Microsoft tops industry survey on IT business solutions

When companies need IT business solutions, they turn to Microsoft in growing numbers.

When organizations need IT business solutions, they turn to Microsoft in growing numbers. A recent JP Morgan survey of over 200 CIOs of major companies found Microsoft was by far the preferred IT solution, according to Business Insider. Almost 50 percent of the respondents said Microsoft's suite of products were critical to the future of their business, while the closest runner-up only got 13 percent of the vote.

This survey is just the latest in a long line of reports detailing Microsoft's recent success in the business market with productivity, CRM and ERP solutions. Office 365 and products like Microsoft Dynamics CRM continue to grow in popularity among businesses of many sizes - especially as industries move into the cloud.

Growth through cloud investments

Microsoft is a large company with a variety of products, but ZDnet suggested the business's primary focus these days is on cloud and subscriptions, with a special eye on industry. Microsoft's three primary investments in 2015 were intelligent cloud services, productive business solutions and personal computers. While the personal computer market is proving quite competitive, the company is growing by leaps and bounds.

The JP Morgan survey suggested Microsoft's commitment to cloud business services is key to its success. As of now, less than 20 percent of businesses with budgets of $600 million or more run applications in the cloud, but that number is expected to jump to 41.3 percent over the next five years. Entrepreneur described how businesses of every size can save money and increase collaboration through the cloud, while superior technology improves security and makes implementation easier to perform.

Another survey, conducted by Synergy Research, reported the software as a service market increased at a 40-percent rate in 2015, according to Information Week. During this timeframe, Microsoft grew at a rate of 70 percent and its leading competitor's rate was only 21 percent.

Balancing industry favorite features with innovation

Microsoft Office products have been the business application standard for decades. However, the company isn’t resting on its laurels. BetaNews described how the Microsoft’s suite of products provides businesses everything they need for communication, documentation, data collection and analysis, information visualization, CRM and ERP, as well as improved business intelligence and security.

A major advantage for businesses is that Microsoft’s software solutions work in tandem. As upgrades are made to offerings, one eye is kept on customer needs for integration. Forrester said a primary benefit of Microsoft's cloud focus is solutions working across all operations on a variety of devices. Employees will be able to download Office features on mobile phones and share documents through Outlook while on the road.

This allows businesses to build rather than replace. By working with the right CRM and ERP consultant, organizations can implement solutions that work with the current infrastructures and makes improvements without severe disruption.

What's next for business software solutions?

As Microsoft moves more of its features to the intelligent cloud, it listens to the needs of businesses to adapt to modern demands. Business users can work with CRM and ERP consultants to design their own apps and features using Microsoft Dynamics software, according to CIO.

When uniquely designed business software solutions prove especially effective or popular, it's not uncommon for Microsoft to absorb the technology into their Microsoft Dynamics ERP  or CRM solutions. By partnering proven technology with innovative ideas developed by individuals and organizations actually working in the field, Microsoft builds on the needs of the current market. Listening to clients is the best way to understand them and working with flexible technology allows Microsoft vendors to turn feedback into actionable strategies.

The TM Group, Inc.

To learn more about our solutions and services, please visit www.tmgroupinc.com or contact us at 888-482-2864.  Now is a great time to contact The TM Group to accomplish your CRM and ERP goals. We have been providing superior business technology solutions since 1984. Our TM Group consultants vast expertise can architect the ideal system within your budget and timeline.

By The TM Group, a Michigan-based ERP system partner with Microsoft Dynamics GP, Dynamics SL, Dynamics NAV and Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner

Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net by Yodiyim