by John Tolbert
As we begin our planning to attend Convergence 2013 in New Orleans, most of our thoughts go toward hotels, flights and "which sessions do I plan to attend" and/or "evening plans for the week". Convergence offers many ways to learn a lot about your favorite Microsoft Dynamics ERP or CRM system and network with colleagues...but it offers much more than that. I oversee a key Microsoft business system for my company. I am always looking to see how this system works with other Microsoft programs and hardware (Surface) and what's going on with other parts of the company. Convergence always offers a core group of sessions relating to the "other" Microsoft offerings such as Office and SharePoint. When we speak of corporate direction we think of new products, strategies, support and "what's coming down the road" for Microsoft. This direction is always discussed by Microsoft executives in the Keynote, General and breakout sessions during the conference.
Of special interest to me this year is the support and development of their applications for mobile devices, especially for the newly released Surface running Windows 8. Microsoft has made it obvious that their Dynamics business solutions are a priority and a key part of their business by the continued support of Convergence every year. I always enjoy listening to the discussions on new acquisitions by Microsoft and how they may help my organization down the road. What's new this year or on the horizon... just might be a cool part of your system very soon. Stay Tuned at Convergence 2013!
John Tolbert is the Manager, Collaboration Services, IDEX Corporation