VW’s system integrator partners with Microsoft

IT solutions firm gedas, the global system integrator arm of automotive giant VW, is partnering with Microsoft Business Solutions (MBS) to offer consulting and implementation services around its Axapta (from the Navision acquisition) ERP system for manufacturers and others. Microsoft has made it plain that it wants to expand its enterprise applications business through additional IT systems partners beyond those already in the former Navision fold. And with Axapta pitched as the system for growing industrial SMEs, this is a useful signing. Gedas has clear links in the automotive sector, with systems under its belt not only for Volkswagen, but also BMW and Bentley, and currently looks after around 850 vehicle retailers in the UK alone. With support for all sorts of systems, from engineering design and PLM (product lifecycle management) all the way out to ERP and systems onto the plant floor, it’s very well placed to provide serious consulting and implementation muscle – and to start moving MBS up to the big league. “gedas has a global reputation as a leading systems integrator and consultancy to the automotive sector,” observes Simon Edwards, Microsoft Business Solutions UK country manager. “Thanks to its multi-national reach, consultancy pedigree and financial strength, gedas will be able to bring the full benefits of Axapta to its customers.” And that’s the kind of platitudinous stuff we would expect; but this is a big step. Money attracts money; power attracts power; and we can expect more organisations of this ilk to align with MBS as it continues to develop the Navision software alongside its business and supply chain frameworks. Already more users are sitting up and taking notice. And they like what they see. This one is set to roll.