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Microsoft Woos Retailers with End-to-End, Profit-Boosting Apps By Jennifer LeClaire February 4, 2013 9:56AM     The Redmond-based software giant made a big splash recently in New York at the National Retail Federation Expo, introducing Microsoft Dynamics for Retail and other Microsoft solutions for the retail industry. Used together, Microsoft says these technologies can help retailers boost efficiency and profitability from headquarters to the store floor.   Related Topics Microsoft Dynamics Enterprise Retail SQL Big Data CRM Business Intelligence E-Commerce Analytics Latest News Reality TV's New Stars: Small Biz Soundbars Up the Ante on TV Sound Google Glass Raises Privacy Concerns Pentagon Gives iOS 6 Security OK Should Enterprises Skip Windows 8? Microsoft is working hard to meet the demands of retailers, from the largest global chains down to local retail stores and SMBs, offering a host of enterprise tools that equip businesses to implement effective customer -centric strategies. Indeed, Microsoft is promising that its enterprise solutions can help retailers increase their efficiency, empower their employees, optimize operations, and also take advantage of consumer insights. While those are big promises, Microsoft says it has a unique perspective on retail solutions, given its own experience with various aspects of the supply chain. That perspective could pay off for retailers, and, for Microsoft's bottom line. Tracy Issel, general manager of Microsoft's Worldwide Retail Sector, rightly points out: "With our position as a consumer goods company and a retailer, we are uniquely able to help retailers create a connected shopping experience for their customers across multiple channels and touch points, whether it's at home, in the store, or on the go." Of course, many other technology developers could also claim similar expertise, but Microsoft remains steadfast in its position. Optimizing Retail Operations Simply put, Microsoft wants retailers to know that, "Microsoft gets retailers." And, Microsoft understands all too well that technology budgets are still tight. The software giant knows retailers need to keep costs down while also driving competitive differentiation up and meeting customer expectations. And, Microsoft sees it's getting tougher for retailers to attract and retain customers at a profit. Part of Microsoft's answer to all these challenges is software that can handle Big Data. We're talking about large-scale enterprise applications that can help retailers turn metrics into meaningful insights that could drive efficiencies, boost revenue and increase customer loyalty. In fact, Microsoft has several technology solutions, including its SQL Server, Windows Server, and Windows Azure platform. These technologies help retailers address Big Data questions by analyzing and delivering data to decision-makers so they can respond to customer demands more quickly. Retail Customer Success Microsoft points to Royal Caribbean International as an example of a company using its solutions in this way. Management for the international cruise line says it was was able to realize significant efficiencies with SQL Server, Windows Server and the Windows Embedded platform by optimizing and streamlining operations on its Oasis-class ships, the largest in the world. (continued...) 1  |  2  |  Next Page >   Tell Us What You Think Comment: Name: Also Visit: iPad Info Center Billions of Bytes Mobile Device Now Apple Info Center TopTechWire.com Stingray Traffic Manager on Amazon Web Services - Deliver Fast, Secure, and Available Applications. Looking to combine advanced load balancing with the application delivery features on Amazon Web Services? This process will allow you to run Stingray™ software on Amazon AWS using an Amazon account of your choice. Click here to view the complete range of Riverbed Stingray products on AWS.  Applications 1.   HP and SAP Team on HANA Database 2.   MS Dynamics Saving Revlon Millions 3.   Upbeat BlackBerry Unveils Q5 Phone 4.   Google, Microsoft Battle Over Apps 5.   HP Boosts Data Center IT Automation > HP and SAP Team on HANA Database Large-scale, in-memory data analytics. Average Rating: HP Boosts Data Center IT Automation With new tools for developers and cloud. Average Rating: Tool Finds Cheap Flights -- Eventually Insight tool crunches the data for you. Average Rating:

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Network Security Spotlight

Syrian Electronic Army Hacks Financial Times The Financial Times is the latest victim of the Syrian Electronic Army, a group that supports Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The U.K.-based newspaper said a blog and its Twitter accounts were hacked.   Patch Tuesday Hyper Focuses on IE 8 Microsoft on Tuesday issued 10 security bulletins that fix 33 vulnerabilities. These updates include MS13-038, which will address the Internet Explorer 8 issue described in Security Advisory 2847140.   Surge of Venture Capital Buoys Tech Security Sector With companies and governments spending billions to repel cyberthreats, a surge of venture capital is pouring into companies developing cybersecurity technologies, the front line of the conflict.

Enterprise Hardware Spotlight

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Mobile Enterprise Spotlight

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Enterprise Technology Spotlight

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