Microsoft has extended its Dynamics range of enterprise resource planning (ERP) offerings with new online services designed to help firms create new sites, improve their e-commerce capabilities and integrate payment functionality.

The Sites Service is built on the new Windows Azure cloud platform, and enables users to create and manage sites without having to leave their Dynamics ERP application, said the firm.

Examples could include landing pages for marketing campaigns, or sites for product registration information and customer feedback, said Microsoft.

The new Commerce Service has been built to help integrate ERP with e-commerce systems including storefronts and business-to-consumer marketplaces, in order to enable multi-channel strategies.

Finally, the Payment Service enables customers to process payments from a variety of channels including e-commerce, point of sale and call centres, all from within the Dynamics interface.

"Our customers increasingly appreciate the option of moving certain applications and services into the cloud while maintaining an on-premise option for their ERP solution," said Crispin Read, general manager of Microsoft Dynamics ERP.

"Providing this choice and flexibility is a competitive advantage for us and our partners around the world."