FARGO, N.D., March 12, 2003 — Microsoft Business Solutions will host its annual North American customer conference, Convergence 2003, a four-day business and learning event to be held March 19 through 22 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. This year marks the seventh annual Convergence for Microsoft®
Business Solutions customers.
Doug Burgum, senior vice president of Microsoft Corp. and president of Microsoft Business Solutions, and Jeff Raikes, group vice president of Productivity and Business Services at Microsoft, will deliver keynote addresses to an expected record-breaking number of attendees, more than 4,000, including customers, partners and team members.
Convergence 2003 will offer attendees a unique opportunity to preview new business applications, watch Microsoft Business Solutions applications in action, learn how Microsoft Business Solutions products and services can better serve them, meet and network with other Microsoft Business Solutions customers, and choose from an extensive menu of workshops developed to focus on the needs of the increasingly interconnected global marketplace.
Convergence 2003 also will feature the following events:
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Attendees will be able to enhance their software knowledge and efficiency at 96 educational sessions. The sessions focus on professional skills, business development, e-business, technology and product-specific features, and they include real-life tips designed to help customers get the most out of their software and boost overall efficiency.
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Microsoft Business Solutions partners, independent software vendors (ISVs) and sponsors will provide an inside look at the latest software enhancements and customizations at 36 solutions forums. The sessions include live demonstrations of how efficiency can be boosted by extending the functionality of Microsoft Business Solutions applications.
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Convergence Expo gives attendees the opportunity to connect with more than 100 top Microsoft Business Solutions ISVs and alliance partners. In addition to presenting the latest technologies, product enhancements and vertical applications, Convergence Expo includes innovative Demo Theatre presentations — short, concise demonstrations from leading ISVs and Microsoft Business Solutions experts. Attendees also have the opportunity to visit with team members in the Microsoft Business Solutions Pavilion, which will feature more than 70 booths showcasing services and solutions.
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Main-stage presentations from Microsoft Business Solutions executives will reflect on accomplishments and focus on what the future holds for Microsoft Business Solutions customers.
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The Pinnacle Awards ceremony will honor customers from around the globe and recognize those who have had phenomenal success.
Several key software industry vendors, along with Microsoft Business Solutions, are sponsoring Convergence 2003, including Bank One Corp., Columbia Data Products Inc., HP, Office Depot Inc., Solver Inc., Professional Advantage and WennSoft Inc.
About Microsoft Business Solutions
Microsoft Business Solutions, a business group of Microsoft, offers a wide range of integrated, end-to-end business applications and services designed to help small, midmarket and corporate businesses become more connected with customers, employees, partners and suppliers. Microsoft Business Solutions’ applications optimize strategic business processes across financial management, analytics, human resources management, project management, customer relationship management, field service management, supply chain management, e-commerce, manufacturing and retail management. The applications are designed to provide insight to help customers achieve business success. More information about Microsoft Business Solutions can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/businesssolutions/ .
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Microsoft Business Solutions ApS is a subsidiary of Microsoft Corp.
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