Welcome From Randy

"Time to make a decision." It's a phrase often uttered – and heard by - today's knowledge workers who are tasked with making business decisions every day.

Just how important these decisions are was recently underscored by The Economist Intelligence Unit, a worldwide research firm affiliated with The Economist magazine. In January the firm released the results of a global study of 1,300 business executives and IT workers. Among the report's conclusions:

• The more a company empowers employees to make decisions, the better that company performs.
• Technology plays a key role in realizing this culture of collaboration.
• Those that succeed in building this environment, the "true enablers", as The Economist refers to them, are a three times more likely to be profitable.

The concept of "enablement" is simple. It's about giving people the tools and resources they need to get their jobs done quickly and easily. By removing the obstacles to information, people are free to put their knowledge and expertise to work and help the company succeed. And so begins the transformation to a People Ready business.

If only it were that easy. The study also found that only one-half of the companies have the IT tools and information necessary for true enablement. Worse, only 33 per cent have the appropriate teamwork structures in place while a mere 15 per cent have the financial and human resources needed to become true enablers.

At Microsoft, we recognize how important clear and accurate decision making is in today's business environment. It's why we've designed our software from day one to help leading companies drive competitive advantage and pave the way to improved decision making and increased employee impact.

Why not start the path to enablement today? I invite you to explore the Canadian Enterprise portal. Here you will find range of valuable resources – case studies, white papers, downloads and other tools – that will help you blaze a trail to a more effective and people ready organization.

I look forward to showing you how Microsoft solutions can help your organization achieve new levels of success by empowering your decision makers.

Sincerely,
Randy Lenaghan
Vice-President, Enterprise Sales and Partner Group

ABOUT RANDY LENAGHAN

Company:
Microsoft Canada

Since:
March 2003

Background:
Randy previously led Microsoft Canada's Financial Services, responsible for all segments of the industry. Before joining Microsoft Randy was General Manager, Asia Pacific Operations for 724 Solutions and Vice President, Financial Services at BCE Emergis.

Randy's formal training and practical experience was gained over ten years in progressively responsible positions within IBM Canada.