Integrated Solutions Push Server Software Sales

Microsoft has begun to roll out integrated solutions built from Microsoft server applications, detailed architectural guidelines, custom code, and consulting and support from Microsoft and its partners. Designed to deliver new functionality faster, and at lower cost than custom solutions, Microsoft’s integrated solutions still require additional configuration and customization by customers or consultants, but they are bringing Microsoft closer to the type of solutions offered by competitors—and sometimes by Microsoft partners—in carefully selected markets.

Drive to Integrated Solutions

Microsoft has recognized the need to market and sell its products as well-integrated solutions for several years, but many previous integration efforts have been little more than marketing exercises. Microsoft’s solutions Web site (www.microsoft.com/business/solutions) lists 10 “solutions,” covering knowledge management, infrastructure management, customer management, and partner integration, but many of the solutions are simply descriptions of the role that Microsoft products could play in such a custom solution, rather than specifics on how to create it. Any customer interested in pursuing such a solution would need to have substantial in-house development skills or else hire Microsoft Consulting Services (MCS) or a Microsoft partner to assemble a solution from individual Microsoft products.