Information Technology Blog

Microsoft currently offers three Corporate Performance Management (CPM) programs: FRx, Forecaster and Enterprise Reporting, which aid businesses in the areas of financial reporting, planning/budgeting/forecasting, and consolidation. Starting in May 2010, the capabilities of these CPM programs will gradually be combined into one program, Microsoft Dynamics Management Reporter, as part of an integration process that will take place over the next four years.

May 2010 marks the first step of the integration, as Microsoft will stop selling FRx, Microsoft's current financial reporting program, and will replace it with Management Reporter. Both Microsoft and non-Microsoft users of FRx will be asked to purchase Management Reporter in order to access the full range of financial reports and the support that comes with it, or risk continuing the use of their current program without future Microsoft support.

This initial step provides the foundation for future Performance Management functionality. Users of Microsoft Forecaster and Microsoft Enterprise Reporting should expect a similar transition in two and four years, respectively, until Performance Management houses all capabilities of the CPM programs for all Microsoft users.

Companies wanting to transition their data from the FRx program to Management Reporter can find step-by-step instructions on Microsoft's Tips and Tricks.

For more information on the Microsoft Management Reporter program, please contact our Technology Services Group at 440-449-6800.