Business Solutions Group Begins to Consolidate

In an effort to streamline a confusing array of product lines, the Microsoft Business Solutions (MBS) division (formerly Microsoft Great Plains) is making some branding changes and publishing a standard price list. Although these changes will reduce customer confusion, they could make it more difficult for resellers to differentiate themselves. Microsoft has also announced a new financing plan which could help resellers make sales in a tough economy and eventually help them transition to a more stable subscription-like revenue model.

The changes were announced at Stampede 2002, an annual conference for MBS resellers held in September. Microsoft also demonstrated several forthcoming products at the conference, but most of these products had been announced previously, and several of them are still in development with features, pricing, and availability not yet finalized. (For an overview of these product announcements, see the sidebar “Stampede 2002 Product News“.)