Infor launches cloud initiative Microsoft Windows Azure Platform

ERP, asset management and expense management applications are available immediateluy, according to Jim Schaper, Infor chairman and chief executive officer. Each provides identical functionality of the respective on-premise Infor applications, but delivered as a cloud-based service, with several flexible pricing options. The solutions also use Infor ION to share data with users' on-premise Infor and non-Infor applications securely – allowing for flexible and/or incremental deployment and easing hybrid implementations. "We've heard loud and clear from an increasing number of our mid-market customers that they want the benefits of cloud-based services, but without sacrificing reliability or functionality," explains Schaper. "With Infor24, powered by Microsoft Windows Azure, customers will get the rich functionality they want, the cost-effectiveness and simplicity they need, and the rock-solid dependability they can't afford to lose," he adds. Infor chose Windows Azure as its preferred cloud platform, he says, because the company found Microsoft to be the most flexible and robust platform provider across on-premise and cloud-based applications. Schaper says Infor is confident Windows Azure will give Infor and its partners a clear speed and efficiency advantage when bringing solutions to market. Early adopters seem convinced: Paul Stamas, vice president of IT at Mohawk Fine Papers, says: "With on-premise Infor Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) and Asset Sustainability Edition (ASE), we have significantly lowered our total energy consumption, reduced our carbon footprint, and enhanced Mohawk's environmental stewardship leadership in the industry. "We're thrilled to see Infor's product roadmap evolve with the Infor24 launch and even closer integration with Microsoft. Infor24 cloud-based solutions using Infor ION offer higher levels of enterprise agility and the flexibility to deploy best-of-breed applications."