Microsoft Corp.

Microsoft Corp. has unveiled BIO[TM] for Microsoft Dynamics[TM] SL, an operational analytics application that it says gives decision-makers throughout an organization unique and relevant insight into business drivers. BIO (Business Intelligence Optimization) for Microsoft Dynamics SL provides personalized, role-based business performance scorecards that empower employees to help increase the value of their customer interactions, lower product and service delivery costs, and create strategic plans for expanding their business. BIO for Microsoft Dynamics SL extends the solution to include a robust strategic, operational and financial analytics solution.

Where traditional business intelligence products geared toward larger enterprises tend to be highly complex, the company says, BIO for Microsoft Dynamics SL is designed to provide a repeatable lower-cost solution catering to the specific information and technical requirements of small and mid-sized businesses. Through delivering role-based business intelligence capabilities, BIO for Microsoft Dynamics SL advances Microsoft's overall business solutions roadmap for innovation by providing 60 unique perspectives for analyzing the business data across 14 common organizational roles.

People can view the analytical reports from the tools they are used to using, including Microsoft Excel[R], Microsoft Office SharePoint[R] Services, Microsoft Office Business Scorecard Manager and the rest of the Microsoft Office system product lineup, or directly within the BIO for Microsoft Dynamics SL application. Built on Microsoft[R] SQL Server[TM] Analysis Services, it also fully integrates with SQL Server 2000 and 2005.

"With just one click, we can access data from six years ago--or six minutes ago," says Sharon Smith, director of accounting operations for Delta Power, a privately owned independent power producer in New Jersey. "We needed a solution to help consolidate and manage information coming in from our 25 plant locations, and provide it back out to the managers for their own analysis. We think the return on investment on BIO will be almost immediate after the full rollout."

Microsoft worked closely with channel partner NexVue Analytics Corp. to develop the new business intelligence capabilities for Microsoft Dynamics SL. NexVue, a business intelligence development and consulting organization, is focused specifically on delivering out-of-the-box business analytic solutions specific to the requirements of midsized businesses. NexVue has designed and developed both a business and technical model (BIO) that build on the Microsoft business intelligence development environment for the midmarket, reducing the technology gap and the cost of implementing BI solutions.

BIO for Microsoft Dynamics SL is scheduled for general availability to customers in June. Pricing for the BIO Foundation, an entry-level solution, starts at $3,600 and includes financial analytics and a two-user license. Additional users, as well as project, distribution and field service analytics solutions, may be licensed for additional fees.

Web: www.microsoft.com