Microsoft is fully committed to helping retailers succeed in today's challenging business environment. In fact, as a leading software provider to the retail industry, Microsoft innovates and creates unique business partnering opportunities for retailers. Microsoft brings a unique depth and breadth of experience to the table, whether you need end-to-end business solutions, business-critical software, or better customer connections.
Microsoft's industry-leading platforms encompass the full range of solution categories, including point-of-sale systems, communications, collaboration, mobility, business insight, e-commerce, and enterprise systems management. Microsoft's leading development platform and tools allow retailers to quickly respond to business demands on a global basis with innovative solutions. In the customer space, Microsoft is making significant investments in search functionality and digital advertising, as well as driving innovation in the new digital lifestyle that is shaping shopper behavior.
Microsoft is poised for continued leadership in the retail arena. With a long-standing commitment to innovation, Microsoft spends more than $5 billion annually on research and development. This investment is currently focused on several key areas that support Microsoft's vision for the retail industry: unified communications and mobility, business insight and collaboration, and virtualization. Microsoft is also leading the next generation of Software + Services through deep investments in cloud computing.
Connected Experiences for Retail helps provide innovative, cost-effective solutions that retailers can use to create lasting relationships with value-driven customers.
Microsoft solutions for Connected Experiences help retailers:
Offer shoppers multichannel experiences that are accessible anywhere.
Leverage business insights and analytics, empowering employees with access to real-time information, enabling insight into customers' buying preferences, and ultimately driving customer loyalty.
Improve enterprise operations through better integration, security, and systems management.
Drive down support costs through facility monitoring and alerting, and provide role-based access to information throughout the supply chain.
Facilitate collaboration among all business partners regardless of time differences, geographic distance, or organizational boundaries.
Perhaps most important, Connected Experiences for Retail positions retailers to drive innovation. And in this dynamic industry, only the most agile and innovative organizations will emerge as leaders.
