Managing operations is an increasingly challenging and complex process fraught with changing customer dynamics and increasing competition. One of the greatest benefits of the Microsoft suite is that they offer affordable software that streamlines all of the functions in your business. Adding ecommerce to Microsoft Dynamics GP integrates all business functions—from back-end inventory to front-end customer relationship management—in order to improve organizational efficiency and give you a competitive marketplace advantage.

Even the most conservative enterprises are partnering with Software as a Service (SaaS) providers for everything from enterprise resource planning (ERP) to customer relationship management (CRM). In fact, Gartner predicts the public cloud services market will grow from $175 billion in 2015 to $246.8 billion in 2017.

Microsoft acquired LinkedIn, the social media networking tool for business professionals, in December 2016. The $26 billion deal was received as good news; analysts say the move brought together the number one name in office software with the top professional networking site in the world. Most agree there were clear benefits for both companies.

 Let’s review some of the practical implications of the merger, including how Microsoft Dynamics ERP customers will likely benefit from the interoperability of these two industry icons.

Database marketing gives your business a competitive edge. A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) dashboard like Microsoft Dynamics can be used to leverage marketing techniques that drive sales. Too often there is a divide between operations, marketing, and sales teams. But a good CRM can pull these teams together with a singular focus—to target new clients, bring them on board, and retain them. Here’s how this can work.

Moving to the cloud is still controversial despite the fact that 70% of all organizations already have at least one app in the ether. Enterprise migration to the cloud is predicted to explode in 2017, a clear indicator that people's comfort level with cloud security has improved a great deal.

Have you ever participated in one of those corporate team-building exercises designed to build trust? We're picturing the one where your team members stand behind you while you fall straight backward into their (hopefully) supportive arms.

Microsoft has an extensive selection of cloud-based digital storage options. Two of the most popular of those options are Microsoft SharePoint and Microsoft OneDrive.

Here’s the first and most important thing you need to understand about Microsoft SharePoint vs. OneDrive: They’re absolutely excellent at accomplishing different things.

Move over QuickBooks; there's a new gunslinger in town.

Actually, if you're comparing the firepower between that old standby and Microsoft's accounting software (Dynamics NAV), it's like a little six-shooter versus an Uzi. That's because NAV is housed within Microsoft's enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. This software was designed to go beyond accounting and integrate all the operational functions of a business, including marketing and sales, finance, human resources, and operations.

Your business is finally ready to take it to the next level by installing Dynamics GP enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. You’ve looked at the competitors and realized the benefit of an all-in-one resource for financials, inventory and operations. You trust the Microsoft brand and love the potential for integrating the Microsoft office systems you’re already using, and the business intelligence found in Dynamics GP. The hard decision-making process is over, and you’re ready to get started.