I thought that was a great way to explain SharePoint.  Just as a Swiss Army Knife keeps a number of tools connected so that they are always at the ready to do their individual jobs, SharePoint is a collection of tools that can address a variety of needs you may have in the course of doing business.  With SharePoint, you have six integrated capability areas or tools to work with:

Sites – provide a single infrastructure for all your business Web sites – intranets, extranets, and internet sites which enable you to share documents with colleagues, manage projects with partners, and publish information to customers.

Communities – leverage a single platform to manage all of your collaboration tools, making it easy for people to share ideas and work together.

Search-combine relevance, refinement, and social cues to help people the information and contacts they need to get their jobs done.

Content – manage content by setting up compliance measures behind the scenes and allowing people to work naturally in Microsoft Office.

Insights – give people access to the information in databases, reports, and business applications so that they can make good business decisions.

Composites – create do-it-yourself, no-code business solutions to quickly respond to changing needs.

With such powerful tools combined into one solution, SharePoint can seem like a big, intimidating undertaking.  That couldn’t be further from the truth, however.  Everything from the implementation to the customization to the day-to-day usability of SharePoint is designed to be scalable and accessible to organizations of any size.

To learn more about how much SharePoint has to offer and how little there is to fear, attend our complimentary webinar on March 8^th at 1:00 PM EST!

The reason that we have invested so much time and energy into building our Dynamics AX team and expertise is because of the strength of the product.  Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 is not just a new release of a great product.  Instead, it is a generational shift in business software, delivering new levels of capability, unmatched agility, and a compelling and empowering user experience. At the same time, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 sets a new standard for simplicity.  The way that Microsoft describes Dynamics AX 2012 is that it is Powerful, Agile, Simple.

The power, agility, and simplicity of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 are highlighted in the solution’s usability and integration:

Usability

Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 is a powerful tool because it empowers its users through its role-tailored user experience.  The role-based experience is familiar to Windows and Microsoft Office users and interoperates seamlessly with Office programs that users access every day, like Outlook and Excel.  Additionally, individual users’ are given immediate access to their top priority tasks and information critical to their own role through their individualize role center and dashboards.   By being role-tailored, Microsoft Dynamics AX provides better business intelligence, improves decision making, and empowers individual performance for the good of the organization.

Integration

Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 was not a typical product release, it was an entire architectural redesign of a solution.  The essence of the new architecture is the system’s ability to interoperate with business and productivity applications, communications solutions, and the underlying technology platform.  Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 also includes Application Integration Framework enhancements and new programming concepts help IT professionals connect the solution while writing less code.

We welcome the opportunity to share more with you on the power of the Dynamics AX 2012 platform and Socius team.  Contact us today to learn more!

1. Social Sharing – Sears is one example of a company using direct links on their website to post or tweet opinions of their products. Whether selling a product or service, allowing customers to immediately share their experience with friends and family is a fast way to get noticed.
2. Gamification Nation – Foursquare uses points and badges for checking in at destinations with this app. Many businesses are adding coupons or discounts to that service to attract users to visit and check in at their business. Competition and game-like features keeps apps and their social networks connected.

Social media continues to become a powerhouse force in daily life. Get linked to your customers using social media and see how it can generate sales and build customer loyalty.

There are two easy ways to do this 1.Drag the Internet Explorer 9 browser tab down to your taskbar at the bottom of your screen, or 2. Drag the favicon (the little picture in the address bar next to the http) onto the taskbar. Once you have done this, you will see an icon in your taskbar that will automatically launch that webpage when you click on it.

A full out ban of email may seem a little extreme for most offices. Instead, adding chat and IM (instant message) options for office communications may be more practical. Texting and IM can be a quick and efficient way to reach coworkers. Emails may remain better suited for longer communications. Video-conferencing, especially between employees in the field or at satellite locations, is also an alternative to face-to-face meetings and saves time and money on travel.

There are many ways to streamline office communications. If your email inbox is as large as mine, IM could be a great way to connect with co-workers and save time for more important business matters.

To get an idea of what is involved in this process, you can read How To Minimize Disruption When Upgrading Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012: The Right Steps and New Tools from MSDynamicsworld.com which highlights the steps you need to consider. If you are considering an upgrade we would be happy to work with you on preparing for and executing your upgrade. Contact us today to schedule a meeting to evaluate your needs.

Extended Support follows the Mainstream support phase for business and developer products and includes paid support, security update support (no additional cost), and non-security related Hotfix support (if customer has Extended Hotfix Support Agreement).

For more information about Mainstream or Extended Support for Microsoft Dynamics NAV 5.0, please visit the Support Lifecycle Page or Microsoft Dynamics NAV Support Lifecycle Information. Contact us if it’s time for an upgrade or for additional support with your Microsoft Dynamics software.

See what the future holds with NAV!

To make document storage safer though, Gittlen suggests putting policies in place for security and protection of corporate data. Limit the type of document stored in the cloud to protect the most sensitive data. Investigate your provider to see what level of security they can guarantee to protect against data loss and outages. Cloud service providers should also have backup and disaster recovery procedures in place. Make sure that you can also retrieve that data if your employee is on vacation or has left the company.

Document storage can be a cost-effective and productive way to test-drive cloud-computing options. Just like any other change involving IT products or services, it is wise to evaluate the risks and rewards before jumping into new technology feet first.

Overall Objective:

To successfully lead designated Microsoft Dynamics projects to conclusion in mid-market sized businesses with a high level of client satisfaction.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Responsible to client and practice leader for successful project delivery and execution
• Lead projects to successful conclusion, including but not limited to providing defined scope, completed on schedule and completed within budget
• Creating and maintaining a detailed project work plan
• Identifying project risks and creating a contingency plan
• Forecasting and adjusting the anticipated project schedule and resource requirements.
• Managing project budget and change order process
• Providing project status updates to project owners
• Perform mentoring and/or coaching to team members and share knowledge amongst all team members
• Document services rendered using Socius time and expense billing system and other project management templates
• Meet productivity and efficiency standards (billable hours and realization rates)
• Use internal systems and processes to maintain client relations and business operations
• Maintain Socius core competencies:  client focus, knowledge and skills, driving results, communication, teamwork and relationships, personal excellence, business insight, leadership, coaching and developing others
• Proactively participate in strategic “path forward” discussions/meetings with clients
• Attain certifications as necessary
• Perform other duties as assigned by leader

Qualifications:

• 3+ years experience managing larger scale software implementation projects
• Good understanding of all major activities for a business system implementation including analysis, design, development and deployment
• Demonstrated ability to scope project phases
• Skilled in executing several concurrent assignments
• Excellent presentation and communication skills targeted to effectively present information to C-level management, public groups and/or board of directors
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to quality, self-motivation and a strong drive to deliver results
• Demonstrated technical leadership, team management, analytical and problem solving skills
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, logistics management, computer science or information systems or equivalent
• Possesses a professional presence suitable for direct client interaction by telephone or in-person
• Experience with Microsoft Project, Microsoft SharePoint, and other tools that support project management
• Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) a plus
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics a plus

To Apply:

For consideration, please email your resume and salary requirements to careers@socius1.com or mail to Socius, Attn: HR, 5747 Perimeter Drive, Suite 200, Dublin, Ohio 43017. No phone calls please. Socius is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The value of Convergence comes from both the content of the sessions and the connections that you can make. Convergence offers a unique opportunity for keeping up-to-date on Microsoft® products and technologies; learning about the future vision and strategy for Microsoft Dynamics products; and networking with peers, industry experts, and Microsoft representatives who can help you extend your existing solutions to improve your bottom line.

As a Microsoft Dynamics user, Convergence offers something unique for you and the product(s) that you depend on to operate and automate your business:

Microsoft Dynamics AX

At Convergence®, explore and experience the benefits of Microsoft Dynamics® AX 2012 while learning how to get more value from Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009. Learn about Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 enhanced industry and core enterprise resource planning (ERP) functional capabilities. Whether you are an existing customer looking to upgrade or a prospective customer considering Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, you will walk away from Convergence with what you need to help your organization move forward and get more from your ERP investment.

You’ll also learn about:

• Upgrade value, best practices, and resources.
• Industry-specific enhancements and vertical solutions.
• Microsoft® Office and Microsoft Dynamics CRM integration.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM

Microsoft Dynamics® CRM 2011 was a landmark release for our product. At Convergence® 2012, you’ll experience the excitement of new Microsoft Dynamics CRM capabilities, including key enhancements in social customer relationship management (CRM), business productivity, collaboration, and insights. Whether you are deploying CRM for the first time or you’re looking to extend your deployments with Microsoft Dynamics CRM, you will leave this event with a complete view of all the new innovation now available with Microsoft Dynamics CRM as well as where the product is heading in both the short and long term.

Microsoft Dynamics GP

At Convergence®, see Microsoft Dynamics® GP 2010 and connect with the experts to get more out of the investment you have already made, and find out about the powerful upcoming Microsoft Dynamics GP “12” release. Learn how to use the financial and operational functionality of your solution to quickly adapt to the changing needs of your business and maximize the productivity of your people. Plus, discover how Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2 can help you find a new way to do business with:

• Enhanced ease of use and personalization.
• Advanced functionality.
• Business intelligence (BI) reporting capabilities that go beyond basic reporting.
• Built-in integration with Microsoft Dynamics CRM.
• Interoperability with other line-of-business applications.
• Online services and partner-hosted cloud solutions.

Microsoft Dynamics NAV

Within this year’s Microsoft Dynamics® NAV track agenda, you will have the opportunity to learn more about how Microsoft Dynamics NAV is designed to help you secure greater control, enhance your margins, and drive profitable growth. We will engage participants in sessions this year around these topics: cloud, industry-specific topics, and product tips and tricks, as well as technical deep-dive sessions. You’ll also have the opportunity to see what’s coming in the next release, Microsoft Dynamics NAV “7,” both in sessions and in hands-on labs.

Microsoft Dynamics SL

Attend Convergence® to learn about the additional features available for Microsoft Dynamics® SL 2011 and the areas of focus for the next release. Learn more about how this solution helps your project-driven organization streamline business processes, deliver insight, and connect project management and accounting across company divisions and locations. Plus, discover how the capabilities in Microsoft Dynamics SL 2011 can enhance business success, including:

• Business intelligence solution for Microsoft Dynamics SL.
• Connector for Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Microsoft Dynamics SL.
• Built-in connectors for Microsoft® Office and Microsoft Project 2010 for increased data sharing.
• Learn how to enhance existing Microsoft Dynamics SL 2011 features.

The Microsoft Dynamics SL track will provide sessions on new features, tips and tricks, and Microsoft Dynamics SL user group lead topics.

Register for Convergence 2012 Today so that you don’t miss out on all of this great content and the opportunity to connect with other software users and professionals in sunny Houston, Texas!