Microsoft lifts lid on Navision 4

Microsoft Business Solutions has launched Navision 4.0, the latest version of its business analytics suite.

According to the software giant, the product integrates financial, manufacturing, distribution, customer management, supply chain, analytics and e-commerce data into a single package.

Targeted at small and medium-sized businesses with around 100 users, the product marks the first major release following Navision's acquisition by Microsoft in 2002.

Microsoft Navision 4.0 features an improved user interface, modelled after Microsoft Office Outlook 2003 to give users a familiar working environment and the ability to design their own personalised menu structure.

In addition, enhanced sales orders capabilities are designed to give users more control over managing information and their workloads.

The offering also includes enhanced Key Performance Indicators and analysis tools to give users a graphical view of business analytics and enable them to navigate deeply into information.

It is closely integrated with Microsoft SQL Server Notification Services and includes an XML port to improve communication with other applications, customers, vendors and business partners.

Navision 4.0 is available in Austria, Canada, Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands, South Africa, Sweden, the UK and the US through Microsoft Business Solutions partners.

A typical configuration starts at an estimated retail price of €1,995 for a single-user financial system.

The product was developed at Microsoft's Vedbaek campus in Denmark, the company's largest development centre outside the US.

René Stockner, general manager for Microsoft Business Solutions Navision, said in a statement: "With Navision 4.0 we are offering an abundance of European innovation to the world.

"Navision 4.0 is a compelling proof point of the strategic investment Microsoft has made in Europe and the deep level of value we are able to offer businesses around the world."