Maison Consulting & Solutions

Job Openings

2012-01-17T13:28:00.001+05:00

We have current openings available:

Job Title:

Dynamics Developer (.NET Platform)

Department:

Development (Software Development)

Job Type:

Permanent

Job Location:

Lahore

Education:

BCS/BSCS/MCS

Skills:

Candidate must have strong knowledge about
•	Software Engineering
•	Models
•	VB. Net
•	C#
•	SQL Server 2005/2008
•	SQL (Build Query, Functions and Store Procedures)
•	SSRS Reporting

Maison Consulting.com Achieves the Certified for Microsoft Dynamics Accreditation

2012-01-02T12:27:00.001+05:00

Maison Consulting & Solutions Excellence for Maison Dynamics AX- Payroll Has Met Microsoft’s Highest Standard for Partner-Developed Software Solutions

Middle East Africa, Dec 1, 2011, Maison Consulting & Solutions announced today that its Dynamics Ax Payroll, Localized Payroll for Dynamics AX for Middle East and Africa region has passed the Software Solution Test for Microsoft Dynamics; hence achieve Certified for Microsoft Dynamics® status.

Certified for Microsoft Dynamics is Microsoft Corp.’s highest standard for partner-developed software. This certification represents a significant step in elevating the standard for partner-developed software solutions for industry-specific business applications. Solutions with a successful software test have demonstrated development quality and compatibility with the Microsoft Dynamics product.

“By requiring the software solution to meet our highest standards, Microsoft is assuring customers that these certified solutions work with their investments in Microsoft Dynamics,” said Doug Kennedy, vice president, Microsoft Dynamics Partners. “Microsoft congratulates Maison Consulting & Solutions on the software test results and wishes it success in earning the Certified for Microsoft Dynamics designation.”

By working with a CFMD Reseller like Maison Consulting & Solutions, Clients know they are getting a tested and proven solution that has been recommended by other, similar Distributors. Additionally, clients are assured that Microsoft’s has put their stamp of approval on Maison’s Dynamics AX payroll as it has met their highest standard for partner developed software solutions.

Achieving the Certified for Microsoft Dynamics accreditation gives reseller the proof they need to know they are getting a top tier product from a very reliable source. Certified solutions are: designed to meet unique business and industry needs; tested and seamlessly integrated with Microsoft Dynamics products; used and recommended by other companies.

The award-winning Maison Dynamics AX Payroll solution gives each user in every department of an organization one sure path to efficiently service, support and extend the employee experience. You can read more about Maison Dynamics AX Payroll at www.maisonconsulting.com

For additional information about Maison Consulting & Solutions, visit www.maisonconsulting.com

For additional information on Microsoft, visit www.microsoft.com

Support Alert ...!!!About the Configure account structures form [AX 2012]

2011-12-16T15:29:00.000+05:00

About the Configure account structures form [AX 2012]

A relational chart of accounts uses an account structure that requires that you set up valid accounts and financial dimension values, and then set up rules to specify how the accounts and dimensions will come together to create account structures. Setting up valid combinations helps make sure that data entry is accurate.

You can use the Configure account structures form to create one or more account structures. Account structures consist of main accounts and can include financial dimension segments. The account structures are used to define the valid combinations which, together with the main accounts, form a chart of accounts.

You can view the whole account structure, which includes the valid combination of values that can be entered in a dimension, in the following ways:

Horizontally – View the columns that show the dimensions that make up the structure.
Vertically – View the hierarchical visualization of the rules that describe how the combinations behave.

When you use multiple account structures, you can track information for specific accounts without affecting information in other accounts.

The Configure account structures form

Account structure elements

Number	Element
1	Active account structure
2	Draft account structure
3	Account structure segment
4	Filter button
5	Add segment button
6	Action menu
7	Add %1 node button

Account structure terms and definitions

Term	Definition
Account structure	A structure that defines the valid combinations of main account and dimension values.
Segment	Each column in the Configure account structures form. Segments consist of main accounts or financial dimensions.
Filter button	A button that opens the Which values are allowed for the %1 field form, where you can specify the values that are allowed for each segment.
Action menu	A menu icon that is displayed next to segment rows. Click the Action menu to set active dates and to copy, paste, delete, or move segments.
Combination	The arrangement of account segments, advanced rules, and criteria.
Advanced rule	A relationship principle that helps make sure that dimension values are entered correctly, and are filtered and validated according to the dimension structure. Advanced rules are defined for each account structure.
Financial dimension	An attribute that additionally defines an entity.
Ledger account	The combination of main account and other dimension values, as defined by the chart of accounts, and which classifies financial activity.
Main account	The type of record—asset, liability, revenue, expense, or owner’s equity—that is used for recording individual transactions in an accounting system.

Faiqa Khushi

FW: Lync web configure

2011-09-19T20:13:00.001+05:00

Dear All,

You can configure your Lync on Web browser.

· http://www.expta.com/2010/09/how-to-integrate-lync-server-2010-with.html

Lync Server 2010 can be integrated with Exchange 2010 SP1, so that Exchange Outlook Web App can also act as a Lync web client. Once integrated, users will automatically log into Lync when they log into OWA. The OWA interface changes to include the following new features:

Thanks & Regards,

Usman Masud

Maison Achievements

2011-09-09T16:34:00.001+05:00

Maison had accomplished many challenges with in a specific time.

· Employee’s time record keeping on share point.

· Maximum Resource utilization due to the time sheet punches in.

· Challenge of maintaining attendance for all employees who are going on international clients, location & project wise is a big

challenge for us to maintain it online only with the help of share portal our problem resolved.

· We had managed our employees work hours, travel, and expenses by client and by project.

· View multiple reports by date, project, client, and, get accurate payroll report generated

· Online announcements for employees internally, about Holidays, Policy changing, Mileage policy etc.

· Document management of each employee and traveling Requirements.

· Implementation of software is fully based on the sure steps methodology.

· Maison Consulting & Solutions have closed other deals earlier of PITB, LMK Resources & Ciba Enterprises Lahore.

Maison Consulting & Solutions Advertisement in Newspaper June 15,2011

2011-06-16T11:27:00.001+05:00

International THE NEWS Newspaper

Wednesday June 15,2011

Maison Consulting & solutions Achieves a Microsoft Silver Midmarket Solution Provider Competency in the Microsoft Partner Network

2011-05-25T17:51:00.001+05:00

May 17, 2011

Maison has achieved Silver Midmarket Solution Provider Competency status in the (MPN).

Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan — May,Tuesday 17, 2011 —Maison Consulting & Solutions, today announced it has achieved a Silver Midmarket Solution Provider Competency in the Microsoft Partner Network, demonstrating its ability to meet Microsoft customers’ evolving needs in today’s dynamic business environment. To earn a Microsoft Silver Competency, partners must complete a set of tests to prove their level of technology expertise, submit customer references and employ or contract required number of Microsoft Certified Professionals who are skilled on current technology relevant for the competency.
“By achieving a Silver Competency, partners have proven themselves as specialized technology experts with the skills needed to best serve customers,” said Jon Roskill, corporate vice president, Worldwide Partner Group at Microsoft Corp. “The Silver Competency in the Microsoft Partner Network is designed to help customers identify services and solution providers that have demonstrated proof of their capability to deliver quality outcomes and customer satisfaction.”

The Microsoft Silver Competency defines partners’ success as technology market leaders within a specific technology competency, with each competency having a unique set of requirements and benefits formulated to accurately represent the specific skills and services that partners bring to the industry. Requirements for the Silver Competency are comparable to the formerly recognized Microsoft Certified Partner criteria. All 29 Microsoft technology competencies differentiate a partner’s specific technology capabilities, helping customers find qualified solution providers with expertise in discrete areas quickly and easily.
with the Microsoft Midmarket Solution Provider competency, you showcase your expertise in providing solutions based on the most current technology and IT-solutions knowledge to help midmarket businesses with their unique challenges.
The Microsoft Partner Network is designed to equip organizations that deliver products and services through the Microsoft platform with the training, resources and support they need to provide their customers superior experience and outcomes.
For Additional Information: info@m-consultants.com

About Maison Company, Maison Consulting & Solutions is the first company from East Mediterranean region in providing business solutions & services. Maison is an international business and technology services &consultancy providing Company specializing in Microsoft Dynamics solutions for companies of all sizes. Committed to delivering innovation, vertical expertise and local service, Maison helps clients align technology and business strategies and deploy cost-effective solutions that provide genuine performance improvements. With years of experience and expertise in Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM; in addition to other Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence solutions in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and other parts of the Middle East.
For additional information about Maison Consulting & Solutions, visit www.maison-global.com
Contact information

Maison consulting & Solutions
Name of person: Usman Manzoor
Contact number: +92-321-8450197
Email: usman.manzoor@maison-global.com

Financial Solutions ERP CRM Solution Microsoft Dynamics Gold Partne Enterprise Resource Planning ERP in Pakistan Business Solutions Mid market business solution

Share |

Contact Information

Name: Nazia.Khan

Company: Maison Consulting & Solutions

Telephone: 042-35203489

Email: ***@gmail.com

Dr .Cafe -Yousef AlRajhi Global

2011-04-01T15:36:00.001+05:00

Our Another Case Study Published on Microsoft website

Dr .Cafe -Yousef AlRajhi Global

Saudi Firm Increases Productivity by 25 Per Cent with Enterprise Resource System

Leading Saudi Arabian group Yousef Al-Rajhi Global needed new business management software to support its expansion plans. It chose Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009, and, as a result, has improved inventory controls and automated sales, purchasing, financial management, and production. The group has recorded productivity gains of up to 25 per cent.

Business Needs

Yousef Al-Rajhi Global is a well-established group of companies based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which operates in Saudi Arabia, and the Middle and Far East. The group has diverse business interests, with 11 companies in various markets, including retail, real estate, construction, IT solutions, manufacturing, and catering and hospitality.

Its coffee shop subsidiary Dr.CAFE was established in 1997 and now operates from 122 outlets in Saudi Arabia, with franchise holders in Malaysia and Singapore. The brand is particularly popular with young people and business executives.

Yousef Al-Rajhi Global operated with diverse business management systems for its different divisions and in-house designed software for its businesses.

But, with ambitious global expansion plans, Yousef Al-Rajhi Global wanted to standardize on business management software for all its diverse business interests. The aim was to adopt globally accepted procedures in supply chain, inventory control, sales control, purchasing, financial management, and production.

Sayeeduddin Hussain, IT Manager, Yousef Al-Rajhi Global, says: “Our previous enterprise resource planning (ERP) system was inadequate for financial management, supply chain management, and production controls. For example, it couldn’t support customisations of reports for profit and loss accounts. We needed to improve our inventory management, automate sales and purchasing, and streamline inter-company operations.”

Yousef Al-Rajhi Global also wanted to enhance relationships with its customers and suppliers by using trade agreements. Sayeeduddin says: “Our objective was to deploy an internet-based ERP solution to manage inter-company orders within one system. We wanted to achieve better controls with greater visibility of costs and accurate inventory valuations for our different businesses.”

Solution

Yousef Al-Rajhi Global issued a request for proposal to major business management software vendors in Saudi Arabia, and considered solutions from Oracle, Epicor, and Microsoft, among others. The company chose Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 as the best solution to boost productivity, with systems integration by Microsoft Gold Certified Partner Maison Consulting & Solutions.

Sayeeduddin says: “Total cost of ownership was not the major consideration—we wanted the best solution available that would provide a complete view of the business in near real time. We also valued the on-the-ground technical support offered by Microsoft and its partners in Saudi Arabia.”

Maison Consulting & Solutions, a member of the Microsoft Dynamics President’s Club, deployed the solution in just 90 days, going live in the last quarter of 2009. It then customized the software to match the specific needs of each of the divisions. Sayeeduddin says: “Streamlining the processes and designing financial reports to suit each business unit took time, and the partner’s involvement in that work was critical to our success.”

The partner also helped with training for more than 100 users, although this work has now been passed to Creative Solutions, the IT company under Yousef Al-Rajhi Global.

Sultan Hamdani, Chief Operating Officer, Maison Consulting & Solutions, says: “Through functional and technical skills transfer, we have ensured that Creative Solutions is self sufficient and ready for Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 deployments in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere.”

Benefits

Yousef Al-Rajhi Global has achieved full operational control of its diverse businesses, greater visibility of cash flow, and improved work process—and all this at a time of economic uncertainty in global markets. Yousef Al-Rajhi Global companies have customized financial reports, yet the standardized business management software holds data centrally. Sayeeduddin says: “Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 has improved our productivity and financial management, and we now have a near real-time view of the business.”

Managing the global supply chain for coffee shops.

dr.CAFE is committed to offering its customers only the highest quality products and services. Its 100 per cent Arabica coffee beans are purchased from all over the world using Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 technology to ensure value for money and timely delivery of products to its cafes in Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Ensuring real-time access to business data.

The standardised business management system for the whole organization ensures that senior managers can view on a dashboard near real-time data about the performance of different divisions and relationships with customers.

Empowering the IT team with knowledge transfer.

The partner has worked hard to transfer knowledge of technical and functional features of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 to the in-house IT team at Creative Solutions. Sayeeduddin says: “We’re now running Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 ourselves, which means we no longer need an implementation partner.”

Helping to improve decision making.

With multidimensional reporting and analysis of business transactions, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 helps managers make better decisions based on accurate inventory valuations.

Customizing reports for each business.

In a highly diversified business such as Yousef Al-Rajhi Global, each company has special needs. Sayeeduddin says: “With our new business management software, everyone gets their own reports in their preferred format without any need for compromise. The business is strengthened by running all the reporting in the same environment.”

Maison Consulting & Solutions Achieves Microsoft Silver CRM Competency

2011-03-15T14:29:00.001+05:00

Maison has achieved Silver CRM Competency status in the (MPN).Microsoft has recognized Maison for its commitment to establishing in-depth Microsoft expertise and excellence in delivering solutions

Silver CRM Logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) – Mar 14, 2011 – Maison Consulting & Solutions Achieves Microsoft Silver Customer Relationship Management Competency In The Microsoft Partner Network
Maison Consulting & Solutions Earns Distinction through Demonstrated Technology Success and Customer Commitment
Maison Consulting & Solutions, Your ERP & CRM Partners, today announced it has achieved a Microsoft Silver Customer Relationship Management Competency in the Microsoft Partner Network, demonstrating its ability to meet Microsoft customers’ evolving needs in today’s dynamic business environment. To earn a Microsoft Silver Competency, partners must complete a set of tests to prove their level of technology expertise, submit customer references and employ or contract required number of Microsoft Certified Professionals who are skilled on current technology relevant for the competency.

“This Silver Competency showcases our expertise in today’s technology market and demonstrates our knowledge of Microsoft and their products,” “We hope to accelerate our customers’ success by serving as technology advisors for their business demands.” said Usman Manzoor, Regional Head Maison Consulting & Solutions.

“By achieving a Silver Competency, partners have proven themselves as specialized technology experts with the skills needed to best serve customers,” said Jon Roskill, corporate vice president, Worldwide Partner Group at Microsoft Corp. “The Silver Competency in the Microsoft Partner Network is designed to help customers identify services and solution providers that have demonstrated proof of their capability to deliver quality outcomes and customer satisfaction.”

The Microsoft Silver Competency defines partners’ success as technology market leaders within a specific technology competency, with each competency having a unique set of requirements and benefits formulated to accurately represent the specific skills and services that partners bring to the industry. Requirements for the Silver Competency are comparable to the formerly recognized Microsoft Certified Partner criteria. All 29 Microsoft technology competencies differentiate a partner’s specific technology capabilities, helping customers find qualified solution providers with expertise in discrete areas quickly and easily.
With the Microsoft Customer Relationship Management (CRM) competency, you can showcase your proficiency in deploying solutions built on Microsoft Dynamics CRM and related applications.

The Microsoft Partner Network is designed to equip organizations that deliver products and services through the Microsoft platform with the training, resources and support they need to provide their customers superior experience and outcomes.

For Additional Information: info@m-consultants.com

For additional information about Maison Consulting & Solutions, visit www.maison-global.com
Contact information

Maison consulting & Solutions
Name of person: Usman Manzoor
Contact number: +92-321-8450197
Email: usman.manzoor@maison-global.com

Achievements

2011-03-10T15:31:00.000+05:00

MAISON Consulting & Solutions have closed other deals earlier

of Big Bird poultry breeders and Gharibwal cement Limited Lahore.

Maison Consulting & Solutions Achieves Microsoft Partner Gold ERP Competency

2011-01-24T16:00:00.001+05:00

Maison Consulting & Solutions achieves Microsoft Partner Gold Enterprise Resource Planning Competency

Gold-ERP-Logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) – Jan 24, 2011 – Maison has achieved Gold Competency status in the Microsoft Partner Network. By attaining Gold Level membership, Microsoft has recognized Maison for its commitment to establishing in-depth Microsoft expertise and excellence in delivering solutions.
After achieving the Gold Enterprise Resource Planning competency, Maison can demonstrate greater value to their customers by showcasing best-in-class solutions that have been subject to a rigorous and auditable approval process. Maison Gold Certified status also indicates their commitment to Microsoft. To achieve Gold Certified Partner status, Maison had to meet a tough set of criteria that includes sales volume, customer references, and product knowledge. Maison met and exceeded several partnership requirements.
"By providing the best solutions and services to customers to fulfill their business needs. By collaborating with the teams at Microsoft, Maison maintains a comprehensive understanding of the Microsoft Dynamics platform so we can provide innovative solutions, services, and unparalleled value to Microsoft Dynamics customers. Recent honors include: 2010 Microsoft Dynamics President's Club (3rd consecutive years), Microsoft inner circle Member year 2010, 2010 Microsoft Dynamics Reseller of the year Middle East and Africa," said Sultan Hamdani, CEO of Maison Consulting & Solutions.
For Additional Information: info@m-consultants.com
About Maison Company, Maison Consulting & Solutions is the first company from East Mediterranean region in providing business solutions & services. Maison is an international business and technology services &consultancy providing Company specializing in Microsoft Dynamics solutions for companies of all sizes. Committed to delivering innovation, vertical expertise and local service, Maison helps clients align technology and business strategies and deploy cost-effective solutions that provide genuine performance improvements. With years of experience and expertise in Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM; in addition to other Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence solutions in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and other parts of the Middle East.

For additional information about Maison Consulting & Solutions, visit
www.maison-global.com

Contact information
Maison consulting & Solutions
Name of person: Usman Manzoor
Contact number: +92-321-8450197
Email: usman.manzoor@maison-global.com

--- end ---

Maison Consulting & Solutions achieves Microsoft Partner Gold Enterprise Resource Planning Competency

2011-01-24T15:31:00.001+05:00

January 21, 2011

Maison has achieved Gold ERP Competency status in the (MPN).Microsoft has recognized Maison for its commitment to establishing in-depth Microsoft expertise and excellence in delivering solutions.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) January 21, 2011 --
Maison has achieved Gold Competency status in the Microsoft Partner Network. By attaining Gold Level membership, Microsoft has recognized Maison for its commitment to establishing in-depth Microsoft expertise and excellence in delivering solutions.

After achieving the Gold Enterprise Resource Planning competency, we can demonstrate greater value to our customers by showcasing best-in-class solutions that have been subject to a rigorous and auditable approval process. Our Gold Certified status also indicates our commitment to Microsoft. To achieve Gold Certified Partner status, Maison had to meet a tough set of criteria that includes sales volume, customer references, and product knowledge. Maison met and exceeded several partnership requirements.

"By providing best solutions and services to customers to fulfill their business needs. By collaborating with the teams at Microsoft, Maison maintains a comprehensive understanding of the Microsoft Dynamics platform so we can provide innovative solutions, services, and unparalleled value to Microsoft Dynamics customers. Recent honors include: 2010 Microsoft Dynamics President's Club (3rd consecutive years),Microsoft inner circle Member year 2010, 2010 Microsoft Dynamics Reseller of the year Middle East and Africa " said Sultan Hamdani, CEO of Maison Consulting & Solutions. "
For Additional Information: info@m-consultants.com

Our Company, Maison Consulting & Solutions is the first company from East Mediterranean region in providing business solutions & services. Maison is an international business and technology services &consultancy providing Company specializing in Microsoft Dynamics solutions for companies of all sizes. Committed to delivering innovation, vertical expertise and local service, Maison helps clients align technology and business strategies and deploy cost-effective solutions that provide genuine performance improvements. With years of experience and expertise in Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM; in addition to other Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence solutions in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and other parts of the Middle East.
For additional information about Maison Consulting & Solutions, visit
www.maison-global.com

Contact information
Maison consulting & Solutions
Name of person: Usman Manzoor
Contact number: +92-321-8450197
Email: usman.manzoor@maison-global.com

Maison Consulting & Solutions COO Message

2011-01-05T15:07:00.000+05:00

Dear Maisonions, Customers and Prospects

As we enter in a New Year, we in the past years have achieved remarkable milestones and recognitions of the highest kind in the Dynamics Business including but not limited to top 5% of the world (Inner Circle) and Reseller of the Year in 79 countries of the Middle East Africa Region.

New kind of challenges are being faced in Maison which I see as huge opportunities, by the grace of Almighty we have entered a transition where from a small company we move towards an organization, we now have business units with authority who are empowered to make decisions and decide goals to achieve the Maison overall strategy. Today Maison is represented by multiple faces instead of limited faces like before.

The culture at Maison of imparting the Maison theme which takes years to establish is finally gaining roots in the organization. People are committed to learn every day and produce excellent results hence achieving optimization for our customer with business driven solutions.

Maison has been generous before but now tends to focus on profitability growth versus revenue growth like in the past. We have seen companies start and die as they have missed to keep an exact eye on the subject. Maison has completed successfully 8 years, yet expansion has always become a hurdle to break even.

At this pace we need to make sure our energies are fueled by adequate to profits enabling our flight to take off. Whatever we have done till today has positioned us on the runway but the true flight is yet to hover.

We need more, prayers, blessings, and professionalism to make it ahead. God Bless.

Very warm Regards

Sultan Hamdani

Co-Founder.

Signing Ceremony of REDCO, Qatar

2010-12-03T14:42:00.002+05:00

Dr.khaled Al Dhaher graced this occasion with his presence;Also in the picture you can see Yehia Nabil,and vice chairman Faisal Amana.

Microsoft Prime Partner Guide Magazine

2010-09-23T17:31:00.001+05:00

The Prime Partner Guide provides a single source of information about a wide selection of Microsoft partners operating globally

http://www.onwindows.com/Root/Home/Manufacturing/ManufacturingMagazine/tabid/106/Default.aspx

And also check the link below for online information about Maison consulting & solutions:

http://www.onwindows.com/Partners/Maison-Consulting-and-Solution/1558/Default.aspx

Customer Care Accelerator for Microsoft Dynamics CRM

2010-09-19T10:08:00.001+05:00

Customer Care Accelerator for Microsoft Dynamics CRM

The Customer Care Accelerator (CCA) for Microsoft Dynamics CRM focuses on delivering contact center enabling functionality, such as the ability to create a unified desktop by combining data elements from disparate line of business applications and displaying it in a single user interface. The core Customer Care business scenarios highlighted by this accelerator include the following:
09-Sept-2010 NEW!! We have included a set of Visual Studio templates for building components for UII that work for VS 2008 and VS 2010 - go to the Downloads tab for more details!
Integrated desktop: Customers can aggregate information from diverse business applications into an integrated desktop providing employees with a 360° view of the customer interactions. Customer service representatives have immediate access to business critical information to serve customers quickly and efficiently, increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Eliminating Duplicate Data Entry: Organizations can streamline business processes by creating desktop automation workflows. Process automation eliminates the need for agents to re-enter the same data in multiple applications. Minimizing duplication helps to reduce human error and ensures a consistent customer service experience.
Computer Telephony Integration (CTI): Organizations are provided with a consistent framework to connect CTI systems with key line of business applications.
Activity Reporting: Contact center managers have swift access to agent desktop transaction reporting, helping them to identify process bottlenecks.
As with all the other Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 accelerators, CCA is available as permissive shared source and is a reference example that can be adapted to fit the needs of a customer as well as additional business scenarios.
Please note: This accelerator provides a reference example of how Microsoft Dynamics CRM in conjunction with User Interface Integration (UII) for Microsoft Dynamics CRM can be leveraged to deliver a composite agent desktop application. It is important that customers wishing to utilize the solution should have a solid understanding of .NET development and thoroughly review the UII materials as part of their evaluation of this accelerator.
Additionally, take the time to review the license terms before you get started.

Last edited Sep 10 at 1:34 AM by reubenk, version 4

Want to leave feedback?
Please use Discussions or Reviews instead.

Customer Care Accelerator for Microsoft Dynamics CRM

Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2010 Award Washington D.C., July 11-15

2010-09-17T12:16:00.004+05:00

Now Available: Internet Explorer 9 Beta

2010-09-17T08:24:00.001+05:00

View this e-mail in your browser

Microsoft Partner Network Newsletter | September 15, 2010

You are receiving this newsletter at your request. To manage your subscription, go to the
Microsoft Subscription Center and sign in with your Windows Live ID.

Get Ready for a More Beautiful Web

Today, the Web is a communication hub. It's how people connect with friends, colleagues, and customers. How information is shared and projects are completed. How business is done. Yet the Web experience is not as fast, rich, or accessible as it could be. The new Windows Internet Explorer 9 Beta browser changes that, by leveraging the power of your PC to deliver more vibrant, immersive Web experiences, coupled with unparalleled performance.

Now websites and Web applications can provide the same functionality you expect from the software installed on your PC. A new interface increases your viewing area, and enhanced integration with the Windows 7 operating system means you can pin websites and applications directly to the taskbar and create customized Jump Lists that put the tasks you use most often just one click away. And a robust set of built-in security, privacy, and reliability technologies makes browsing safer than ever.

Learn more about the Internet Explorer 9 Beta release and watch demos to see how it works. Join the Microsoft Partner Network to access exclusive training opportunities. Then download the beta to experience a faster, cleaner, and more beautiful Web for yourself.

Why Join? | Microsoft Partner Portal | Enroll in the Partner Network

Microsoft Lync RC Available Today!
Microsoft Lync is the new name for a new generation of Microsoft real-time communications products for business (formerly known as Microsoft Office Communications products). Lync Release Candidate (RC) ushers in a new connected experience, making each interaction more collaborative, engaging, and accessible from anywhere. Use the prerelease software to get firsthand experience with new features that can enhance your customer engagements and accelerate your sales cycle. Download the RC today.

Build Your Business

Handle More SharePoint Server 2010 Business
Register now for SharePoint 2010 Practice Accelerator sessions to get a comprehensive set of reusable tools and resources, introduced with training through Microsoft Office Live Meeting.

Manage Multiple Forefront Protection Servers More Efficiently
The Microsoft Forefront Protection Script Kit enables multiserver management from a single location. And extensible command-line scripts in the kit make it possible to discover, configure, deploy, and integrate servers with the management technology you already own.

Network News

More Efficiently Manage Multiple Servers That Run Forefront Protection

Share Microsoft Dynamics Leads, Get Rewarded
Earn a fee of up to US$20,000 when partners who specialize in Microsoft Dynamics solutions close sales with referrals from you.

Learn about Microsoft Action Pack Solution Provider Benefits
Become a new subscriber and receive expanded benefits, such as sales skills training and access to quarterly support Web seminars. Order today.

Training and Readiness

Take Windows 7 Training and You Could Win a Flip SlideHD Camcorder
Join the Microsoft Partner Network, complete any of a select collection of Windows 7 training sessions, and you could be a winner.

Microsoft Is "All in" the Cloud. How about You?

Unlock New Knowledge: Access Exclusive Training Resources
Microsoft partners have access to a wealth of training for Microsoft software, solutions, competencies, and certifications. Not yet a Microsoft partner? Enroll now.

Technical Support

Solve Break-Fix Issues with Online Technical Communities
Join the Microsoft Partner Network and get unlimited online technical support as part of your membership benefits at no additional cost.

Offers and Promotions

Attain the Desktop Competency for a Chance to Win Big
Join the Microsoft Partner Network, add the Desktop competency to your portfolio, and enter for a chance to win a Flip Ultra camcorder.

Licensing

How Many Windows Server CALs Do You Need?
Learn how to use the Software Usage Tracker, a tool in the Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit 5.0, to calculate the number and type of licenses needed.

	Follow Us on Twitter
	Like Our Page on Facebook



	Check Out Internet Explorer on Facebook
	Follow Internet Explorer on Twitter
	Get Updates at the Internet Explorer Blog

" src="http://image.email.microsoftemail.com/lib/fece15717063067c/m/1/psmg_july20_visual_studio_action.jpg">

Visit the Microsoft Partner Network Portal

Newsletter Legal Information

This newsletter was sent by:
Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, Washington, USA
98052

Sign Up for Other Newsletters | Update Your Profile
© 2010 Microsoft Corporation. Terms of Use | Trademarks | Privacy Statement

Microsoft InnerCircle Retreat 2010

2010-09-03T03:44:00.000+05:00

Microsoft Inner Circle Retreat 2010 Naizak-Maison Consulting

VIEW SLIDE SHOW

DOWNLOAD ALL

Microsoft InnerCircle Retreat 2010

VIEW SLIDE SHOW

DOWNLOAD ALL

DynamicsWorld - The Top 100 Most Influential People in Microsoft Dynamics 2010 - Published today

2010-05-28T18:41:00.001+05:00

The Top 100 Most Influential People in Microsoft Dynamics

The DynamicsWorld Top 100 list is published today.

This year we received over 350 nominations and recommendations. Almost 10,000 votes were cast for the candidates on the shortlist. More people than ever before took part in nominating, voting, and judging
the list for 2010 so we would like to say thank you to everyone who took the time to get involved

We limit our list to 100 names, and as the Microsoft Dynamics channel matures and grows the competition for inclusion is becoming more evident and the judging becomes more difficult. But, the Top 100 is not focused on the best coders or the best consultants this event is about recognizing the people who are responsible for leading the Microsoft Dynamics channel, industry leaders, thought leaders, innovators, and bloggers.

<http://www.dynamicsworld.co.uk/Top-100-List.php> The full list is here

Newsletter Sponsors

<http://www.bi-lite.co.uk/product/CUBEitZEROproduct-walk-through.aspx>
Academy Software Products BI-Lite CUBE-it Zero is a FREE OLAP Cube builder for SQL Server which brings building cubes within the grasp of anyone familiar with MS Access or SQL Server.

<http://www.bi-lite.co.uk/product/CUBEitZEROproduct-walk-through.aspx>
CUBE-it Zero bridges the gap between Access Queries and OLAP CUBES. CUBE-it Zero extends the reach of OLAP cubes to everyone by enabling the creation of cubes using a simple 4 step process.

<http://www.axtension.com/> AXtension offers an impressive range of powerful, high quality solutions that enhance Microsoft Dynamics AX. The solutions range from simple to use, yet powerful analysis tools like the
Sales and Production Dashboards to industry specific modules like Kitting and Visual Project Planning. AXtension adds value by filling the gap between almost any industry specific need and Microsoft Dynamics AX.

<http://www.reporting-central.com/> Reporting-Central THE CLOSER does more than automate the "ticking and tying" reconciliation of the Dynamics GP sub-ledgers to the GL. THE CLOSER identifies the problem entries, explains the cause of the problem and suggests the corrective actions to take to balance the financials, eliminating the need to take write-offs to close the books.

<http://www.dynamicsworld.co.uk/Articles--and--Interviews.php> And the
winner is .......

Kirill Tatarinov

Kirill runs the Microsoft Dynamics channel, his vision has seen Microsoft Dynamics grow to challenge SAP and Oracle, Kirill is responsible for turning Dynamics into a force on a global scale. He oversees the Microsoft Dynamics business, with responsibility for sales and marketing, R&D and operations. Kirill has been with Microsoft since 2002, and his development experience from his previous 15 year career in IT seems him respected by CEO's and engineers. He is an inspiring speaker with his key note speeches at
Convergence as are his karaoke performances.

<http://www.dynamicsworld.co.uk/Numbers-1-through-10.php> The Top 5

1 Kirill Tatarinov

2 Doug Kennedy

3 Adam Warby

4 Thomas Olofsson

5 Mike Gillis

<http://www.dynamicsworld.co.uk/Top-100-List.php> Find out who else made
the list here

<http://www.dynamicsworld.co.uk/Articles--and--Interviews.php> Latest
Interviews

<http://www.dynamicsworld.co.uk/Interview-Matt-Wittemann.php> Matt
Wittemann The CRM Practice Director at C5 Insight

<http://www.dynamicsworld.co.uk/Interview-Anthony-Ludmilin.php> Anthony
Lumilin The President of Retail Hero

<http://www.dynamicsworld.co.uk/Interview-Kamil-Sacek.php> Kamil Sacek The
author and NAV MVP

<http://www.dynamicsworld.co.uk/Interview-Sanam-Khan.php> Sanam Khan ERP
consultant with Maison Consulting & Solutions

<http://www.dynamicsworld.co.uk/Interview-Manel-Querol.php> Manel Querol AX
developer, as well as an established MVP

<http://www.dynamicsworld.co.uk/Video-Resource.php> Video Resource

DynamicsWorld is creating a library of pre-recorded Webexs and demo's to
help ISVs and VARs take advantage of this rapidly developing medium.

If your content is currently buried among the millions of other videos on
YouTube we can help you raise your profile and increase sales

Keep up-to-date with Dynamics World on
<http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2057697> Linkedin and
<http://www.twitter.com/dynamicsworld> Twitter

If you do not wish to receive further updates, please remove yourself by
mailing us at Simone@dynamicsworld.co.uk
mailto:simone@dynamicsworld.co.uk?subject=Remove

Maison Consulting & Solutions receives award at Microsoft Event in Lahore 2010

2010-05-26T23:58:00.001+05:00

View Full Album

Maison Consulting & Solutions receiving Microsoft Award, wave 2010

2010-05-26T23:13:00.001+05:00

View Full Album

Microsoft Dynamics Sure Step Business Modeller

2010-05-07T06:25:00.001+05:00

everyone is looking for SS Business Modeller, I’m glad to share the availability of this new tool. Any one interested, please send an email at farhan.ahmad@m-consultants.com

FW: Microsoft Drives Customer Success With Microsoft Dynamics CRM

2010-04-02T19:41:00.001+05:00

Dear Dynamics Partners,

Today we've announced that
<http://www.microsoft.com/caseStudies/Case_Study_Detail.aspx?casestudyid=400
0004607> Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift Europe BV (MCFE), a leading
forklift manufacturer based in the Netherlands, received the Gartner CRM
Excellence Award in the category of Efficiency for its customer relationship
management (CRM) project.

Through this awards program, Gartner Inc. and 1to1 Media recognize companies
that are doing an exceptional job at bringing together vision, strategy,
customer experience, organizational collaboration, process, IT and metrics
to create value for the customer and the enterprise. Please visit following
link for detail story:

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/SF72654.htm

I would urge you to share this great story with your customers,

Regards,

Viqar Ahmed Madni | Partner Account Manager |Solutions|Pakistan

Microsoft Corporation, North Africa, East Med & Pakistan (NEPA)

Maison Consulting & Solutions

2010-04-02T19:36:00.001+05:00

FW: Lesson Learned from Customers- A Good Article.

2009-12-01T17:13:00.001+05:00

Lessons I've Learned from my Customers

by Cheryl Strege

As a person who has the enviable job of telling other people what to do (in a nice way, of course), one of the basic principles I advocate as a marketing consultant is “listen to your customers.” Too often we become disengaged from our customers while we focus on tackling marketing strategies, tracking metrics, creating presentations, following up on prospects, and 100 other things that can consume our time.

In the last four-plus years of consulting, I’ve had the opportunity to work with numerous wonderful clients (aka Partners and ISVs) and a few less-than-wonderful clients. Every one of them has taught me valuable management lessons, pushed me to learn more, and made me better for the experience. Here are my top five marketing takeaways that you can apply to your own customer base:

Change Your Mindset

Are you part of the team? Or are you regarded as “just a vendor” who is only contacted when absolutely necessary? If you are part of the team, then congratulations! It means you’ve established that “trusted advisor” relationship with your customers that we all desire. It also means that not only will your customers call you when they need your products and services, but they will also talk about you positively with their associates, they will be a great referral or influencer resource, and they will be happy to give you testimonials for your marketing collateral.

If you’re not part of your customers’ team, they will often search for other vendors or resellers when they need something. We all know how easy it is to just pop on the Internet and start looking for the product/service needed instead of calling the Partner. Case in point: one of my clients expressed great frustration to find out that a customer had bought Microsoft Dynamics® CRM from a competitor. When I asked how often this Partner contacted the customer, the answer was, “We check in once a year to see if they need anything.” No wonder the competitor was able to get the business – the original Partner wasn’t even in the running when the customer needed new software.

Don’t Be Afraid to Give

When economic conditions are tough, it can be hard to think about giving something away. After all, you’re concerned about making payroll, paying the bills, supporting the marketing budget, and everything else that comes with running a business. But something I’ve learned from my customers is the value of giving. Sure, it’s likely to mean you’re not going to get paid for some of your time, and that potentially means lost billable revenue. On the positive side, you’ve made an impression on those customers they’re not likely to forget. And better yet, they might even tell one, two, or five more people about it.

However, that shouldn’t be the sole reason you give. Do it because you want to, do it because it’s the right thing, and/or do it because it makes YOU feel good.

Remember to Say “Thank You”

This can be/should be a hugely important part of your relationship with your customers (and your spouse, your children, your friends, and so on). It’s not hard to say thank you when on the phone or in an e-mail, but taking it the extra step is well worth the time.

»» Send a hand-written note of thanks to your client (tuck your business card in it) for their business, for a referral, for a testimonial, or for completing a favorable review of your firm on Microsoft PinPoint™ (www.pinpoint.microsoft.com/en-US/).

»» Send a gift to commemorate their company anniversary, your company anniversary, or other significant occasion. For example, I sent environmentally friendly water-powered clocks to clients and associates to celebrate the one-year anniversary of The Partner Marketing Group. A personal note of thanks for their support was included.

»» Thank your customers by making a donation to their favorite cause. Everyone benefits (you, the customer, the charity)!

»»Thank your customers for attending functions – user groups, lunch ’n’ learns, launch events – by having the event collateral (presentation, handouts, brochures) on a company-branded jump drive they can take back to the office. Another example: when at Great Plains, we always stashed a few t-shirts or hats behind the booth to thank any customers who happened to stop by and say hello. It doesn’t cost a lot, and people will remember it.

Have Fun

This lesson might seem a bit odd. We all want to have fun working with our customers, don’t we? Examine your attitude: do you convey enthusiasm, excitement, anticipation, and happiness when you’re communicating with a customer? Do they feel appreciated and welcomed when speaking with you? Or do you make them feel like they’ve interrupted your important day, and you’ll get to their questions when you’re good and ready?

When I get on the phone with a client for our weekly marketing call, I’m ALWAYS in a great mood. (Or at least the client should think so.) My customer doesn’t really care if I’m tired, or suffering from a cold, or in the “I don’t feel like working today” mood. Plus, if I act as if I’m cheerful, then it doesn’t take long before I truly am.

NOTE: After you’ve left the meeting, the customer should remember that (a) you were prepared, (b) you were enthusiastic about his/her business, and (c) you had a solution for him/her or will find a solution.

See You Around

My local Sunday newspaper has a section called “See You Around.” The roving photographer takes photographs of people at events, ice cream socials, fun in the park, craft fairs, and the like. Readers examine this section closely each week to see if they or their friends show up in the photos.

Do your customers “see you around”? Are you featured in any press releases or customer stories? Do you participate in networking functions at your local Chamber of Commerce or Small Business Administration? Do you hold user group meetings or a holiday gathering so you can personally meet with your customers? Do you advertise in the publications or on the Web sites where your customers are reading?

Take that one step further – in a virtual way. Are you connected to your customers via LinkedIn or Twitter? Do you write a blog or send a newsletter so they can see you around (online)?

All in all, my lessons learned are probably not much different from the ones you already know. It all goes back to the concept of nurturing the relationship with the customer. You don’t have to “friend them” (to use a Facebook term), but they do want to know you’re more than just a salesperson looking at your own bottom line.

Remember, you have the ability to create the experience a customer has with you. After all, they can get “debits and credits” from anyone up the street. Customers buy the experience (you and your team!) in addition to the product you’re selling. If it is a good experience before, during, and after the sale, that customer will keep returning, referring, and being your biggest asset. If you incorporate the five lessons above into your customer marketing, you’ll notice the results!

Thanks & Regards,

Muhammad Sajid,

Manager Projects-South,

Cell: +92 300 826 6243

Tel: +92 (21) 452 0370

Fax: +92 (21) 452 1774

Email: m.sajid@m-consultants.com

Web: http://www.m-consultants.com

Have you visited Maison Global Brand New Website?

Arabic AX 2009 Online Help

2009-11-04T17:16:00.000+05:00

Dynamics AX 2009 Help available in Arabic

The AX 2009 Online Help (in Arabic) is available for download from the site below:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=e3ef211e-5e0e-409d-9708-5381823fe79f

(Change the language to Arabic to see the translated download page.)

An Update from AX Decisions 2009

2009-09-19T08:08:00.000+06:00

With AX Decisions 2009 just a month away on Wednesday October 14th, we'd like to share some of the developments that are getting us so excited about this virtual conference and trade show.

Where to start? How about the tremendous variety of timely and strategic sessions that will inform, educate, and hopefully motivate you to improve the quality and value of your AX investment. Leading off is Ray Wang's Keynote on maximizing your Dynamics ERP investment in tough economic times, and Jeff Onesto and Cindy Jutras's talk on the rise of the Dynamics AX "Value Engineer". And for anyone interested in lean manufacturing, we're fortunate to have one of the true thought leaders on lean manufacturing for AX, Dr. Scott Hamilton.

And we can't say enough about the support and participation of Microsoft leaders including Crispin Read and Kees Hertogh. They'll share the latest views on maximizing value with AX, as well as looking to the future of the product. The goal of this conference from the start was to bring the most timely analysis and strategy of the times in which we live, and we think our speakers live up to that goal. Even better, all the general sessions will be taking questions live. When is the next time you'll have direct access to so many leading Dynamics thinkers from both inside and outside of Microsoft?

There's also the opportunity to talk to representatives from leading vendors for AX add-on solutions in the expo hall. Their sponsorships are what makes this event free to the attendees. And if you consider that these vendors probably have some of the deepest knowledge in their respective competencies, it's worth attending just to get a chance to meet them without the hassle and expense of a physical show.

And don't forget about the great opportunities to connect with your fellow attendees - people who are as interested, informed, and passionate as you about Dynamics AX. Chat about sessions, vendors, and any other AX topics that are your mind. The virtual conference experience is more than presentations and sponsors, it's about connections with people who share your interests. If you haven't had a chance, take 3 minutes to view a demo of the virtual environment.

We'll check in again with more thoughts and updates before the live event. We hope you are anticipating the event as much as we are. See you there!

Best Regards,
The AX Decisions Team

Support Alert ....!!! How to correct posted transactions that have incorrect exchange rates without reversing each transaction individually in Microsoft Dynamics AX

2009-09-15T15:34:00.000+06:00

How to correct posted transactions that have incorrect exchange rates without reversing each transaction individually in Microsoft Dynamics AX

Example

In this example, you post a transaction that has an incorrect exchange rate, as follows:

You set the exchange rate as follows:

Click General ledger, expand Setup, and then click Exchange rates.

In the Exchange rates dialog box, select EUR, enter the start date in the "Exchange rate" form, and then enter the exchange rate in the "Exchange rate" form. In this example, you set the following exchange rate:

110 United States dollars (USD) = 100 euros (EUR)

You create a free text invoice for customer 4033. The invoice is for 100 euros.

Note To open the Free text invoice dialog box, click Accounts receivable, and then click Free text invoice.

You post this free text invoice. Then, you discover that the exchange rate is incorrect. The correct exchange rate should be the following exchange rate:

105 USD = 100 EUR

How to correct transactions

To correct posted transactions that have incorrect exchange rates, follow these steps:

Change the "EUR exchange rate" from 110 to 105 for the period when the incorrect transactions were posted. To do this, click General ledger, expand Setup, and then click Exchange rates.

Use the following information to run the Standard method:

•	The correct exchange rate date
•	The posting date
•	The dimension setup
•	The posting profile from the customer or from the selected account
•

To run the Standard method, click Accounts receivable, expand Periodic, and then click Exchange adjustment.

The accounts receivable exchange rate adjustment keeps 100 euros as the balance for the customer. However, a zero euro transaction that has a currency rate adjustment of five dollars is created for customer 4033 in the general ledger. The "customer control" account is credited, and the unrealized "exchange rate loss" account is debited.

Faiqa Usman

Support Manager

Maison Consulting & Solutions ||Your ERP/CRM Partner|| Microsoft Gold Certified || MBS President Club 2008

Microsoft World Class Affordable ERP

Rapid Implementation

Fixed Scope Value Delivered

Post Installation Support

Maison Global Consulting Locations in Saudi Arabia

2009-09-11T17:15:00.001+06:00

Al Riyadh

Al Khobar

Support Alert....!! Allocating transactions in AX2009

2009-09-09T00:14:00.000+06:00

Allocation is the process of distributing monetary amounts to one or more accounts or account/dimension combinations based on allocation rules. There are two types of allocations—fixed and variable. Fixed allocation is used to distribute specified percentages of a transaction amount to distribution accounts/dimensions.

For example, corporate advertising expenses might be shared across specific departments. Department A would get 70 percent of the advertising expense, Department B would get 20 percent, and Department C would get 10 percent.

Variable allocation is used to distribute fluctuating percentages of a transaction amount to various accounts/dimensions.

For example, you could allocate corporate advertising costs based on each department's sales in proportion to total departmental sales.

The following allocation methods are available:

· Basis

· Fixed percentage

· Fixed weight

· Spread even

Create allocation rule source information

Click General ledger > Setup > Posting > Ledger allocation rule.
Click the Source button to open the Ledger allocation rule source form.
Press CTRL+N to create a new source line.
Select to allocate from an account or from an account-dimension combination.
If you selected Dimension in the Field setting field, select a dimension.
Enter the account or dimension source criteria information to allocate from. You can use wildcards to specify ALL, a RANGE, or a LIST of accounts or dimension codes, or BLANK for a dimension.

For example, suppose that you want to allocate a utility expense, such as phone and fax costs, and the chart of accounts is set up so that a ledger account starting with 61 indicates that the account is where utilities expenses are posted. You could define the source criteria as one of the following.

61*
6100..6110
6100, 6110

Create allocation rule destination information

1. Click General ledger > Setup > Posting > Ledger allocation rule.

2. Click the Destination button to open the Ledger allocation rule destination form.

3. If this rule is an intercompany rule, select the company to allocate to.

4. Select the account to allocate to.

5. Select a department, cost center, and purpose dimension to allocate to.

6. Depending on the allocation method selected in the Ledger allocation rule form, enter or select the following information.

o If the allocation method is Basis, select the basis ID to associate to the destination line.

o If the allocation method is Fixed weight, enter the fixed weight to assign to each destination line.

o If the allocation method is Fixed percentage, enter the fixed percentage to assign to each destination line.

Use the Process allocation request form to create an allocation journal.

1. Click General ledger > Periodic > Process allocation request.

2. Select an allocation rule.

3. Select the date to include ledger amounts for allocation in the As of date field.

4. Select the date to post the allocation journal to the general ledger in the GL posting date field.

5. Select the action to be taken if a zero source amount is generated during the allocation process.

o Select Process to create destination distributions, where applicable.

o Select Stop to create an error to indicate that a zero source amount is selected and stop the allocation process.

6. Select to view the journal details or post the allocation results directly to the general ledger.

7. Click OK to create an allocations journal.

Faiqa Usman

Support Manager

Maison Consulting & Solutions ||Your ERP/CRM Partner|| Microsoft Gold Certified || MBS President Club 2008 |faiqaq@m-consultants.com|http://www.m-consultants.com

Microsoft World Class Affordable ERP

Rapid Implementation

Fixed Scope Value Delivered

Post Installation Support

Support Alert ....!!!! How to print a Balance Sheet for 2009 when 2008 is an open year using FRx CRM:0027329

2009-09-05T23:57:00.000+06:00

How to print a Balance Sheet for 2009 when 2008 is an open year using FRx

To print a Balance Sheet by using FRx for the year 2009 when 2008 is an open year with regard to the Column Layout of your report, follow these steps. The Row Format and the Tree (if applicable) have already been created.

Important The report date should be set to the current date.

1.	Create a DESC column.
2.	In the Column Layout, you need a GL Actual Column with the Fiscal Year set to 2008 or BASE-1 (if the user date is XX/XX/2009). The Period Code will be 1 TO 12, and CurrentPer/YTD will be YTD. The Print Control for the column will be NonPrint (NP).
3.	Create another GL Actual Column with the Fiscal Year set to 2009 or BASE (if your user date is XX/XX/2009). The Period Code will be BASE and the CurrentPer/YTD will be YTD. The Print Control for the column will be NonPrint (NP).
4.	Create a CALC column. In the Calc Formula cell, enter the calculation B+C (assuming that your GL Columns are B and C). By using this kind of Column Layout, this report yields information for all of 2008 + the current balance through the end of the period in which the report date falls.

Faiqa Usman

Support Manager

Maison Consulting & Solutions ||Your ERP/CRM Partner|| Microsoft Gold Certified || MBS President Club 2008 |faiqaq@m-consultants.com|http://www.m-consultants.com

Microsoft World Class Affordable ERP

Rapid Implementation

Fixed Scope Value Delivered

Post Installation Support

Support Alert ....!!!! How to Reverse Packing Slip

2009-09-05T18:26:00.000+06:00

How to reverse a packing slip updated sales order?

This can be done using 'Deliver now' field on the sales order line, Quantity tab page.

You need to specify a negative quantity value in the 'Deliver now' field and then post the packing slip for the sales order again (remember to set the Quantity parameter to 'Deliver now' on the posting packing slip dialog). This will revert the sales order's inventory transactions with status 'Deducted' to the status 'On order'.

Figure 1. 'Delivery now' field on the sales order line

Figure 2. 'Quantity' parameter in the posting packing slip dialog.

The same functionality exists for purchase orders, but the field where the negative quantity is to be specified in order to revert a packing slip updated purchase order is called 'Receive now'.

Faiqa Usman

Support Manager

Maison Consulting & Solutions ||Your ERP/CRM Partner|| Microsoft Gold Certified || MBS President Club 2008 |faiqaq@m-consultants.com|http://www.m-consultants.com

FW: Support Alert ...!! Folder Structure in Dynamics AX4

2009-09-05T18:25:00.000+06:00

What is the folder structure in Dynamics AX4?

The installation of Dynamics AX 4 consists of three main parts:

1) Server installation

2) Client installation

3) Application installation

The path to the installation folders may be changed in the Dynamics AX Setup Wizard. However, if the default paths are used and all three parts are installed on the same machine, then the folder structure will look like below:

Figure 1. Microsoft Dynamics AX 4 folder free.

Folder description:

Application\Appl - contains the application files (business logic) and label files (.ald) for each language. The main application file is Ax<Layer ID>.aod containing the entire application (X++) code per layer.

Application\Appl\Standard\Db - MSDE database files.

Application\Appl\Standard\Tmp - Temporary files generated by the system.

Application\Appl\Standard\Old - during an upgrade the old application files are copied here.

Client\Bin - executable, dll files used on the client side and language dependent text files (.ktd) used by executables.

Server\DynamicsAX\Bin - executable, dll files used on the server side and language dependent text files (.ktd) used by executables. Note, 'DynamicsAX' here is an instance name specified during the Dynamics AX setup. By default it is 'Company1', but it can be changed to something more meaningful.

Faiqa Usman

Support Manager

Maison Consulting & Solutions ||Your ERP/CRM Partner|| Microsoft Gold Certified || MBS President Club 2008 |faiqaq@m-consultants.com|http://www.m-consultants.com

Maison is now on Twitter

2009-08-15T18:34:00.001+06:00

Follow MaisonGlobal on Twitter and get to know us more.

Introduction of New Maisonians

2009-06-26T22:26:00.000+06:00

Maison is apace flourishing; here we have few new people with us on this platform. We anticipate their hard work and allegiance towards the organization which will play an active role in the achievement of organization’s vision

From now along with us in future we have Mr. Azwar Alam who joined Functional Department at Karachi as a Functional Consultant; Mr. Faisal Noor Hussain joined Functional Department at Lahore as a Functional Consultant, Mr. Mohsin Akram joined Functional Department at Lahore as Junior Functional Consultant. Mr. Jawad Saleem joined us in Customization Department. Mr. Taha Tazeem will render his services for Human Resource Department as a HR Coordinator.

Mr. Jawad Saleem is having experience in MeteSys Corporation who are in the business of ERP (Enterprise Resource planning) development. Having a valuable knowledge of C#, C++, PHP and ASP.NET. He is having a confident and energetic personality.

Mr. Faisal Noor Hussain is well experienced in Managing, Business development, software designing, development, testing, implementation, integration, upgrading and technical Client supports form last six years. Acquires great technical skills in Visual Basic 6.0/5.0, Visual Basic .NET, MS SQL Server 7.0/2000 2005, MS-Access and Oracle. He is a confident and knowledgeable person.

Mr. Azwar Alam was working in RFM Loyalty as a developer; he is having over two years of development experience in several Microsoft applications, such as Visual Basic, .NET, SQL Server, ASP etc. He is a valuable addition to the leading team of Maison.

Mr. Mohsin Akram was working in National Telecommunication Corporation in Budget and Accounts department. Having sound and firm grip on accounting as he is a Certified Accounting Technician.

We have a fresh and dynamic arrival in our Human Resource Department, Mr. Taha Tazeem as we hope that he will perform his tasks effectively and efficiently. He has confident personality and good interpersonal communication style.

We welcome them all on joining this generous family.

Best Regards,

Affan Farooqi

HR Executive

Cell: +92 (323) 4581681

MAISON CONSULTING & SOLUTIONS

Your ERP/CRM Partner

Microsoft Certified Gold Partners

Microsoft Certified Business Solutions Partner

9-B/1 Johar Town, Lahore, Pakistan

Tel: +92 (42) 520.3489

+92 (42) 520.3490

Fax: +92 (42) 520.3485

URL: http://www.m-consultants.com

E-mail: affan.naeem@m-consultants.com

Microsoft World Class Affordable ERP

Rapid Implementation

Fixed Scope Value Delivered

Post Installation Support

Support Manager

2009-06-06T00:42:00.001+06:00

This is to inform all Maison family that Faiqa Usman has joined Maison as Support Manager. She will be responsible for all internal as well as external support activities.

ICMAP Shield

2009-05-30T18:36:00.000+06:00

ICMAP Shield

2009-05-30T17:58:00.000+06:00

ICMAP Shield

2009-05-30T16:46:00.000+06:00

ICMAP Shield

2009-05-30T15:16:00.000+06:00

Rules for Making a Good Impression.

2009-02-17T09:43:00.000+05:00

Among the seven suggestions: Respond to e-mails within 24 hours. And don't use business cards as cues to bombard new contacts with pitches.

By Carmine Gallo

Here are seven rules that will guarantee a strong first impression and a powerful, lasting one.

Rule #1: Respond within 24 Hours

During the course of researching my next book, I came across an interesting trend. The people who run the most successful companies are the most responsive. When I leave a voice message or send an e-mail these individuals get back to me immediately with information, whether they're at the office or traveling. One woman who oversees 5,000 employees makes it a policy to respond to e-mail within 24 hours. She says her responsiveness provides a model for her employees. If she responds quickly to employee questions or concerns, they in turn understand the importance of getting back to customers in a short amount of time.

Even if you don't have an immediate answer, acknowledge receiving an e-mail or voice message within 24 hours or less, and let the person know you're considering the request or taking action on it.

Rule #2: Greet People with Enthusiasm

When a customer or employee calls and you choose to answer, it implies that you have time to talk. Far too many people continue to multitask during phone conversations. Those of us on the other end of the line can sense it, especially when you give one-word answers to our questions and we hear typing in the background!

Give your customers and employees your full attention. Greet them like you're sincerely excited to hear from them. And if the time isn't right, be professional enough to set a later time to give them your full attention.

Rule #3: Make Eye Contact

In conversations with customers or employees, look them in the eye. I know you might love your Blackberry, but please refrain from checking your device during the conversation. Think about how it makes you feel when the person you're talking to continually takes her eyes off you to check out other people in the room. I'll tell you how I feel—like it's a waste of time to even finish the conversation.

Give customers and employees your full attention. It makes people feel as though their opinions and insights are valued. It will help you make a powerful and lasting impression.

Rule #4: Leave Smart Voice Messages

First of all, don't leave long, rambling messages with your phone number at the end. Keep the script concise. Leave your name, time you called, and phone number at the beginning. Repeat the phone number at the end, s-l-o-w-l-y. There's also nothing worse than a drawn out game of phone tag. It can't hurt to leave a specific time when you can be reached. Of course, if you leave a time, be there to answer the call!

Rule #5: Respect Contacts

A conference organizer recently told me attendees have started complaining about fellow participants who treat business cards they have picked up at booths as open invitations to cram in-boxes with solicitations. If someone gives you a card, it's an invitation to begin a conversation. It isn't permission to leave a constant bombardment of e-mail sales pitches under the guise of "newsletters." It's also not an invitation to send 10-MB files that explain what your business does.

Rule #6: Mind Your E-Mail

Speaking of e-mail, keep your correspondence concise. Time is limited. Use a subject line with no more than three to five words that grab your reader's attention. Give the pertinent information in the first line or two, and keep your correspondence to one or two short paragraphs (unless of course a detailed memorandum is expected). Also, don't forget to use proper punctuation and grammar. The spell-check function exists on your computer for a reason. Use it.

Rule #7: Remember Small Touches

When was the last time you received a handwritten note? I bet you remember it. I do. After a brief conversation with the chief executive officer of a well-known franchisor, I was surprised to receive an envelope in the mail with a short handwritten thank-you note along with several coupons for his product. The coupons were for small amounts, but the gesture left a big impression on me.

My insurance and financial planning adviser gets plenty of business from me because of numerous, small touches during the year. Several times a year I can expect to receive a handwritten note, a short voice message, or a copy of an article that I might find valuable given what he knows about my interests. None of these touches are accompanied by a hard sell, but I wouldn't consider bringing my business to anyone else.

Business is far too competitive to risk making a bad impression. But it's not that hard to make a positive one. Just think about the way you like to be treated as a client. Follow these seven rules to stand apart.

For more information about this article please visit http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/apr2007/sb20070425_158557.htm?campaign_id=rss_topStories

Warmest Regards,

Faisal F. Bin Zarah | فيصــل فهــد بــن زرعـــه

Marketing Manager | Samama Technologies

IIS 7.0 Features

2009-02-10T07:54:00.000+05:00

IIS 7.0 New features

Wondering what the new features in IIS 7.0 going to be? Here you go! you can get a glimpse of IIS 7.0 in this article.

IIS7 will ship with both Windows Vista and Windows Longhorn Server. It's obvious that Microsoft has put a lot of time and effort into this release and you can expect IIS7 to be the platform of choice as soon as people can get their servers upgraded. It includes a several new functionalities with very rich integration with ASP.NET.

Feature 1: HttpModules and HttpHandlers can participate in all the requests i.e we can have a ASP.NET HttpModule for a JSP or PHP page even. Building HTTPmodules for authentication, authorization, logging, url-rewriting, auditing now will be very easy with .NET.

Feature 2: ASP.NET configuration can be integrated with IIS. IIS now uses the same web.config configuration model, which means you can have both configure ASP.NET and IIS in a single web.config file. You can now set things like default pages, IIS security, logging, etc within a web.config file and xcopy/ftp it to a server.

Feature 3: This has an integrated Admin UI tool that can manage both IIS and ASP.NET settings. Rich GUI supports settings for Membership, Roles and Profile providers. This tool also supports remote delegated admin over http -- which means you can point the rich-client admin tool at a shared host server and manage your users/roles/profile settings remotely over http.

Feature 4: It provides better request auditing and error debugging. A new functionality called "Failed Request Event Buffering" (affectionately known as "FREB") is introduced. This allows administrators to configure applications to automatically save request information anytime an error occurs during a request, or if a request takes longer than a specified amount of time to complete. This allows us to analyze what exactly happened during a request failure and what errors or exceptions have occurred. This can capture tracing messages generated within ASP.NET or within any component or class library that uses System.Diagnostics -- which makes it much easier for developers and admins to instrument and analyze what is going on with systems at runtimes.

Feature 5: It provides better configuration APIs and command-line tools. In addition to new config and admin APIs, we now have a great command-line admin story that you can use to set/modify/retrieve all configuration information as well as manage the server (start/stop individual apps, lookup their health state, register new apps, refresh SSL certs, etc). The class hierarchy in brief can be figured as:

A code snippet uses the new .NET APIs to query IIS7 to list the active worker processes on the computer. It also lists the Requests and other details about the request like Url, Clinet IP address ..etc.

ServerManager iisManager = new ServerManager();

foreach(WorkerProcess w3wp in iisManager.WorkerProcesses)

    Console.WriteLine("W3WP ({0})", w3wp.ProcessId);

    foreach (Request request in w3wp.GetRequests(0))

        Console.WriteLine("{0} - {1},{2},{3}",

        request.Url,

        request.ClientIPAddr,

        request.TimeElapsed,

        request.TimeInState);

Feature 7: Let us examine the new management UI. Here's what the new IIS Manager looks like:

The first thing to notice is the new "Features View" which is shown above. While you can still use the "Content View" to show the files that make up your Web Site in the main pane of the tool, most of the time you'll be using the "Features View" to change site and application settings.

Feature 8: "Actions" pane is a task-based pane shows you the most common tasks that are related to the currently selected object. For example, here's a close up of the "Actions" pane as it looks when the "Default Web Site" is the currently selected object.

The contents of the "Actions" pane will naturally change as the selected object changes, but this pane is where you'll generally find links that lead you through most of your common admin tasks.

Feature 9: Modular Architecture

Unless you've been living under a rock somewhere for the past few years, you've heard about all the problems that IIS has had when it comes to security. In earlier versions of IIS, it was either installed or it wasn't. If IIS was installed then all the features were installed. In an attempt to minimize potential vulnerability, in IIS 6, the majority of features were disabled by default, but they still got installed. This time around Microsoft has taken the next logical step. IIS7 is almost completely modular. Take a look at the installation screen:

Now granted, I've installed everything to play around with it all, but on a production server, you now have the flexibility to install only the features you need. That way if you don't use CGI, then you don't need to worry about some new bug that someone finds in the CGI handler. You also won't need to install a patch and reboot, because the affected code was never even installed on your server so there's nothing to patch!

Pakistan partner newsletter - Maison Consulting & Solutions news

2009-01-15T13:45:00.001+05:00

Partners in motion

October 08

Kamal Ahmed's Message

Pakistan's economy has slowed down after a period of massive growth. In the next two years, businesses will focus on cost cutting and removing inefficiencies from their operations. Investments in capacity expansion will slow down and businesses will consolidate their IT infrastructures. Microsoft, in collaboration with its partners, is driving initiatives to promote infrastructure optimization efforts so that businesses can be more efficient in their systems and processes.

This slowdown will give businesses an ideal opportunity to gain a competitive edge over their competitors by investing in a reliable and scalable IT infrastructure which will be well in place by the time the economy gets back on track again.

The local IT sector has come a long way from being an outsourcing destination for big IT industries for low value added jobs. Pakistan's IT sector can now deliver bigger projects in a more reliable and efficient manner in the international market. In the next few years, more and more international projects should come our way, enabling us to earn valuable foreign exchange for the country.

The overall economy is under strain and this compels the businesses to cut down their costs. Pakistan's IT sector can bring in the much needed realization that an effective and dependable IT infrastructure can help control costs and provide a much needed competitive advantage to the local companies. Pakistan's IT sector should focus on attracting international businesses to adopt Pakistan's IT companies for their IT requirements. This will enable our IT sector to stay abreast with the latest IT technologies and practices and bring in the much needed foreign exchange for the country.

Kamal Ahmed
Country General Manager
Microsoft Pakistan

Through Partner Marketing

Dear Valued Partner,

Through Partner Marketing (TPM) is a concept for our valued partners to generate revenue and active pipeline of customers for achieving their revenue targets. The main objectives of the TPM's are to:

· Generate PQPs (Partner Qualified Prospect) from the Target Market.

· Enable Partners to educate prospects about Microsoft Solutions and Products (based on customer campaigns).

· Enable Partners to identify and interact with potential new customers.

· Show that Microsoft Pakistan supports its partners and the Industry by being present in such events.

· Introduce Microsoft Solutions to customers through our managed Partners in Pakistan.

· Activate the Microsoft Partner Marketing Center which includes all the Microsoft Customer Campaigns for partners to use in their marketing efforts. To easily and cost-effectively execute the campaigns, Microsoft has created customizable marketing templates such as, emails, business letters, flyers and postcards for direct marketing and event and online resources for generating leads through event and online marketing activities.

· Revenue opportunities approximately can be USD7000 per deal with approx 40% success ratio.

What do you need to run a Through Partner Marketing (TPM) Campaign:

· TPM is a small event of 10 - 15 customers, you can invite them at your premises or if required this can be accommodated at Microsoft Pakistan office in Karachi and Islamabad.

· It should be an event of 2 - 3 hours with the following agenda;
Customer Promotion - Explain which customer promotions are active and how a customer can get the benefit out of it, or we can highlight any other specific Microsoft product which needs to be focused on specific customer accounts
Product Presentation - Arrange a technical resource from your organization to present on the MS Products which are being offered.

· You can access Partner Marketing Center through MSPP portal to run customer campaigns. All partner levels can get the customizable marketing templates such as, emails, business letters, flyers and postcards for direct marketing and events such as TPMs.

· You will require to invite 30 potential customers to get the attendance of 15 customers per TPM.

· Kindly follow-up with all your customers after sending the invitation with the final agenda. Every partner needs to ensure that the customers have confirmed their availability and will be punctual for the events. Prompt follow-ups are key to success on such events.

· Quality Criteria - 85% of our customer audience should be converted into PQPs. Every partner should call potential customers who are easy to convert into PQPs and will help in closing the deals accordingly.

· Every partner needs to draft a feedback form for generating PQPs and share the excel sheet with the relevant Partner Account Manager (PAM) in Microsoft Pakistan.

What does Microsoft Pakistan Expect from a Partner:

· Each managed partner is required to do one TPM every quarter. Partners who have presence in other cities will also do one TPM every quarter in each of the other major cities.

· Each managed partner will generate PQPs for Microsoft Pakistan.

· Minimum 40% success ratio of the PQPs generated through TPMs.

· Average deal size should be US$7,000

Certified Partners for Learning Solutions (CPLS) in Pakistan

KalSoft Academy	http://www.ekalsoft.com	Farhan Usman	+9221 5393291-3	+92 322 2703208	academy@ekalsoft.com
CTTC (Pvt) Ltd	http://www.cttc.net.pk	Farrukh Nizami	+9221 4310956-58	+92 300 8219943	enrollment@cttc.net.pk
New Horizons Pakistan	http://www.nhpakistan.com.pk	Muhammad Enam Ur Rehman	+9221 4382352-4	+92 300 3374553	enam.rehman@nhpakistan.com
Expert Academy	http://www.expertacademy.pk	Mubbashir Ahmad		+92 321 5173655	info@expertacademy.pk

For more information on Certified Partners for Learning Solutions (CPLS) in Pakistan, contact Taimur Mughal at i-tamm@microsoft.com

Microsoft Consulting Services

In order to facilitate our partners to help position Microsoft Solutions with a proven and tested delivery team, MCS (Microsoft Consulting Services) brings the valued Microsoft based business intelligence solution packaged as MEC (Microsoft Enterprise Cube) offering to customers/partners in PK. This offering is primarily owned by MCS but Microsoft partner can help sell this effective service to customers and help leverage a great revenue and sales opportunity both from licenses and services. More details as follows:

Success in the highly competitive telecommunications industry can be determined by a service provider's ability to measure its business performance. Most service providers have vast amounts of subscriber data stored in enterprise resource planning systems, customer relationship management systems, database warehouses, and similar systems. However, these systems frequently operate in isolation, and integrating them is expensive, complex, and time consuming. This disconnected infrastructure causes service providers to spend a significant amount of time analyzing data to identify:

· Subscribers who spend the most on services.

· Subscribers who dilute profits.

· Services that improve subscriber loyalty.

· Services which are underused.

Service providers need a simple, cost-effective solution that overlays existing systems and aggregates disparate information into a single viewpoint. This would allow every analyst in the organization to understand who is using which services, and how, when, and where these services are being used. Microsoft® Enterprise Cube (MEC) is a solution that helps service providers bring their disparate information together. This flexible, easy-to-use business performance management solution provides deep insight into existing processes and subscriber behaviors, and helps service providers reduce overhead while improving customer management. Built on familiar Microsoft technology, the solution also supports a low total cost of ownership (TCO), provides data models that help service providers comply with corporate standards, and addresses the long-term needs of the telecommunications industry.

For more information refer to the datasheet on Microsoft Enterprise Cube or contact Fareed Mohammed Khan on fareedmk@microsoft.com

Maison Consulting & Solutions Makes it to Microsoft Dynamics President Club

MAISON CONSULTING & SOLUTIONS has been named to the 2008 Microsoft Dynamics President's Club, receiving recognition from Microsoft Corp. for its dedicated commitment to customers. This honor reflects Maison's success in extending the Microsoft Dynamics platform to drive business advantages in companies across Pakistan.

This recognition came during the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2008 in Houston. The elite club recognizes the top 5 percent of Microsoft Business Solutions partners worldwide and their constant dedication to delivering solutions that meet their customers' unique needs, active pursuit of product and technological advancement, and impressive sales performance.

"Microsoft is Pakistan proud to congratulate Maison Consulting & Solutions on being named to this year's Microsoft Dynamics President's Club," the only partner to receive this honor from Pakistan. Maison not only has demonstrated a high level of product expertise, but also has provided a superior level of service and commitment to our Microsoft Dynamics customers, ultimately contributing to the overall success of Microsoft Dynamics and companies worldwide."

Maison Consulting & Solutions (http://www.m-consultants.com)

is a leading Business Solutions company involved in the implementation of Dynamics ERP and CRM solutions offering a wide array of cost-effective, personalized services to help your organization meet its business goals.

About Microsoft Dynamics

Microsoft Dynamics is a line of financial, customer relationship and a supply chain management solution that helps businesses work more effectively. Delivered through a network of channel partners providing specialized services, these integrated, adaptable business management solutions work like and with familiar Microsoft software to streamline processes across an entire business.

Virtualization from Desktop to the Datacenter

For a fact, computing has become more ubiquitous, more powerful and more portable and has dramatically improved businesses' ability to provide employees with the capabilities needed to capitalize on new opportunities. At the same time, however, the cost and complexity of managing all of this has never been higher. For IT departments, the result is a growing number of contradictory requirements: agility and ease of access vs. security and compliance; performance vs. cost; innovation vs. reliability and continuity. In many ways, the biggest challenge that IT professionals face today is resolving the tension inherent in trying to create an information infrastructure that provides both flexibility and control. This is where the concept of 'virtualization' settles in.

Virtualization is the act of isolating or unbinding one computing resource from others. It is to be applied to all layers of a computing stack, from the data center to the desktop. Rather than locking the various layers together - the operating system (OS) to the hardware, the application to the OS, and the user interface to the local machine. This concept of virtualization, however, is not as new as some people may think: virtual machine technology for time-sharing on mainframes dates back to the 1960s. It's the confluence of challenging business demands and the emergence of virtualization technologies that span the entire stack and has paved way for virtualization to emerge as an essential for today's organizations.

The benefits;

Virtualization is a transformational technology that, if effectively employed, can help companies create IT systems that are not only highly efficient and cost effective, but that have the self-awareness to adapt automatically and instantly to deliver the capabilities needed as business conditions change. Virtual Machine technology is one of the most exciting and transformative technologies to change the cost of IT infrastructure.

Enhanced administrative productivity and responsiveness- Virtualization enables IT organizations to enhance their administrative productivity and rapidly deploy new servers to address changing business needs.

Efficient use of hardware resources- Virtual machine isolation and resource management enable multiple workloads to coexist on fewer servers, allowing organizations to make more efficient use of their hardware resources.

Increasing operational agility- Virtual Machine Manager provides a mechanism to enable functionality such as rapid server provisioning, rapid recovery, and scalable migration capability to make the overall virtual infrastructure robust and easy to manage.

Intelligent Placement: Virtual Machine Manager brings a deep and holistic approach to placement and combines the knowledge from historical performance data of the virtual workload and the intelligence about the virtual host system.

Self-service provisioning: Virtual infrastructure is commonly used in test and development environments where there is consistent provisioning and teardown of virtual machines for testing purposes. With Virtual Machine Manager, administrators can selectively extend self-provisioning capabilities to user groups and be able to define quotas.

Microsoft's Strategy for Virtualization

The Microsoft datacenter-to-desktop virtualization strategy enables businesses to leverage virtualization benefits throughout the organization. Hyper-V is an integral part of the overall Microsoft virtualization strategy. Microsoft's virtualization strategy includes five key components:

· Server virtualization, enabling multiple servers to run on the same physical server

· Presentation virtualization, enabling remote users to access their office desktops or server-based applications

· Desktop virtualization, enabling desktop operating systems to be consolidated into the datacenter

· Application virtualization, helping to prevent conflicts between applications on the same PC

· Comprehensive management, tying virtual components into the same management tools used to monitor and control physical components

Server Virtualization

Microsoft has two server virtualization offerings: Hyper-V in Windows Server 2008, and Virtual Server 2005 R2. Hyper-V extends virtualization capability to manage 32-bit Virtual machines alongside 64-bit Virtual machines, enable Virtual machines to access larger amounts of memory, and enable Virtual machines to leverage multiple processors. Virtualization is a key feature of the operating system and helps customers get complete isolation of the different virtual machines and still benefit from server consolidation.

Presentation Virtualization

Presentation virtualization is a technology that enables applications to execute on a remote server, yet display its user interface locally. Microsoft's presentation virtualization technology, Microsoft Terminal Services, enables remote users to connect to their office desktops from anywhere in the world, taking full advantage of applications, resources, and familiar interfaces even from computers with different operating systems or system capabilities. Administrators can access system management tools from remote locations, for example, or applications can be run on a server and accessed by remote users.

Presentation virtualization enables customers to centralize and secure data, reduce cost of managing applications, reduce test costs for compatibility between the OS and applications, and potentially improve the performance of systems overall.

Desktop Virtualization

When server virtualization is used host client OSes for remote access, this approach is often called desktop virtualization. While the principles of desktop virtualization are similar to server virtualization, this approach can be useful in a variety of situations. One of the most common is to deal with incompatibility between applications and desktop operating systems. For example, suppose a user running Windows Vista needs to use an application that runs only on Windows XP with Service Pack 2. By creating a VM that runs this older operating system, then installing the application in that VM, this problem can be solved. Microsoft VirtualPC is an example of a solution in this space to help address the scenario for hosting VMs in a desktop environment for application compatibility.

Application Virtualization

Application virtualization helps isolate the application running environment from the operating system install requirements by creating application-specific copies of all shared resources and helps reduce application to application incompatibility and testing needs. With Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) a.k.a SoftGrid, desktop and network users can also reduce application installation time and eliminate potential conflicts between applications by giving each application a virtual environment that's not quite as extensive as an entire virtual machine. By providing an abstracted view of key parts of the system, application virtualization reduces the time and expense required to deploy and update applications.

Microsoft's Products for Virtualization

Microsoft offers a comprehensive set of technologies to virtualize servers, applications, and desktop PCs. Equally as important; Microsoft provides a powerful toolset for managing both the virtual and physical resources in a unified environment, reducing system complexity and streamlining management tasks.

Resources:

For more information please check: http://www.microsoft.com/virtualization

Or Contact: zafaru@microsoft.com

OEM rewards distribution night

OEM recently held to 2 partner events in Karachi & Lahore. These events were a little different from the routine events OEM has been holding. The idea of this event was for the partners to mingle with each other in a relaxed environment. The event that was held in Karachi and Lahore had three components: Award distribution, Lucky draws and musical function. This event also provided excellent opportunity for Networking.

The winners were given awards for their sales efforts in Q4. This gave partners encouragement and recognition. The event was kicked off by Faysal Kiyani PAM OEM which was followed by keynote address of Mr. Shahzad Khan, Lead OEM. The awards were announced category wise in four categories. The first prize being a 4 day paid vacation to Egypt. Lucky draws were also held from time to time and kept the audience at the edge of their seats. The partners thoroughly enjoyed the musical and comedy show that was put up by the local talented artists. All the activities were followed by dinner. 80 people attended the event in Karachi and over 300 people were present in Lahore. In his closing remarks Shahzad Khan thanked the partners for attending the event and assured them that the OEM business will be even more rewarding in the future.

Microsoft Innovation Center

Microsoft Innovation Centers provide customers and partners with a comprehensive set of Programs and services. The goal of these centers is to foster innovation and growth in local Software Economies. In Pakistan, Microsoft Innovation Center provides access to world-class resources for students, software developers, IT professionals, academic researchers and Entrepreneurs. Primary areas of focus include:

1. Building skills and intellectual capital through training courses, employment programs and mentoring experiences.

2. Fostering industry partnerships through programs on how to work successfully with Microsoft, as well as through the cultivation of local and regional industry alliances.

3. Increasing innovation at the local through hands-on engagements, such as labs geared towards the interests of ISVs, startups, partners, students and entrepreneurs.

Microsoft Innovation Center - Pakistan is operated by Microsoft in alliance with National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (FAST-NU). We partner with local government, academic institutions, industry organizations and software vendors with the ultimate goal of fueling long-term economic growth in the IT industry.

Employees and employer

2008-11-18T17:10:00.001+05:00

1. Are you a crutch for your employees? If you design your schedule around your employees, cater to their work requirements and preferences or perform any part of their job, then you're acting like a classic over-pleaser. Your employees surely appreciate your willingness to take on their workloads, but you risk becoming their crutch instead of their leader.

2. Do your employees report to you or do you chase after them for updates? If you find yourself checking, chasing or repeatedly requesting updates from employees to find out what is going on in your own business, you need to try something different. The "hate to bother you . . ." management approach is a classic trait of serial pleasers. But it harms your business by keeping you out of the loop on daily and important developments.

3. Do you counsel employees on their personal troubles? If you spend any part of your day listening to or counseling employees about their personal problems, you may be running a shelter instead of a business. Worse, if you subsidize housing or transportation for your employees, loan them money, hire lawyers for them or grant time off that isn't accounted for, your business may become a costly vehicle for enablement rather than a profitable place of employment. You compromise your future if you focus on providing shelter for troubled souls. Has it happened already?

4. Are your employees not paying for themselves? Do your employees justify their pay through productivity? Employees must deliver value greater than all the costs incurred in hiring, training and retaining them. Otherwise, keeping employees becomes another extension of pleasing vs. being accountable to your business's success. This dead-end situation causes long-term consequences for you and your company.

5. Do your employees make more money than you do? If you're not taking home more money than your employees, you've set yourself up for problems. Business owners shouldn't go without a paycheck or get paid less than their employees. This signals fiscal scarcity and OPS behavior that is both risky and dangerous to the health of your business.

Farhan Ahmad, CTO & Senior Consultant

Maison Consulting & Solutions (Your ERP & CRM Partner.....Microsoft Certified Gold - Dynamics AX, GP, CRM)

Cell: +92 (321) 8488116, Land: +92 42 5203469, KSA Cell: +966 54 119 3986

UAE Cell:+971 55 856 4023, http://www.m-consultants.com

The Microsoft Dynamics GP Demo Site

2008-11-07T11:09:00.001+05:00

The new Microsoft Dynamics GP Demo Site is so cool, you just got to see it. Probably the coolest thing you will see all year!!

And, it goes beyond just cool, there is a huge value:

· Partners can use it with prospect and existing customers.

· People can download parts of it to display on their websites or use in presentations.

· Businesses interested in becoming a partner will get value from it.

· Anyone needing an overview of Dynamics GP, should see this.

The Microsoft Dynamics GP Demo Site

Please take a look at the site today and evangelize it.

With Dynamics, Microsoft's ERP and CRM Business Apps Go Head-to-Head with Oracle and SAP

2008-11-01T19:01:00.001+05:00

ERP has been a two-horse race between SAP and Oracle for years. Microsoft's Chris Caren is battling to change that, with the company's Dynamics ERP and CRM products. Here's his take on what Dynamics is delivering to enterprises as compared with its entrenched rivals.

By Thomas Wailgum

October 29, 2008 — CIO — Enterprise software analysts and industry observers usually refer to the competition in the ERP and CRM space as essentially a two-horse race between Oracle and SAP. The breadth of applications in both vendors' stables, their collective R&D budgets, and the fact that these giants aren't shy about buying up the competition cements that market reality.

But watch out, SAP and Oracle. While continuing to bludgeon and attack each other as they go after SMBs, both vendors now must look over their shoulders at hard-charging Microsoft and its burgeoning Dynamics set of business applications.

"Microsoft remains a relative newcomer to the business applications market," notes Warren Wilson, a research director at Ovum, in a report. "However, it is committing more and more resources to its Dynamics solutions, and its ability to integrate Dynamics with its ubiquitous Windows applications—especially Office—makes Microsoft a threat that neither SAP nor Oracle can afford to take lightly."

CIO.com Senior Editor Thomas Wailgum recently talked with Chris Caren, general manager of product management and marketing for Microsoft's Dynamics line of ERP and CRM products. Caren described the overriding strategy for the Dynamics line and how the software will take advantage of users' familiarity with the Office suite. He also explained why he thinks on-premise and cloud computing options won't hurt Microsoft's business, and offered his take on how Microsoft is competing—and winning—against Oracle and SAP in midmarket and large organizations.

CIO.com: What's been Microsoft's strategy with Dynamics so far?

Chris Caren: Whether it's us talking to our customers or analysts like AMR, or doing studies of the market, we view business applications—and I'd say this both applies to ERP and CRM—as long-existing categories of software that are woefully underutilized and underused inside of organizations.

I think AMR did a poll and found on average about 10 percent of employees are licensed to use a business application, and of those 10 percent, only about half actually access the application as part of their job. So, the footprint inside of organizations is incredibly limited.

Whether it's business applications or other categories of software like business intelligence, we really believe there's a huge opportunity to democratize the application and get it much more broadly used in organizations for both increasing the productivity of employees and letting them be more effective in their jobs. But also to give them, in the case of business applications, better information for decision-making—just to help them work a lot more intelligently and a lot smarter.

CIO.com: Does that tie into Microsoft's existing product sets?

Caren: The core approach to our product strategy is to overcome the inflexibility and the ease-of-use issues that have limited adoption of business applications, and for us that means really blurring the lines between what a business application is and what the world of Microsoft Office is.

And by that I mean not just Microsoft Office, the desktop suite of products, like Outlook and Excel and Word, but more and more the business server applications like SharePoint for collaboration, PerformancePoint for business intelligence, or Office Communications Server for instant messaging, presence, and voice over IP.

CIO.com: So making sure that the user interface and basic tools were easy to use has been a huge part of Dynamics' roadmap?

Caren: Yeah, one big part of it is just that: making the user experience really approachable, familiar. Part of our strategy is preconfiguring it to the types of things you'd likely want to do if you're a salesperson or a payroll manager or a marketing manager. So, we focus on kind of consumerizing the user experience so it looks a lot more like a consumer Web application, a lot less like business software. And we're building what we call these role-tailored user experiences, which is prepackaging what we think a vast majority of employees are going to want to do with the business applications.

CIO.com: Clearly you have a huge advantage in the SMB space, because people's familiarity with Office and Excel. But you also have to show some power behind those applications?

Caren: Yes, definitely. If you look, for example, at our CRM application, the majority of the revenue for that business comes out of the enterprise space. So, to your point, while our product strategy really resonates with mid-market customers, we're having a lot of success at the large enterprise and in the public sector where we have very large projects as well.

CIO.com: When I talk to CIOs, IT staff and users who have these big installed systems, privately many will tell me how much people revert back to Outlook or Excel and reject these new big systems that come in and seem too complex. You've probably heard that a lot?

Caren: I think that's very true. Actually, the experience that drew me to join the Microsoft Business Solutions group was an interesting one. It was out in the Midwest with one of the largest oil companies in the world, and they're a big SAP customer and a big Microsoft customer, and I was meeting with their senior IT leaders.

After a long discussion, just about how they think about Microsoft and how they think about SAP, one of the gentleman basically came to the realization and said: You know, we actually don't run our business with SAP; SAP is the place at the end of the week that we put in some high-level numbers to keep finance happy, but we run our business day-in and day-out, we make decisions, we do analysis, we collaborate with e-mail and with Excel.

Our goal is to let companies continue to collaborate and make decisions, share information using Excel and e-mail, but have it be attached to the kind of workflows and processes that companies want to have their employees follow, and have the data be in Excel, but have it be secure and current so that everyone has the same view of the business.

It's letting you stay where you naturally want to work and keep that flexibility, but get the benefits of having really efficient structured workflows and very secure and auditable information, and to be able to access and make decisions on.

CIO.com: Would you say that one of the challenges over the years has been to get the word out to these businesses that when they think of ERP and CRM, they should consider Microsoft?

Caren: Yeah, I'd say one of the biggest areas of focus for me is building category awareness, so that when a senior executive, whether IT or business, thinks about the business application purchase, they know Microsoft has really compelling solutions. It still is an area of work for us.

CIO.com: How do you sell them on Microsoft's business applications?

Caren: We talk a lot about the traditional experience of using a business application. So, you spend a lot of money upfront to buy the software, spend a lot of money to train your employees, and you spend even more over time maintaining the system and trying to evolve it to keep up with how you do business. And despite all those investments, the traditionally very narrow user population and the end value the company gets back in return on investment, it's a lot more limited than it could be.

Then we just talk about a world where business applications are self-service, are flexible, and are used by a majority of employees, and how much better that world is for IT, and how much better that world is for their employees and their management.

We talk a lot about Office as the user experience and we talk a lot about how well our business applications leverage the Microsoft server infrastructure to really minimize the cost of owning the application year-in and year-out, which traditionally is another big negative companies and CIOs have about CRM and ERP—just the incredible cost of maintaining the applications.

CIO.com: An article I just wrote in September was about a very small business that ended up purchasing SAP ERP applications, when in the past, they probably would have gone with Microsoft. I thought it was an interesting case because this company, who had like 10 users on the SAP system, was not what we generally think of as SAP ERP customer. So as SAP and Oracle start invading this space, where before there wasn't a ton of people going after the 12-seat companies and Microsoft applications were king, how do you see the competition playing out?

Caren: That kind of leads to the second point that's core to our strategy. You mentioned overcoming the ease of use and inflexibility that limits adoption. The other one that is core to our strategy is working through partners to serve customers—meaning building a great, flexible application, but then relying on a really strong, healthy channel to build vertical and micro-vertical solutions that particularly for the mid-market help a customer not just buy an ERP system but buy an ERP system that, for example, works for frozen fish manufacturers.

It's a solution that's much closer to what you need, in the end, that's off the shelf—although off the shelf from a partner, so you get the solution faster and you spend a lot less money on it. It's also the local partner that can really augment or in some cases handle the needs of a company that doesn't even have an IT department. That local touch that our channel provides really gives a strong advantage in the mid-market.

So, to your point, despite Oracle and especially SAP talking about their mid-market focus, we really haven't seen a huge impact on our ability to win business there, and I think that's in large part due to our strong partner channel.

CIO.com: So, when you're going into the RFPs, who is your competition?

Caren: It's typically SAP or Oracle, and then it probably is a combination of two or three mid-market specialists, these firms like a Sage or an Epicor, and in the case of many international deals a local French competitor, a German competitor. In the enterprise ERP and CRM market, obviously there are a few players that have high share. In the case of the mid-market it's an extremely long tail and a very small head in terms of the share of markets from different ISVs.

CIO.com: You had previously worked on Duet, Microsoft's product partnership with SAP. What's the status of that partnership? It seems to me that, in the future, if you're going in and selling against SAP's product, to have kind of this complementary product, maybe that's not great for either of you.

Caren: I'd say Duet was one of the hottest products I think SAP ever saw when it showed it to its installed base, because of the great ease-of-use story it brought to their customers. Duet today serves a narrow set of scenarios. Of the hundreds of different workflows that SAP enables, probably a dozen, at most, are handled today by Duet. So, for some customers it's a great fit; for many it's a great vision, but not yet delivering on what they as an organization most need.

Duet is all about SAP's large enterprise business suite, and there we really don't focus our ERP business. Our ERP business is much more mid-market up through the enterprise segment and more like subsidiaries or divisions of global 2,000 companies. So, where SAP is [selling] at the headquarters of Global 2000, we're at the subsidiaries of those organization or in the mid-market.

CIO.com: As Microsoft expands its Live on-demand and cloud computing product lines, do you see those as just different product offerings for different types of businesses, on a different service? Or products at fundamental odds with each other?

Caren: For CRM, where we have obviously an on-premise business and we have CRM Online, which has been in market for nine months, we see the sort of same representation of customers using either offering—meaning CRM Online is not about small business where CRM on-premise is about enterprise and mid-market. We see the same representation across enterprise, mid-market and small business for our CRM on-premise business and for our CRM Online business.

The deployment decision tends to be secondary to the vendor decision from what we're seeing, versus customers saying I want to go on-premise or in the cloud, and then have a list that's just more mapped to those companies with those kinds of solutions.

CIO.com: So, in your mind and in Microsoft's mind, those two business models can coexist? Some of these pure SaaS vendors contend that these are like apples and oranges—they're so different that for Microsoft to offer both just seems not right or doesn't seem like it's good business.

Caren: We see a certain segment of customers that say: I want to be in the cloud, maybe because I don't have an IT department or I can't wait for IT to serve my needs. So cloud-based is the only way for me to go.

Other [customers] tend to have more of a traditional view of liking the on-premise deployment method for a number of reasons, whether it's ownership of the data inside their four walls or owning the application start to finish.

We see more and more customers that like that flexibility to be able to start with a hosted service and either over time stay there but always have the flexibility to pull it in-house if they end up wanting to do a lot of deep integration between the CRM application and the other legacy applications they have. That flexibility is more and more becoming a big selling point for our customers.

CIO.com: We know that Vista and operating systems and Office garner a lot of the attention from the press and certainly from everyone who thinks of Microsoft, but just how much going forward is Microsoft looking to Dynamics to contribute?

Caren: The aspiration is definitely to become a multibillion-dollar organization, and right now we're over a billion but not yet at multibillion, which means high growth rates. Right now I think our latest reported growth was 21 percent year over year, which is about triple the growth of the market overall.

For people like Steve Ballmer, it's an incredibly strategic business, because it really is the linchpin of the overall solution Microsoft hopes to deliver to customers. It's the application leveraged by our platform, if you look at our Windows and BizTalk and SQL platform business, and it becomes more and more a showcase application to be delivered to end users through the Microsoft Office business, which is just another very important core to our business strategy.

So the platform beneath it, the world of Office on top of it, makes it a really important part of the solution we're trying to encourage our customers to adopt.

Pakistan & WTO

2008-10-30T00:54:00.000+06:00

http://worldtradereview.com/news.asp?pType=N&iType=C&iID=187&siD=20&nID=42814

Home > Current Issue(Issue No.20, Vol No.8) > Pakistan & WTO
Pakistan & WTO
16-31 October 2008
25pc pirated software contain virus: research
Karachi: Genuine Software Manager, Microsoft Pakistan, Salman Siddiqui has highlighted that according to an IDC study in 2007, 25 per cent of all pirated software contained viruses, malware and other malicious elements.
“As a result, use of pirated software exposes the entire IT infrastructure to vulnerabilities, thus exposing up to 80 per cent of the investment,” he added. Siddiqui further said that by promoting the use of genuine software, Pakistan can encourage more foreign investment, create jobs and increase business opportunities for local businesses.
Microsoft, in collaboration with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), held a seminar at the KCCI on the topic of “Business Efficiency through Information Technology Optimisation”.
Chief Operating Officer, Sultan Hamdani of Maison Consulting and Solutions, a leading software solution provider and partner of Microsoft Pakistan explained that in today’s competitive world, retaining an existing customer is a challenge and a key advantage as well. He said that delivering high quality customer service levels can only be possible if businesses employ information technology to constantly track their performance and respond to weaknesses. He highlighted several Microsoft solutions, which can be used for high level customer management. Speaking on the topic of IT Infrastructure Optimisation, Fareed M Khan, Engagement Manager, Microsoft Pakistan, highlighted that “IT should not be perceived as a cost, rather business must perceive this as a strategic investment and engage in this with a long term vision.
Iftikhar Ahmad Sheikh, Senior Vice President-KCCI said, “This is a critical piece in the puzzle, because the entire IT infrastructure and CRM depends on the reliability of the software to achieve its objective. Hence it is vital to use genuine software so that a safe, reliable and up to date service level is delivered to customers by local businesses.”
The agenda of the day was focused on three key areas where businesses can significantly benefit by leveraging information technology ie IT Infrastructure Optimisation, Customer Relationship Management and Value of Genuine Software.

Maison Get together in Pizza Hutt, Johar Town,

2008-10-20T10:10:00.002+06:00

World Animal Day

2008-09-13T02:25:00.001+06:00

PRESS RELEASE

Panchi Mela / Grand Bird Show

October 12, 2008 at Avari Hotel Lahore.

Perhaps you aren’t aware that October 4^th is World Animal Day. Yet World Animal Day is celebrated around the world by animal-lovers, schools, places of worship and ordinary members of the public.

World Animal Day celebrates humankind’s unique relationship with the animal kingdom, and acknowledges the numerous ways in which animals enrich our lives.

You don’t have to be an activist; you just have to care – buy a few tins of food for your local animal shelter; make a small donation to an animal charity; plant a shrub that will attract butterflies or birds to your garden; sponsor an animal in a shelter or sanctuary – the possibilities are endless.

This year, Budgerigar Society of Pakistan (BSP) decided to celebrate this event at Avari Hotel Lahore on Sunday October 12^th as due to Eid Holidays it is advised to have it reschedule on next Sunday. However next year it will be organized on October 4^th 2009, schedule till 2010 has already been announced by the management.

As BSP, we are striving to educate our parents that if we want our kids to avoid unhealthy activities we shall motivate them to participate in those activities which are linked with nature, we believe that keeping pet animal may help them to spend spare time with them so parents are helping them to avoid Cable TV etc.

You can help us by getting involve with following activities

ü Write to your local newspaper telling them about World Animal Day. You could suggest that the paper undertakes a fund-raising project for a local animal shelter or helps find new loving homes for some of the animals.

ü Please help those pets who are ignored by the owners and are facing health and feed management issues by relocating or adopting them

ü Make your garden more wildlife-friendly—wild corner, bird bath or table, water feature, bee-friendly plants.

ü Participate in BSP event with your family, in colorful dresses and let our kids help understanding beauty of birds. You can help us by inviting all of your friends to make this event memorable so we get motivated and continue working in same direction.

At BSP, we understand that one can not involve in bird caring in real way, unless he or she breed birds at home, so we are taking a step ahead and promoting "owner bred" policies on our competitions for Exhibition Budgerigars & Cockatiel classes at our Bird Shows in coming years. We are making sure that only real bird lovers are being promoted by our society who believes to breed a quality bird which is only possible with extensive Bird Keeping Management which includes health and nutritional requirements of a bird. To make it fair we invite qualified judges from abroad who not only train our society members about this fancy's do's and don’ts but also deliver a public lecture at University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences and help our students and parents to understand basics of bird keeping.

At this event, on October 12^th, free pet health inspection facilities will be arranged with the help of professionals, we are thankful to all of the organizations and individuals who support us by participating in our events and helping us to provide basics of Bird Care to a common individual.

We are inviting print as well as electronic media to come ahead and support such activities to link our Nation with Nature. We are inviting NGOs, Organizations and performers who have soft heart for nature and want to organize some sort of program for public with some basics of Animal Care, these programs can be thematic puppet show or any thing else which is related. We are inviting Schools to plan a trip of students on this day to help them learn some thing about nature. All such organizations and individuals are requested to contact General Secretary BSP at earliest by email info@GrandBirdShow.com or by phone +92-321-4422502.

Looking forward to have all the help from you guys

Warm regards

Naveed

General Secretary & Media Spokesman

Budgerigar Society of Pakistan

Tel: +92-321-4422502

Web: www.GrandBirdShow.com

25pc pirated software contain virus: research

2008-08-28T12:42:00.000+06:00

25pc pirated software contain virus: research

By By our correspondent
8/28/2008

KARACHI: Genuine Software Manager, Microsoft Pakistan, Salman Siddiqui has highlighted that according to an IDC study in 2007, 25 per cent of all pirated software contained viruses, malware and other malicious elements.

“As a result, use of pirated software exposes the entire IT infrastructure to vulnerabilities, thus exposing up to 80 per cent of the investment,” he added. Siddiqui further said that by promoting the use of genuine software, Pakistan can encourage more foreign investment, create jobs and increase business opportunities for local businesses.

Microsoft, in collaboration with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), held a seminar on Wednesday at the KCCI on the topic of “Business Efficiency through Information Technology Optimisation”.

Chief Operating Officer, Sultan Hamdani of Maison Consulting and Solutions, a leading software solution provider and partner of Microsoft Pakistan explained that in today’s competitive world, retaining an existing customer is a challenge and a key advantage as well. He said that delivering high quality customer service levels can only be possible if businesses employ information technology to constantly track their performance and respond to weaknesses. He highlighted several Microsoft solutions, which can be used for high level customer management. Speaking on the topic of IT Infrastructure Optimisation, Fareed M Khan, Engagement Manager, Microsoft Pakistan, highlighted that “IT should not be perceived as a cost, rather business must perceive this as a strategic investment and engage in this with a long term vision.

Iftikhar Ahmad Sheikh, Senior Vice President-KCCI said, “This is a critical piece in the puzzle, because the entire IT infrastructure and CRM depends on the reliability of the software to achieve its objective. Hence it is vital to use genuine software so that a safe, reliable and up to date service level is delivered to customers by local businesses.”

The agenda of the day was focused on three key areas where businesses can significantly benefit by leveraging information technology ie IT Infrastructure Optimisation, Customer Relationship Management and Value of Genuine Software.

Introduction

2008-06-27T03:42:00.000+06:00

Dear All,

Although most of you already know Mr. Khalid Adaya by now; however, let me reintroduce you to him as everyone will directly or indirectly be in contact with him.

Mr. Khalid has joined us as a Finance Manager. The major areas where people may be contacting him or vice versa are the follows

· Follow up on customer payments

· Invoicing issues to the customer

· Handling reimbursements and billing as per company policy.

You are requested to assist Mr. Khalid for the above mentioned information in all possible manner.

We once again welcome you, Mr. Khalid and hope that you have found the environment and people friendly and cooperative to work with.

ASMA ABDUL RAHIM

MAISON CONSULTING & SOLUTIONS

Your ERP/CRM Partner

Microsoft Certified Gold Partners

Microsoft Certified Business Solutions Partner

Borjan News

2008-06-20T03:17:00.000+06:00

Dear All,

After long and hard struggle, we have finally won the Borjan project by the grace of Allah. Borjan is the leading fashion footwear company, having 33 outlets in 19 cities of Pakistan.

The lead was introduced by Mr. Najam and taken up by Sabahat Ali who is responsible for closing of this deal. Contributions by other team members are also worth mentioning; especially the last demo presented by Hassan Khurshid did wonders in helping us acquire the project; along with efforts of Usman Manzoor, Najam Saqib and Imran Khalid. The deal size is Rs 3 million.

The most interesting thing about this deal is that it from beginning, all negotiations and efforts were being done for GP. However, owning to the team efforts of Faiqa Khushi and Sanam Abdullah, what came out on papers as a final decision was Axapta. Just goes to prove that the concept of ERP is getting stronger and there is growing awareness of different types of ERP products in the service and manufacturing sectors, in particular. This also means that the concept of ‘Maison Consulting and Solutions’ should also be getting stronger in these and other sectors as well. So far we are doing a good job in it – let’s work to transform that ‘good’ to ‘great’.

Congratulations, team!

Best Regards,

ASMA ABDUL RAHIM

HR Executive

FW: Passed GP 10.0 Financial

2008-06-20T03:12:00.001+06:00

Dear All,

Alhamdulillah!!! Today , I cleared the GP 10.0 Financial Exam with 98 % Marks.

Thanks and Regards,

Muhammad Moin
Functional Consultant
Maison Consulting & Solutions
Email : muhammad.moin@m-consultants.com
Tel: +92 21 4520370,
Fax: +92 21521774
http://www.m-consultants.com

Aberdeen Group Announces Top 100 Most Influential Technology Vendors for 2008

2008-06-06T04:19:00.001+06:00

Aberdeen Group Announces Top 100 Most Influential Technology Vendors for 2008
Tuesday May 13, 11:01 am ET

Annual State of the Market Report, Spanning 5 Years, 550,000 Locations, and Over 2.5 Million Interviews, Identifies Technology Vendors Having the Greatest Impact

The Report identifies that the top two criteria organizations use when selecting a technology solution include: total cost of ownership (43%), product functionality (42%), vendor stability (24%), market specific knowledge and experience (24%), domain or industry expertise (22%), and reputation (21%). It also identifies that the priorities of organizations as it relates to technology spend vary by company size (see table).

1. Microsoft 35. i2 69. Xerox

2. Oracle 36. EDS 70. Front Range

3. SAP 37. QAD 71. Internec

4. IBM 38. Ariba 72. Manugistics

5. Cisco 39. CA 73. Palm

6. Hewlett Packard 40. Epicor 74. Unisys

7. Dell 41. Juniper 75. Yahoo!

8. Salesforce.com 42. Sprint/Nextel 76. 3com

9. EMC 43. Tata Consulting 77. ABB

10. Sun Microsystems 44. ADP 78. CANON

11. Google 45. Fujitsu 79. Capgemini

12. RIM (Blackberry) 46. Intuit 80. Informatica

13. Siemens 47. Manhattan Associates 81. Interwoven

14. Adobe 48. Novell 82. McKesson

15. AT&T 49. Red Prairie 83. Mincom

16. Apple 50. SunGard 84. Mitel

17. Sage 51. Telstra 85. Netsuite

18. Infor 52. BMC 86. Omniture

19. Nortel 53. BT 87. Progress

20. Avaya 54. CSC 88. Rackspace

21. Red Hat 55. Skype 89. SPSS

22. Motorola 56. Infosys 90. Syntel

23. Verizon Wireless 57. NetApp 91. Teradata

24. Dassault 58. Symantec 92. T-Mobile

25. Accenture 59. Huawei 93. Toshiba

26. Sony Ericsson 60. IFS 94. Websense

27. Alcatel - Lucent 61. Microstrategy 95. Servigistics

28. AutoDesk 62. Aruba 96. Genesys

29. Intel 63. CDW 97. Logility

30. SAS 64. Concur 98. Kronos

31. Citrix 65. Exact 99. Rockwell Automation

32. Nokia 66. Hitachi 100. Checkpoint Systems

33. PTC 67. Qlikview

34. Lawson 68. Vonage