Avanade® Delivers the Rich Functionality, Improved Performance and Security of Microsoft Dynamics AX 4.0 to Early Adopters; Global Integrator Delivers Business Value to Leading Manufacturers with Microsoft's Business Management Solution

Business Wire, July 11, 2006

SEATTLE -- Avanade Inc., the leading technology integrator specializing in the Microsoft enterprise platform, is helping a variety of manufacturing leaders implement Microsoft Dynamics AX 4.0, the latest release of Microsoft's adaptable business management solution.

Microsoft Dynamics AX 4.0 works like familiar Microsoft software, with comprehensive features that help automate and streamline business processes, connecting enterprises with global customers, partners and subsidiaries in ways that help drive business success.

"Microsoft Dynamics AX 4.0 delivers a function-rich ERP package with the familiar, easy to use interface of Microsoft products," said Mike Pazak, Vice President of Enterprise Business solutions at Avanade. "With the availability of AX 4.0, Avanade is delivering improved solutions to our customers that fully support the way they do business -- enabling them to quickly respond to their changing business demands. By providing a complete view of the business, Dynamics AX 4.0 enables more confident and informed decision-making by our customers."

Avanade is uniquely qualified to help customers in their migration to this new release, with early AX 4.0 experience, the deepest technical skills in the market for AX customization, as well as several master certified AX consultants.

"Avanade's extensive expertise with the Microsoft platform helps customers maximize their current investments in Microsoft technology while easing integration of Microsoft Dynamics AX into their environment," said Mark A. Jensen, general manager of Microsoft Dynamics AX. "Their delivery methodology, customized solutions, and extensive use of advanced deployment tools like the Microsoft Dynamics AX 4.0 Rapid Configuration Toolkit accelerate implementation, to rapidly deliver results."

The combination of Microsoft's technology and Avanade's expertise has already been successfully demonstrated through experience with early-adopter customers in the Microsoft Dynamics AX 4.0 Technology Adoption Program (TAP).

Indiana-based manufacturer LaVanture Products Company, a longtime Axapta customer, worked with Avanade to upgrade to version 4.0. "It made sense to move ahead with an upgrade to version 4.0 as quickly as possible," said Brandon Wiese, Chief Information Officer, LaVanture. "The reporting services and analysis tools in Microsoft SQL Server 5.0 are better integrated into Microsoft Dynamics AX 4.0, and we can quickly mine customer data. This makes it easier to extract the business analysis that we need to help with planning and fulfillment. We have greater insight into our business as a result."

Rayloc, a division of Genuine Parts (NYSE:GEPT), sought a solution that could support their need to dynamically adjust to changes in the supply chain and associated business processes. The company selected Microsoft Dynamics AX 4.0 over offerings from competitors such as Oracle, SAP and QAD.

"Avanade simply worked harder at understanding our needs and showing us where Dynamics AX was superior to the other finalists. The final vote was 17-1 in favor of Dynamics AX," said Joe Lashley, Rayloc VP of IT. "Key to our decision to choose Dynamics AX 4.0 were the Application Integration Framework, inclusion of SharePoint, revision control using Visual SourceSafe, and the familiar Microsoft UI."

About Avanade

Avanade is the leading technology integrator specializing in the Microsoft enterprise platform. Our people help customers around the world maximize their IT investment and create comprehensive solutions that drive business results. Additional information can be found at www.avanade.com.

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