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by Joshua Greenbaum, Contributing Editor   | Abstract: | Microsoft's Dynamics AX enterprise product is gaining traction against its rivals and attracting systems integrators, for better or for worse. |
A major tectonic shift in the enterprise software market rumbled through the Microsoft Partner Conference this past July, a shift whose significance was belied by the subtle way in which it was revealed. Hidden in the product announcements and pricing refinements was the recognition that big systems integrators (SIs) are starting to be interested in Microsoft's enterprise software offerings. It's only a beginning, but it's been a long time coming. Sharing the stage with Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer at the Microsoft Dynamics AX 4.0 unveiling was a representative from Capgemini. Atos Origin took part in an announcement about third-party vertical solutions. Other SIs mentioned included Bearing Point, Tata, and Wipro. The significance of this shift cannot be overstated, nor can it be seen as all good or all bad. What it unequivocally states to the market, and Microsoft's competitors, is that the sector that helped create the modern ERP market and made SAP's software a dominant force is now prepared to make a similar bet on Dynamics AX. [Click to continue] |