ATLANTA and KIRKLAND, Wash., Oct. 9, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Global supply chain solutions leader Manhattan Associates, Inc. (Nasdaq:MANH) has invited Kineticsware, a global software company and Microsoft Certified partner, to join the company's exclusive Master VAR program in the Americas. Inclusion in the by-invitation-only program gives a Master VAR access to Manhattan Associates' market-leading supply chain solutions and strong global organization of services professionals. Based on joint success in the U.S., and Kineticsware's expertise and international presence, Kineticsware will also work with Manhattan Associates in multiple geographies including Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). To launch the partnership in EMEA, Kineticsware will be a Gold Sponsor at Manhattan Associates' Momentum EMEA 2007 conference in Paris, October 8-9, 2007. In turn, Kineticsware and Manhattan Associates will team up at the Microsoft EMEA Convergence conference October 23-25, 2007 in Copenhagen.
Kineticsware's deep domain knowledge in distribution, experience in the mid-market, Microsoft Dynamics AX capabilities, and specialty in consumer packaged goods (CPG) were key factors in the company's invitation to the new Master VAR program. By participating in this program, Kineticsware will gain access to more sophisticated selling tools and broader software revenue opportunities.
"Manhattan Associates created the new designation of Master VAR to support our aggressive go-to-market approach in the Americas. As the first Master VAR, Kineticsware will set the pace for the channel partners that join the program over time," said Jeff Mitchell, executive vice president, Manhattan Associates. "The relationship with Kineticsware will enable Manhattan Associates to extend our reach into supplemental markets and geographies."
This Master VAR program is a natural extension of Kineticsware's own Partner Program which uses a two-tiered partner approach to allow its own partners to successfully market the Manhattan Associates, Microsoft Dynamics, and Kineticsware Industry Solutions through training, demand generation, sales and implementation support programs. By partnering with Kineticsware, a company will have the opportunity to successfully promote industry-leading solutions in key markets around the world with a world-class service and support infrastructure.
Both companies linked to Microsoft
Manhattan Associates' "Certified for Microsoft Dynamics" status means that its global supply chain solutions have been thoroughly tested and optimized for the Microsoft Dynamics AX environment. Microsoft Dynamics AX is a line of integrated, adaptable business management solutions that automate and streamline supply chain, finance and customer relationship processes.
Kineticsware extends the value of the Microsoft Dynamics AX platform by adding its all-important domain knowledge in supply chain. A proven track record of working exclusively with leading consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies has made Kineticsware the partner of choice in this complex market.
"We are very excited to be invited into Manhattan Associates' Master VAR program," says Chris Zimmerman, vice president, Partner Program, Kineticsware. "This opportunity will enable Kineticsware to expand our supply chain solution offerings. The joining of Microsoft, Manhattan Associates and Kineticsware creates an unbeatable combination of domain expertise and software solutions for our mid-market customers in the CPG world."
Kineticsware's Advanced Planning Solution (KAPS), a closed loop planning and execution system specifically developed for the CPG market, operates in Microsoft's AX environment and adds the critical vertical market functionality that CPG companies need. Coupling Manhattan Associates' global supply chain solutions with KAPS produces an end-to-end solution that bridges CPG needs - from supply chain planning through outbound fulfillment.
By tapping Kineticsware to represent its market-leading supply chain solutions, Manhattan Associates will expand its reach for medium-sized consumer goods manufacturers and distributors.
About Kineticsware
Kineticsware is a global software company and Microsoft Certified partner with unparalleled industry expertise. The company delivers adaptable business management solutions for supply chain-intensive companies in the high technology, consumer goods, apparel, and textile value chains. Kineticsware software extends Microsoft Dynamics and helps customers gain competitive advantage by improving employee productivity, increasing competitive agility, and lowering operational costs. By giving medium-sized companies an experience historically only available to large enterprises, the company creates lasting business value for customers with the lowest possible risk and highest possible return. For more information visit: www.kineticsware.com.
About Manhattan Associates
Manhattan Associates(r) provides global supply chain solutions to organizations that consider supply chain software, processes and technology strategic to market leadership. The company's software portfolio includes five key Supply Chain Solution Suites: Planning and Forecasting, Inventory Optimization, Order Lifecycle Management, Transportation Lifecycle Management and Distribution Management. These solution suites are enhanced by Platform Applications -- including Supply Chain Intelligence, Supply Chain Visibility and Supply Chain Event Management -- that organize and deliver the information and processes needed to optimize supply chains across functions and locations within and outside an enterprise. A Supply Chain Process Platform provides a unifying architecture that fosters agility and scalability while minimizing solution implementation, evolution and support costs. More than 1,200 customers worldwide use Manhattan Associates' global supply chain solutions to enhance profitability and build sustainable competitive advantage. For more information, please visit www.manh.com