Microsoft ushers in Dynamics SL ERP update

Microsoft has quietly released a new version of its enterprise resource planning software, aimed at small-to-medium sized businesses, the company said on Friday.

Called Microsoft Dynamics SL 2011, the update adds a 'RoleTailored' user experience, bringing the tools' appearance and feel in line with Microsoft Office and adding role-specific dashboards, Microsoft said when it announced the product.

"Microsoft Dynamics SL 2011 raises the bar for productivity, performance, and growth with the familiar user experience your people need, operations and insight that deliver results customers want, and new ways for project-driven organizations to adapt and thrive," Errol Schoenfish, product manager of Dynamics at Microsoft, said in a post on the Microsoft Dynamics blog.

The release also introduces new features like Quick Query — which includes more than 50 pre-designed search options — and Quick Send, which allows users to quickly send documents such as invoices and purchase orders from within Microsoft Dynamics SL to customers, which Microsoft said will help users to work more productively.

Dynamics SL 2011 also supports integration with Microsoft Project Server 2010, SharePoint 2010, Office 2010, SQL Server 2008 R2 and Microsoft Dynamics CRM through its Web Services platform. Bringing Dynamics SL 2011 and Project Server 2010 can help reduce redundant data entry tasks and allows for synchronisation of product and project data, the company said.

Although available to purchase and download now, Microsoft Dynamics SL 2011 is expected to be formally launched on 11 April at Microsoft's Convergence 2011 event in Atlanta.