Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) and Microsoft (NYSE: MSFT) announced an extension of their relationship, enabling joint partners to develop Microsoft Dynamics-based applications for select Motorola mobile computers.
The relationship, announced in conjunction with Microsoft’s launch of the new Microsoft Dynamics AX Mobile Sales solution and Microsoft Dynamics Mobile Development Tools, paves the way for Motorola PartnerSelect members globally to port their existing enterprise mobility solutions to the Microsoft Dynamics platform. From direct store delivery applications for manufacturers to point of care solutions in the healthcare sector, Microsoft Dynamics AX customers can now empower their mobile workers with innovative Motorola enterprise mobility solutions that can improve productivity and decision-making at the point of activity.
Because enterprise mobility solutions require both hardware and software applications, the relationship between Motorola and Microsoft will present new opportunities for both vendors’ channel partners. As a result of the agreement, Motorola and Microsoft partners will now be able to join the other vendor’s partner community following a qualification process. Alternatively, partners will also be able to work collaboratively with each other to create more comprehensive solutions for their customers.
Motorola is encouraging Microsoft resellers to join its highly-regarded enterprise mobility PartnerSelect program, which has been awarded VARBusiness Magazine’s 5-Star rating for four consecutive years. The program has been designed with multiple tracks tailored to the needs of different types of channel partners including independent software vendors (ISV), systems integrators (SI) and value-added resellers (VAR).
Anthony Julien, CEO of Spectra Interface, already both a Microsoft Dynamics and Motorola ISV partner, said, “By leveraging the tools and applications from Microsoft Dynamics Mobile and Motorola partners, we are now able to provide complete solutions to Microsoft Dynamics customers at a much faster rate than we could have done previously and has helped us to extend our geographic reach.”
Microsoft Dynamics has tested and certified the Motorola MC70 Windows Mobile 5.0 Mobile Computer and MC35 Windows Mobile 5.0 Enterprise Digital Assistant solutions with the Microsoft Dynamics Mobile Sales and Microsoft Dynamics Development Tools.
“We have been working very closely with Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions in the development of our tools and applications for well over a year,” said Bjarne Schøn, product unit manager of Microsoft Dynamics Mobile. “We are very excited about teaming with Motorola and its mobility solutions partners on a global basis. As a leader in enterprise mobility, Motorola has a strong partner program and the broad coverage needed to support Microsoft Dynamics’ efforts to provide mobility solutions to our customers.”
The extension of the relationship between Motorola and Microsoft is indicative of the success of the existing collaboration between the two vendors which has already resulted in Motorola being named as a finalist in the category of OEM Hardware Manufacturer of the Year in the Microsoft Partner Program Awards. Earlier this year, Motorola was given the Microsoft Windows Embedded CE Partner Excellence Award in the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) category.
“We are very excited to be working with Microsoft Dynamics Mobile on this initiative,” said Jeremy Butt, vice president of worldwide channels for Motorola’s Enterprise Mobility business. “By providing Motorola Enterprise Mobility partners and Microsoft Dynamics partners with the ability to utilize Microsoft Dynamics Mobile Development Tools and Microsoft Dynamics AX Mobile Sales application, we are now able to bring full solutions to Microsoft Dynamics AX customers. The extension of our relationship is great news for our channel partners and customers alike.”
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq „MSFT“) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
About Microsoft Dynamics
Microsoft Dynamics is a line of financial, customer relationship and supply chain management solutions 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.
About Motorola
Motorola is known around the world for innovation and leadership in wireless and broadband communications. Inspired by our vision of seamless mobility, the people of Motorola are committed to helping you connect simply and seamlessly to the people, information, and entertainment that you want and need. We do this by designing and delivering „must have“ products, „must do“ experiences and powerful networks — along with a full complement of support services. A Fortune 100 company with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US $42.9 billion in 2006. For more information about our company, our people and our innovations, please visit www.motorola.com.
