More than 7 500 customers, prospects and business partners converged on the Colorado Convention Centre in a strong show of support for JD Edwards, its products, services, and the value it brings to business software customers, as part of the JD Edwards annual users conference, Quest Global 2003.
At the event, JD Edwards took the opportunity to unveil more than 400 product and service enhancements and a number of strategic business partner initiatives.
"The overwhelming participation of more than 7 500 customers and partners at Quest Global 2003, with their strong show of interest and enthusiasm for our products and services, is testament to the value JD Edwards brings to the market," comments Bob Dutkowsky, chairman, president and CEO of JD Edwards.
"At the conference, we won a ringing endorsement from the industry for our present and future business strategy, including our agreement to merge with PeopleSoft, and for our entire suite of JD Edwards 5 products and services."
Key product and services initiatives announced by JD Edwards included:
* The launch of a new software and services delivery model in which customers can leverage cost-effective, remote partner resources for implementation and ongoing support services, through multi-tiered partnerships with Covansys Corporation and other global consulting and services firms.
* The roll-out of a record-setting number of enhancements to JD Edwards 5 SCM and ERP software, tailored to meet the specific needs of consumer and industrial manufacturers and distributors around the globe. The company had committed to delivering a record number of enhancements in 24 months; it topped this projection with 12 months to go.
* A strategy to more than triple JD Edwards` partner network in China over the next two years, ultimately growing a customer base that is already 1 600-strong in Asia Pacific.
JD Edwards also announced several global contract wins during the conference, including Kidde PLC and Royal Numico.
In addition, educational breakout sessions, special interest group meetings and a forum of 350 CIOs hosted overflow crowds on subjects ranging from implementation and migration, to a range of industry-specific topics.
"The opportunity while at Quest to meet with company staff, executives and partners, as well as my peers in the industry, has renewed my enthusiasm for the investment my company has made with JD Edwards," says Dave Richards, CIO of Pacific Steel. "The new products and product enhancements demonstrate that JD Edwards is still the right partner for our needs now and in the future. We look forward to realising the tangible value and savings that will come with our investment."
"The product enhancements announced specifically for industrial manufacturers and distributors reinforces why JD Edwards is my company`s preferred business partner," says John Salaski, manager of application development at Hoffman Enclosures. "JD Edwards` commitment to our industry-specific needs is unmatched among competitors, and so naturally we are looking - with great enthusiasm - at how we can incorporate these SCM and ERP enhancements in the near future."
Customers interviewed in one-on-one sessions were unanimous in their commitment to JD Edwards: all had experienced and could point to significant return on investment, and more effective, smoother functioning business as a consequence of using JD Edwards software.
"The success of Quest Global 2003 demonstrated a solid vote of confidence in JD Edwards and its future business relationships with its 6 700-plus customers," comments Dave Watts, president of Quest, JD Edwards User Group. "Global turnout was very strong, despite travel warnings, SARS, and economic malaise. News and speculation over M&A activity did not show any signs of slowing commerce between JD Edwards and its legions of loyal customers."
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