Microsoft's SQL Server 7.0 Gains Momentum in Construction Industry

Strategic Insights -

Microsoft Corp. today announced that leading independent software vendors (ISVs) have developed and plan to ship construction applications built on Microsoft(R) SQL Server(TM) 7.0, most of which will be available by April 1999. This is a significant milestone for Microsoft, as SQL Server 7.0 is being utilized by major construction companies such as Brookfield Homes to improve productivity and streamline business processes. Vendors developing construction-specific solutions for SQL Server 7.0 include SAP AG, Meridian Project Systems Inc., and Sage Software Inc.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 is being adopted by leading construction companies, including Brookfield Homes, to improve productivity and streamline business processes.
  • Over 10 independent software vendors (ISVs) have developed construction-specific applications on top of SQL Server 7.0, including Alkon Corp., FAST Management Group, GEAC Computer Corporation Ltd., Management Computer Controls Inc. (MC2), Meridian Project Systems Inc., Sage Software Inc., SAP AG, Solomon Software, and WinEstimator Inc.
  • SQL Server 7.0 is a defining release for Microsoft database products, building on the solid foundation established by SQL Server 6.5.
  • The product brings business advantage and improved decision-making to all levels of an organization through the power of data warehousing and industry solutions as well as through its interoperability with Microsoft Office.
  • Gary Cooke, industry marketing manager for construction at Microsoft, stated that "In an industry such as construction, where the daily workplace can vary from an office to a job site, the collection, management and sharing of information is critical to running a business efficiently."
  • Meridian Project Systems Inc. is utilizing the Windows(R) operating system platform for their Prolog Executive product, which is the first application to provide organizations managing multiple construction projects with the ability to centrally compile and report on all project-related documentation in a single multiproject database.
  • Eric Simon, vice president of information technology at Brookfield Homes, stated that "In our PC environment, we consider Microsoft SQL Server the de facto database standard and Visual Basic(R) the development standard... Using Microsoft SQL Server and Visual Basic gives Brookfield Homes better access to support and development resources."

Statistics:

  • Over 10 ISVs have developed construction-specific applications on top of SQL Server 7.0
  • Brookfield Homes has doubled employee productivity through the use of an automated construction management system based on Microsoft BackOffice(R) family technologies and Solomon IV for BackOffice.

Sources:

  • "Microsoft Corp. Leads Software Market In 1998: IDC" (Microsoft)
  • "Microsoft Expands Office Product Line with New Document Exchange and Document Imaging Tools" (Microsoft)
  • "SQL Server 7.0: The Database of Choice for the Windows Platform" (Microsoft)
  • "Brookfield Homes Automates Construction Management with Microsoft BackOffice" (Microsoft)
  • "Alkon Corp. Extends Enterprise Solution to SQL Server 7.0" (Alkon Corp.)
  • "Microsoft, Windows, Visual Basic and BackOffice are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries" (Microsoft)