaffirmed its commitment to its business technology products and services by articulating plans for ongoing upgrades and enhancements.

•	Inside our business blueprint: A strategy series
•	Press release: Microsoft executives outline business applications strategy and solutions roadmap

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Small businesses: Get ready to get growing with Microsoft

If you're responsible for IT investments for a small company, Microsoft offers business management products and services developed specifically for organizations of your size.

•	Practical advice for companies that have outgrown QuickBooks Accounting industry expert J. Carlton Collins explains how Microsoft Business Solutions can help you move past the inherent limitations of Intuit QuickBooks.
•	Beyond bookkeeping: Software strategies for small business growth Dr. Katherine Jones, research director for Aberdeen Group, offers advice on smart software choices that will help small businesses prepare for change and growth.
•	Small Business Center: Financial management software from Microsoft Find articles, tips, learning opportunities, webcasts, and other resources at the Microsoft Small Business Center.

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How to Get Microsoft Business Solutions

•	The process How to find and obtain a solution that meets your company's unique needs.
•	Total Solution Financing Ease the "cash up front" burden that usually comes with new technology.
•	Pricing information Different companies have different needs. See what factors affect pricing.

Product Information

•	About Microsoft Business Solutions
•	Microsoft Axapta
•	Microsoft Great Plains
•	Microsoft Navision
•	Microsoft Solomon

For small businesses:

•	Microsoft Small Business Financials

Related Links

•	View an online guide to business-solution selection Get step-by-step techniques and tools to select the right technology for your business.
•	Get the facts on Microsoft Windows and Linux Leading companies and third-party analysts confirm it: Windows has a lower total cost of ownership and outperforms Linux.

Make the comparison: Evaluate Microsoft Business Solutions

On This Page

Compare Microsoft Business Solutions to other software

See what the experts say

Find out how other companies are using Microsoft Business Solutions

Invest in the present and the future: A technology roadmap

Small businesses: Get ready to get growing with Microsoft