Manhattan Associates Joins Microsoft Industry Builder Initiative for Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta

Manhattan Associates, Inc. (Nasdaq: MANH), the global leader in supply chain execution and optimisation solutions, announced this week at Microsofts Convergence 2005 that it has joined Microsoft Business Solutions Axapta Industry Builder initiative, an independent software vendor (ISV) initiative designed to deliver business management solutions to companies with industry-specific needs. Manhattan Associates Warehouse Management solution for Windows, which includes warehouse management and transportation execution functionality, will support the initiatives overall supply chain management offering and business management product suite by providing extended functionality in the area of supply chain execution.

Manhattan Associates is one of the first global ISVs to be selected in the initial Industry Builder rollout and will be offering .NET-certified supply chain execution solutions through the initiative. The initiative will provide Manhattan Associates with expanded global reach through the Microsoft Business Solutions channel network - with more than 1,160 channel partners - to customers around the world.

This initiative is well timed and a synergistic move for both companies. As more and more companies outsource large chunks of manufacturing, their supply and distribution networks are becoming more complex, stretching existing stock and logistics management functionality to breaking point. Manhattan Associates expertise in this area is clear. The positioning alongside Microsofts Axapta solution is an offering that will attract both customers and new partners wishing to leverage the combination, said Nigel Montgomery, director of European research at AMR Research.

Microsoft Axapta will use Manhattan Associates .NET-based Warehouse Management and Transportation Execution solutions to synchronise real-time product movement and improve productivity within customers manufacturing and distribution operations. As part of the Industry Builder initiative, these solutions will be directly supported by Microsofts Deluxe Support Services organisation.

Microsoft recognises the tremendous value that Manhattan Associates provides to customers with mission critical supply chain needs, said Mark A. Jensen, general manager for Microsoft Axapta, Microsoft Business Solutions. Their domain expertise and proven experience in delivering quality supply chain execution solutions make them an ideal fit to be one of the first to join the Microsoft Business Solutions-Axapta Industry Builder initiative.

Jeff Mitchell, Manhattan Associates executive vice president for the Americas, commented, This initiative further builds on our long-standing relationship with Microsoft by combining our solutions with their capabilities to go beyond the functionality delivered by traditional warehouse management or business management solutions. Additionally, it creates a tremendous indirect sales channel for us to leverage the further adoption of our solutions, specifically in the mid-market.

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Manhattan Associates has what you need to achieve operational excellence while making the bottom line a top priority. Whether you're wrestling with a new business channel or want to maximize your existing space, trying to balance reduced safety stock with the increased demand for higher customer service levels or looking to improve performance without increasing headcount. Our Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) application suite is designed to help our customers overcome these complexities through the power of integrated supply chain execution (SCE) technology. The result is a complete picture of your businessand complete control over your resources.