As independent business software specialists, here at Concentrix TSG we will only recommend an ERP solution that we feel meets the real needs of our client’s organisations. As well as functionality, features, flexibility, costs, expected return on investment and other factors that make a particular solution the right ‘fit’ with a business, it’s also important that the product is provided by a stable and proactive vendor. In other words, an established software provider that will not only look after the product, but listen to its customers and actively update, improve and develop it in the years to come.
Individuals, businesses and other organisations that are investing in an ERP system for the first time, or replacing a legacy system, need to be absolutely sure that the software has a long-term future. They need to know that the vendor will continue to invest in the product’s development, while delivering innovation and technical enhancements. It’s also important that the vendor maintains and supports older versions of the software for a reasonable time without forcing upgrades on its user-base: the majority of businesses want to upgrade, but in their own time!
No-one wants to invest in an ERP solution and be left with an unsupported, outdated or underdeveloped piece of software. Businesses want to get maximum return on investment, as quickly as possible. They want a system that will carry on working for them, delivering benefits, cost-savings and process improvements as their businesses expand and adapt to changing environments.
Most leading ERP software vendors regularly update and publish a product roadmap, statement of direction, or similar documentation to keep their customers, potential customers and business partners fully up to date with the plans for the software. For example, the UK business software provider Sage usually releases a new version of Sage 200, its mid-market ERP solution, around June each year. This is preceded by a variety of documentation and information about the product.
Microsoft Dynamics NAV is one of the most popular Dynamics ERP solutions in the UK, and Microsoft recently published an updated Statement of Direction for this product. This new document provides current and potential users with a clear outline of the ‘headline’ forthcoming product enhancements, and delivers strong assurance on the product’s future. It provides a look into the short, medium, and longer-term development plans for Microsoft Dynamics NAV, while enabling businesses to plan and get the very best out of their ERP software investment.
Microsoft updates its Statement of Direction for Microsoft Dynamics NAV fairly regularly. Although there are rarely (if ever) any surprises in terms of change of focus, direction, or strategy, it is important to note that the regular release of a statement of direction demonstrates that Microsoft is firmly committed to Microsoft Dynamics NAV. It shows how Microsoft is developing Microsoft Dynamics NAV with technical innovations and the addition of powerful features, enhancements and product functionality.
The next major product update, ‘Microsoft Dynamics NAV 7’, is scheduled for release in the latter half of 2012. However, there’s an exciting and long-term future clearly laid out for Microsoft Dynamics NAV, and an updated roadmap shows the features, functionality and enhancements in Microsoft Dynamics NAV 7, plus versions 8, 9 and beyond.
As well as being committed to regular product updates, Microsoft also shows commitment to organisations that want to upgrade in their own time. This is by providing mainstream support for older versions of the software for at least five years after its first release. So for example, if you purchased Microsoft Dynamics NAV 5.0 in April 2007, you’ll have full support available until April 2012. Then, if you want to continue with that same version of the product, you can purchase an extra five years of extended support. This helps make sure you get an excellent return on investment with whatever release of Microsoft Dynamics NAV you start with.
We recently published a post over on the erpsoftware blog which discusses the key points from the latest Statement of Direction for Microsoft Dynamics NAV, and how it shows there’s a great future for the product and its users.
For more information about the latest Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Sage 200 or other ERP solutions, please contact Concentrix TSG - UK ERP Specialists.
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Posted by: Ecommerce ERP | 17 May 2012 at 08:19 AM