Microsoft has lined up 20 software, hardware and systems integration partners in support of its 'Experience Capital Markets' programme, designed to ease the technology sourcing and integration burden for securities firms building on .NET and XML-based Web Services platforms.
The vendor is launching the initiative at the Securities Industry Association technology management forum, which opens in New York today. Companies in the fold include, Capgemini, Citadel Security Software Inc., Cluster Seven Ltd., Comprehensive Software Systems Inc. (CSS), Cornell Theory Center, Envision, GaleForce Solutions Inc., GRT Corp., HP, Immedient Business Solutions from INS, Impact Technologies Group Inc., Kintos, Lava Trading Inc., NetEconomy, Oculus Info Inc., OutlookSoft Corp., Rapid Addition Ltd., Resolute Inc., Reuters, SunGard STeP Solutions, TAP Solutions Inc., Vhayu Technologies, Volante Technologies Inc. and weComm Ltd.
Microsoft says partners have been selected to address key issues across the capital markets industry from workflow and records management to regulatory mandates and increasing costs.
Kenny McBride, global industry manager of capital markets and securities for the Financial Services Group at Microsoft, says the need for real-time information and business intelligence, greater security and compliance, improved productivity, and greater insight into customer information are forcing industry participants to use technology in ways unheard of a few years ago.
"The experience Capital Markets initiative provides an easier way to source and consider business solutions based on Microsoft technologies that get at these issues and help improve customer retention, reduce risk, drive additional revenue and reduce the cost of operations," he says.
Last month, Microsoft announced that it would increase the size of its US sales force and its commitment across all vertical industries, including capital markets and securities, adding up to 10 percent more industry sales and product specialist positions nationwide.