During the week of March 9th through the 13th, while other students were studying for their midterms and day-dreaming of their Spring Break plans, MIS student, Nathan Nerenz, and instructor Joseph Latimer were presenting at the 2009 Microsoft Convergence Conference. Their presentation to the Microsoft Dynamics Academic Alliance discussed how to implement business intelligence solutions through the use of virtual machines. The conference was held in New Orleans, LA this year. The Microsoft website says:
Convergence is the premier Microsoft Dynamics event, bringing customers, partners, team members and industry experts together to discuss ways... Microsoft Dynamics solution can help...cut costs, improve operational efficiencies, increase employee productivity and maximize ...current platform investments, which, in turn, can foster long-term, profitable growth.
Through the Microsoft Academic Alliance, the two
attended presentations that showcased new Microsoft products,
curriculum resources, and a forum about how to leverage
enterprise system technology for curricular innovation and
redesign. Also held was a partner panel where educators and
industry professionals had the opportunity to discuss
instructional practices and how it relates to employer
expectations. Nerenz and Latimer also attended the keynote
delivered by Kevin Schofield, General Manager Microsoft Research.
Several concurrent sessions and interactive discussions were held
that offered insight and demonstrations on the Dynamics software
product line (GP, CRM, NAV, and AX), business intelligence, and
server platforms. The conference also featured an expo with some
of the largest Dynamics partners, including Hewlett Packard.
Close to 7,500 people attended the conference this year in the
Big Easy.
Nerenz and Latimer both feel that NDSU's presence at the conference was well received. By attending Convergence, attendees are able to collaborate and network with other higher education institutions and Microsoft partners. Making these connections and learning about new products are essential to staying ahead of the enterprise resource planning curve.