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.