Navision to Expand Scope as Its Growth in U.S. Soars

With a choice of features such as multiple-language settings and a large partner base of about 2,000, Navision is growing in the United States at a clip of roughly 30 percent, according to general manager Mogens Elsberg. Addressing attendees at this week's Microsoft Convergence 2005 confab, Elsberg said that the U.S. is expected to become the fastest growing and largest user nation of Navision applications in the coming months. Navision 4.0 -- rolled out in October-- is available in 30 different languages and has been shipped to over 23 countries. That number will extend to 42 come May 1, 2005, as another 19 countries are added to the list. And a total of 1,000 new users will be added to Navision's customer base. As part of Microsoft Business Solutions' Wave Map, Navision plans on sailing out Navision 5.0 by the end of the third quarter of 2005 during Wave 1. The newest version will utilize Microsoft's SharePoint and Business Portal server to allow non-financial users like sales managers and executive officers to see a selected view of the company online. The enhanced Navision will have shortcuts, allowing users to personalize their product, explained Elsberg, "This is what we mean when we say empower users." Plans for Navision 6.0, to be released in 2007 to 2008 in MBS Wave 2, could not be detailed as of yet, said Kati Hvidtfeldt, group product manager for Navision. Said Hvidtfeldt, "Nothing is set yet. It depends on what the technology trends are at that time."