Microsoft Corp. today announced that AMR Research Inc., a premier global provider of independent analysis to supply chain and technology executives, has published a survey report naming Microsoft Business Solutions (MBS) as the leading contender for businesses that will purchase or upgrade their enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions within the next year.

When asked which vendors would be considered for ERP software purchases in 2006, IT decision-makers from 271 surveyed companies most often chose Microsoft Business Solutions over all other major global brands. Behind MBS in the survey were Oracle Corp. and SAP AG, according to AMR’s Market Analytix Service Application Spending Series report, “Enterprise Resource Planning Spending Report, 2005–2006,” by Bob Locke, Jim Shepherd, and Wendy Davis.

“This AMR Research report validates what we’re hearing from our customers, that businesses prefer integrated and adaptable solutions over higher-priced products from companies such as SAP,” said James Utzschneider, general manager of product marketing for Microsoft Business Solutions.

MBS delivers best-of-breed financial management, supply chain management and customer relationship management solutions for organizations of all sizes. Microsoft’s ERP solutions were rebranded as Microsoft Dynamics™ late last year.