Jan. 11, 2011 — Today, at the National Retail Federation’s annual conference, Microsoft Corp. announced the upcoming release of Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail R2, the next iteration of Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail, which was made generally available in August 2010. Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail R2 will be available in more than 50 countries starting Feb. 1, 2011.

Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail offers midsize and enterprise specialty retailers point-of-sale, store management, supply chain, merchandising and financials capabilities to deliver business productivity and customer service in a single, integrated solution. Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail R2 includes the following enhancements:

“With so many digitally empowered consumers, retailers are being challenged to operate faster and smarter across their organizations to achieve deeper customer loyalty and maintain a competitive edge,” said Kirill Tatarinov, corporate vice president, Microsoft Business Solutions. “Microsoft is providing retailers with the software solutions they need to remain agile in this environment, create a connected retail experience and become dynamic businesses.”

Microsoft further announced that retailers worldwide, including Bailey Banks & Biddle, Carol’s Daughter, China Horizon, Combined Rural Traders, Coviran, Groupe Aksal, Icon Live, J&R Electronics, Kaubamaja, Kotryna, Logitec, New Look, Paul’s TV, Terry White Chemists, and Wonder, have chosen to implement Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail.

“Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail was the ideal choice for our business as it provides a single consolidated system that supports our international requirements in an easy-to-use and familiar format,” said William Fields, chairman, China Horizon. “As we embark on a rapid growth trajectory over the next few years, we are confident that Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail will continue to scale with us.”

A number of complementary partner solutions are also featured in the Microsoft booth, No. 836, including recently announced solutions from Aldata Solution, a global leader in the supply of integrated business solutions to organizations that serve the retail consumer and wholesale distribution markets. Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail provides Microsoft’s channel partners with an opportunity to deliver customer-specific configuration and implementation services.

Further supporting a connected retail experience, partner solutions from Avanade, HCL Technologies and Retaligent Solutions Inc., built on Microsoft Dynamics CRM, are also on display. These solutions give retailers the ability to personalize the customer experience across multiple channels, increase loyalty and drive effective marketing.

Retailers interested in learning more about Microsoft Dynamics solutions for the retail industry can visit http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/retailsolutions.