Navision Software enters global testing of Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 option for Navision Financials

Navision Software offers support for Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 maintaining its middle market focus and pricing.

Navision Software, a leading global provider of enterprise business solutions for mid-sized companies, has entered global testing of its new Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 Option for Navision Financials, in more than 20 countries.

"We see the introduction of the Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 Option for Navision Financials as a turning point in the maturing of the enterprise-level applications for the middle market," said René Stockner, vice president of sales and marketing for Navision Software a/s. "Our SQL Server Option will mark the first time such a powerful, scalable solution will be available to mid-market organisations without introducing a completely new product positioned and priced significantly higher. The SQL Server 7.0 database option ensures that our customers get the same robust functionality, traditional rapid implementation, smooth deployment and cost-effectiveness associated with Navision Software solutions, as well as harnessing the power and data warehousing capabilities of SQL Server 7.0."

The company announced that pricing for the new Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 Option for Navision Financials will be on par with current Navision Server pricing.

"Companies working with Navision Software retain their flexibility," added Stockner. "They will be buying Navision Financials with a choice of running on either server. For the first time customers will not be required to move up-market in terms of pricing or complexity when seeking to benefit from the newest technology. In addition, they will not be asked to settle for a 'slim` version of the software either."

The controlled rollout of the SQL Server Option includes a high level of customer support. However, because a Navision Financials solution running on SQL Server is the same application as the current Navision Financials solutions, the company will not have to retrain its channel or its customers in Navision Financials. The user interface for the Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 Option for Navision Financials is exactly the same as found today. Navision Software is working with Microsoft to ensure its more than 700 Navision Solution Centres receive the additional training needed to support the SQL Server Option.

"Whilst Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 is a new database with different setup, interface and maintenance requirements, like other Microsoft BackOffice applications, it combines ease of use, scalability and integration with desktop applications. As a consequence, we have been working very hard with Microsoft to ensure our channel is ready for it," said Jan Sillemann, business alliance manager of Navision Software a/s. "By offering the beta version to a worldwide customer set, we are undertaking our most extensive product testing. Having such a thorough and extensive beta program emphasizes the commitment we have to providing high quality business solutions, as our 31,000 customers worldwide experience every single day."

Paul Riggall, Brisbane Catholic Education Office, who is one of the Navision Financials users participating in the global testing program, says the new database offers his organization greater performance, reliability and scalability. "The new database offering has ensured that Navision Financials will remain the center of our business information network," said Riggall. "Because functionality remains exactly the same, we have not had to incur the cost of retraining our users. We are very pleased with the performance of SQL Server 7.0. We feel this version is the most stable and mature SQL engine we`ve seen and is a great complement to Navision Software`s offerings such as its Sum Indexed Flow Technology."

Microsoft Business Manager Carel Talens agrees with the Brisbane Catholic Education Office. "That addition of the SQL Server 7.0 Option is a powerful advantage for middle-market companies," said Talens. "The combined technological advantages offered by both Navision Software and Microsoft to this growing market segment is key in ensuring users` ability to keep their competitive advantage. Add on to this Navision Software`s decision not to price the offering at a premium and you can see how this is a true enterprise business solution with a low fixed cost, predictable implementation and a reasonable cost of ownership."