Microsoft launches new MBS software
Microsoft launches new MBS software
P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Microsoft Indonesia launched a new Microsoft Business Solutions
(MBS) software on Thursday to help small and medium-size
enterprises (SMEs) organize their financial affairs.
The integrated software, which costs about US$20,000, covers
four solution categories, including enterprise resource
management (ERM), which will help businesspeople with budgeting
and controlling cash flow. The software also includes a
forecaster analytics program for developing future business
plans.
The web-based forecaster analytics program in ERM will also
enable users to adjust their market information and do real-time
information exchanges through internet or intranet connections.
"Another strong point of this software is that it's a user-
friendly technology since it uses Microsoft Office as its front-
end, which is pretty familiar for Windows users," said Vahe
Torossian, general manager of small and mid-market solutions and
partners for Microsoft Asia Pacific.
Vahe is optimistic that in the next nine months, the number of
new users of the software in Indonesia will grow by 10 percent,
from an estimated 50 customers a year.
The president of Microsoft Indonesia, Tony Chen, said that
with globalization just around the corner, SMEs in Indonesia
should adjust their competency, accuracy and efficiency by
becoming accustomed to IT.
Microsoft Indonesia now has 25 partners, called implementors,
to help potential users install the software and assist them with
the overall application of the MBS programs.
Worldwide, Microsoft has invested $2.5 billion to gear up the
new MBS software around the world, with the assistance of 1,700
research and development staff members.
Microsoft has estimated that IT investment by SMEs in the Asia
Pacific will grow by about 50 percent from last year's $80
billion to $125 billion in 2006.
Even though many businesspeople will likely postpone any new
investment in IT until the elections are over, Tony is optimistic
the company's sales in Indonesia will grow by up to 20 percent
this year.