Microsoft Updates Great Plains

The update boasts more than 120 enhancements, according to Microsoft, including a new interface that resembles Microsoft Outlook, the Redmond, Wash.-based developer's prime e-mail and scheduling client.

Among other changes, Great Plains now lets users create new transactions based on existing ones (think template), and more quickly void, delete, correct, or change journal entries while still having audit control over the processes.

Great Plains 8.0 also sports increased integration with Microsoft Business Solutions Business Portal and Microsoft Office. Microsoft Business Portal 2.5 -- which will hit the street later this year -- offers new modules for online requisitions, expense entry, and approval, and e-delivery of sales documents to customers. On the Office side, Great Plains 8.0 users can create template-based communiqus -- sales letters, for instance -- in Microsoft Word, or attach maps and directions with Microsoft MapPoint.

Available now in the U.S. and Canada, Great Plains 8.0 will later roll out in localized editions in the United Kingdom, Latin America, Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Prices for Great Plains 8.0 begin at $4,500 for the Standard Edition and $6,500 for the Professional Edition.

*This story courtesy of Techweb.com.