VcsTimeless forms a major technological alliance with Microsoft

VcsTimeless, leading software and professional services provider to the non-food and speciality retail sector, today announced a strategic partnership with Microsoft. The agreement centres on the deployment of Microsoft SQL Server, largely favoured by retailers, for VcsTimeless existing retail product suite, Colombus, and the development of a completely new retail management software suite based on Microsoft .NET technologies. Software pioneer VcsTimeless will once again set itself apart from its competitors through leading edge retail applications which are resolutely open, simple, robust and in line with its clients current and future technology requirements (OLAP technology, n-tier architecture, integration of Microsoft office tools, etc).

The focus of VcsTimeless is not only to select a partner who can provide "innovative and robust technology" but also to build a strong Pan-European partnership in the retail industry. The collaboration reflects the strategic importance both companies attach to the specialty retail sector, Michel Ramis, CEO of the VcsTimeless Group, acknowledges. To establish a partnership agreement with a company of Microsofts calibre represents a significant step in our development strategy and the penetration of new European markets. The alliance will not only increase the markets confidence in VcsTimeless but will also allow us to develop innovative retail applications at reduced development costs, and deliver excellent business value to our customers. Using Microsofts technical, sales and marketing resources and know-how, our commercial impact will also be stronger.

VcsTimeless will integrate Microsoft SQL Server and Analysis Services into its flagship solution, Colombus, from early 2004. This deployment will also prove vital in enhancing the Colombus business intelligence modules. In addition to the existing Colombus suite, VcsTimeless will adopt the Microsoft .NET platform to develop a revolutionary rich client / thin client software suite, to be commercialised from 2005. The latter will deploy n-tier architecture and take advantage of all the possibilities offered by web services.

VcsTimeless is a natural choice as a partner for Microsoft as the company is increasing its presence within the European retail sector and investing in research and development to create innovative retail-specific solutions on the Microsoft platform which will meet current and future needs, says Michel Annink, EMEA Group Manager Retail Industry, Microsoft.

In particular, as the retail sector is looking at technology to help it provide more value to the consumer, VcsTimeless is offering solutions which can leverage information to help make smarter, more timely business decisions and maximise the opportunities afforded by the Internet and the use of web services.