Software Giant Reaches Out to the Business Interests of the

Common Man:

The Conception and Evolution of Microsoft’s Project Green

Molly Hicks

CIS 95-002

November 22, 2005

Microsoft: What comes to mind?

Mega-billion dollar company Bill Gates, the Patron Saint of Geeks The personal computing programs and

operating system we use each day: Windows, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint

Microsoft Business Solutions

One of Microsoft’s major divisions Typically caters to large businesses However, Microsoft has begun to reach out to

the small- and medium-sized business (SMB) sector through a research and development effort termed “Project Green”

Project Green: Specifics

Original code name for the next phase of Business Solutions software to be offered by Microsoft

Important factors: software must be User-friendly Affordable Functional with other Microsoft

applications such as Office suite

Project Green: Specifics

Programs would have the following functions:

To provide a shared user

interface

To help companiesmanage finances

To help enhance customer relations

To create supply-chainmanagement programs

Convergence 2005: San Diego

Microsoft announces its plans for the future of Business Solutions

and Project Green

"Windows® and Office are a powerful foundation…[We build]

on that foundation to deliver world-class business applications

that are simpler and less expensive, offering more

companies new ways to enhance the way they work."

Project Green: Shift in Strategy

In the six months after Convergence 2005, Microsoft continued to develop plans for Business Solutions

Announced in September that what used to be called Project Green is now called Microsoft Dynamics

This unified branding strategy is consistent with the mission of being consumer-friendly

Quote from Tami Reller, Corporate Vice President

Microsoft Dynamics: Programs

•Microsoft CRM becomes Microsoft Dynamics CRM

•Microsoft Business Solutions-Great Plains becomes Microsoft Dynamics GP

•Microsoft Business Solutions-Axapta becomes Microsoft Dynamics AX

•Microsoft Business Solutions-Navision becomes Microsoft Dynamics NAV

•Microsoft Business Solutions-Solomon becomes Microsoft Dynamics SL

Microsoft Dynamics GP 9.0

First of new Dynamics programs to be released

Main Features Role-based desktops Web services access points Business analysis features Personalized company reports

Standard Edition starts

at $3,500

ProfessionalEdition starts

at $7,500

A Dynamic Future Ahead

GP is only the first in a wave of new software releases, scheduled from now until 2007

A second wave of releases will begin in 2008 Microsoft continues to expand its market by

reaching out to all types of businesses: this strategy is sure to keep it at the top of its game

Works Cited“Microsoft Executives Outline Business Applications Strategy and Solutions

Road Map at Convergence 2005.” Microsoft.com. 7 Mar. 2005. 16 Nov. 2005. <http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/

press/2005/mar05/03-07Convergence05UmbrellaPR.mspx>

“Microsoft Introduces Microsoft Dynamics Brand.” Microsoft.com. 6 Sep. 2005. 19 Nov. 2005. <http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/

features/2005/sep05/09-06Brand.mspx>

“Microsoft reaches out to SMB.” Microsoft.com. 26 Sep. 2005. 19 Nov. 2005. <http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=

/2005/9/26/business/12100925&sec=business>

“Microsoft Releases Microsoft Dynamics GP Version 9.0.” Microsoft.com. 15 Nov. 2005. 20 Nov. 2005. <http://www.

microsoft.com/presspass/press/2005/nov05/11-15MicrosoftDynamicsGPPR.mspx>