Microsoft Dynamics AX Helps Graphics Solution Specialist C2 Media Continue Competitive Edge in Customer Service

REDMOND, Wash. — July 18, 2006 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that C2 Media, a leading supplier of professional media graphics solutions, has selected Microsoft Dynamics™ AX as the technology of choice to streamline business processes internally and with its extensive roster of Fortune 500 clients. It chose Microsoft Dynamics AX over a number of other products, including several that are specific to the graphics industry, to replace nonintegrated legacy systems with one centralized tool to extend to multiple locations in the U.S. and Canada. The company, which differentiates itself from competitors with its careful attention to customer service, believed Microsoft Dynamics AX was the product that could help it best tailor its service and message to each individual client.

“When you can’t view information in a cohesive way, even day-to-day processes become unmanageable,” said David Manning, president of C2 Media. “In order to ensure that we continue to build our reputation by going the extra mile to make each client interaction a priority, our sales and client services staff needs a dashboard that views a piece of business from the first sales call to shop floor production to client reporting, and everything in between. Microsoft Dynamics AX will unquestionably help us even more keenly focus our competitive edge in customer service.”

The 20-year-old company, which employs more than 375 people, provides a wide range of print applications, including signage, postcards, window displays, promotional pieces, transit graphics, and other integrated print and media solutions. In addition to serving major media brands, the company provides services to clients in the retail, financial and technology industries. The company will use the new system to manage customer and internal communications, as well as to enable better processes with a wide network of vendors such as freight transportation companies. Manning also said that the company expects that the Microsoft Dynamics AX solution rollout will be easier and the adoption rate within the company faster than that of other solutions evaluated by his company, due to its familiar Microsoft® Office interface.

“In terms of the bottom line, there is so much to be gained from a simple, cohesive technology platform that empowers thorough communication,” said Mark A. Jensen, general manager of Microsoft Dynamics AX at Microsoft. “Microsoft Dynamics AX was designed to give a business a one-stop view of all of its internal processes and client accounts. Easy reporting functionality then enables the type of in-depth analysis and reporting needed to take things to the next step in terms of productivity and functionality. We are thrilled that C2 Media has chosen to put this powerful tool to work for its business.”

Microsoft Dynamics AX is an adaptable business management solution that enables companies and their workers to make business decisions with greater confidence. Microsoft Dynamics AX works like and with familiar Microsoft Office software, with comprehensive features that help automate and streamline business processes, and connect users with global customers, business partners and subsidiaries in a way that helps drive business success. C2 Media will also use the technology to communicate with vendors, freight services and other partners.

Cole Systems Associates Inc., a Microsoft Gold Partner based in New York, will implement C2 Media’s new Microsoft Dynamics AX technology solution. The company, which has chosen a specialty in Microsoft solutions because of their flexibility, power and value, brings a deep knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics AX to help C2 Media realize the best functionality for its needs.

“Microsoft technologies are the primary underlying basis for our business, infrastructure and development solutions,” said David Weiner, Microsoft Dynamics AX practice manager at Cole Systems. “We have developed a practice centered on Microsoft Dynamics AX because the technology enables us to assist our customers in maximizing success. The powerful out-of-the-box functionality combined with the adaptability of Microsoft Dynamics AX enables Cole Systems to produce a cost-effective total solution for each of our customers, no matter which industry. In the case of C2 Media, Cole Systems will take advantage of Microsoft Dynamics AX Application Integration Framework (AIF) integration to automatically send print jobs directly to the shop floor printers using industry-standard Job Definition Format (JDF) XML interfaces.”

About Microsoft Dynamics

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

About Microsoft

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

Microsoft and Microsoft Dynamics are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

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