Once more Microsoft purchases ERP software in Denmark: Columbus IT sells the rights to the software solution RCM – Retail Chain Management – to Microsoft for USD 5 million. In addition, Microsoft has asked Columbus IT to further develop the software for an additional payment totalling millions of US Dollars.

The world’s largest software company, Microsoft, has once again made a Danish acquisition: Columbus IT is selling the IP (Intellectual Property) rights to its retail sector software solution to Microsoft for USD 5 million. This benefits Microsoft’s wide range of customers and dealers, as well as Columbus IT, which hereby secures increased sales and further development of the product, while attaining the all-important status of a Microsoft partner. The acquired rights are to software developed by the Columbus IT subsidiary, To-Increase.

Microsoft’s acquisition of the IP rights to the software for the retail sector represents an important step in the company’s strategy for further developing Microsoft’s Dynamics AX.

This is a very positive development. Two years ago, we announced the strategy for our software development company To-Increase, and now our plans are being realised: We have developed technology that Microsoft can market globally with its strong market position. For Columbus IT, in addition to the monetary gain, this means that our sales process will become more efficient, thereby increasing our sales,” says Columbus IT Group Managing Director Claus E. Hansen.

The sale of the rights to Microsoft represents a seal of approval for our ability to develop solutions designed for specific industries for Microsoft’s global customers. The development of this successful software takes place in our software company, To-Increase. There is a huge market for sales and delivery of international business solutions and with our broad knowledge of Microsoft’s products and solutions, we have developed an industry-specific solution that provides retail customers with an entirely unique and customised functionality. The solution is developed specifically for retail customers and the number one task of our experts will be to further develop and maintain RCM and similar solutions in the coming years,” says Columbus IT A/S Group Managing Director Claus E. Hansen.

Strategically vital agreement between Microsoft and Columbus IT

It is critical for Microsoft to be able to offer global retail customers the best and most quality-controlled software in the market, and for Columbus IT and its subsidiary, To-Increase, the agreement solidifies the group’s role a leading supplier of Microsoft-based software and service solutions for companies.

Columbus IT’s software company, To-Increase, which has divisions in Denmark, Norway and The Netherlands, develops specialised vertical solutions that function as applications for Microsoft Dynamics AX. The rights purchased by Microsoft are based on a standard solution and include all of the basic functionalities required by retail customers.

Microsoft chooses Columbus IT design

According to Microsoft, standardizing the IT solution for the retail sector and including a range of new basic functions will help reduce companies’ total cost of ownership:

This acquisition and relationship with Columbus IT help build on the Microsoft Dynamics ERP strategy to drive industry-specific innovation for customers while enabling partners to deliver repeatable, vertical solutions. Columbus IT is an organization with great experience and proven success in delivering quality and value to customers,” says Corporate Vice President Kirill Tatarinov, Microsoft Dynamics.

Columbus IT is a key Microsoft global implementation partner in sectors including retail, and Columbus IT’s To-Increase is a development partner of complete vertical solutions.

One of our goals and a part of our business strategy is to develop specialised solutions and together with Microsoft, we focus our resources so that we will always be first with innovative solutions that generate results for companies,” says Columbus IT Group Managing Director Claus E. Hansen.

The demand for comprehensive standard solutions with quick ROI is in focus and the new Microsoft solution delivers the necessary flexibility and scalability that gives companies competitive advantages.

We have some of the world’s most talented Microsoft experts and because we understand how to use our competencies and tools right, we develop solutions that few other Microsoft partners can match,” says Columbus IT Group Managing Director Claus E. Hansen.