Securitas Consolidates Business-Management Systems With Microsoft Dynamics GP

REDMOND, Washington, July 9 /PRNewswire/ --

- Leading security integrator switches to Microsoft business-management
software for improved field services, consistent data and analytical tools.

Microsoft Corp (Nasdaq: MSFT) today announced that Securitas Systems, a
company that international businesses rely on to help protect their most
valuable assets, will entrust some of its own to Microsoft Dynamics(TM) GP.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)

Securitas Systems USA Inc, the US division of Securitas Systems, one of
the largest international providers of security systems and services,
selected Microsoft Dynamics GP business-management software because it has a
broader range of features than its previous Sage MAS 200 system.

The Stockholm, Sweden-based company, which operates in 17 countries and
maintains 50 locations in the US, plans to deploy Microsoft Dynamics GP along
with Microsoft Dynamics CRM to create a common operating platform for all its
sales and service offices around the US. The Microsoft(R) software will
coordinate management of Securitas' 500 US field technicians and the tens of
thousands of components that go into the security systems they deploy
throughout their thousands of customer sites.

"Without Microsoft Dynamics GP, we'd be hard-pressed to maintain our
one-call service pledge -- our guarantee to fulfil our customers'
security needs with a single service call," said Franco van Heijningen, vice
president for product management for Securitas. "As our company continues to
grow, Microsoft Dynamics GP will allow us to closely align our
customer-services records, product inventory and technicians' schedules in
ways that we've never been able to before."

Securitas expects the Microsoft application platform to provide the
following advantages over competitive offerings:

-- Improved field service. Built-in support for Windows Mobile(R)-based
       devices in Microsoft Dynamics GP will enable Securitas' field staff to
       receive service requests and access detailed contract and other data 
       on the corporate network while away from the office.

    -- Streamlined, consistent data. Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft CRM
       will eliminate redundant and inconsistent data within Securitas'
       information systems. Customer and product data can be entered once,
       automatically distributed to different systems within the company and
       updated centrally.

    -- Greater insight. Microsoft Dynamics GP's advanced data-analysis tools
       will help Securitas uncover customer trends within its information
       systems, allowing the company to improve its service offering and
       eliminating problems with customers before they occur. Data can be
       easily compiled and shared in standardised reports and on-screen 
       views.

    -- Easy adoption, training. The familiar Microsoft Office look and feel
       -- and close integration with common Microsoft Office programs -- will 
       cut in half the amount of training Securitas has had to offer its
       employees. Detailed reports and analysis and other tasks that required
       IT support to perform with Securitas' previous system can now be done
       by most employees, freeing up IT staff to focus on other tasks.

I.B.I.S. Inc, a two-time Microsoft Dynamics Partner of the Year,
developed and implemented the Dynamics GP system, which includes
field-management services and other industry-specific features. I.B.I.S.'s
deep knowledge of Microsoft's technology platform was essential in
identifying the right technology for Securitas' business needs.

"Businesses increasingly suffer from information overload, and need ways
to better manage this information and turn it into intelligence," said
Michael Park, corporate vice president for US Microsoft Dynamics. "Microsoft
Dynamics GP provides the information-management and analysis tools for
businesses to make informed decisions and make analysis a natural part of all
their employees' everyday work experience."

The commitment to upgrade the operating system at Securitas was made to
better manage its internal systems. The ability to dig deeper into the
information that has already been garnered and which will be developed
further adds tremendous value to both the company and its customers.
Securitas' systems will be improved, which will allow customers access to a
wealth of information that is simply not available to them anywhere today.
They will have access to costs and performance dynamics, improving their
systems and lowering their operating costs.

About Microsoft Dynamics

Microsoft Dynamics is a line of financial, customer relationship and
supply chain management solutions that help businesses work more effectively.
Delivered through a network of channel partners providing specialised
services, these integrated, adaptable business management solutions work like
and with familiar Microsoft software to streamline processes across an entire
business.

About I.B.I.S., Inc

Founded in 1989, and headquartered in the high tech corridor of Atlanta's
Technology Park, I.B.I.S., Inc (http://www.ibisinc.com) is a leading
enterprise business solution provider for companies seeking to gain a
competitive advantage through Microsoft technology solutions. I.B.I.S., Inc
is a full-service consultancy providing business transformation solutions
related to Microsoft Dynamics ERP, SCM, and CRM application systems,
Information Worker, and Application Development Services as well as Microsoft
infrastructure products. I.B.I.S., Inc is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner,
a Microsoft Dynamics Inner Circle Partner, and a two-time winner of Microsoft
Dynamics Outstanding Partner of the US award. I.B.I.S. is one of a select
group of companies worldwide with seven Gold Certified Microsoft
Competencies.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in
software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise
their full potential.

About Microsoft EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)

Microsoft has operated in EMEA since 1982. In the region Microsoft
employs more than 12,000 people in 60 subsidiaries, delivering products and
services in 138 countries and territories.

This material is for informational purposes only. Microsoft Corp
disclaims all warranties and conditions with regard to use of the material
for other purposes. Microsoft Corp shall not, at any time, be liable for any
special, direct, indirect or consequential damages, whether in an action of
contract, negligence or other action arising out of or in connection with the
use or performance of the material. Nothing herein should be construed as
constituting any kind of warranty.

For more information about Microsoft Dynamics GP:
    http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/gp/default.mspx

    For a 60-day free trial of Microsoft Dynamics CRM:
    http://www.solutiondemo.net/demodynamics

    For more information about Microsoft CRM:
    http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/crm/default.mspx

    For more information about Microsoft case studies:
    http://www.microsoft.com/casestudies

    For more information about the People-Ready Business:
    http://www.microsoft.com/business/peopleready/default.mspx

Web site: http://www.microsoft.com