Dominion Dealer Solutions and Microsoft Establish Strategic Relationship for Next-Generation Dealer Management System

New DMS based on Microsoft Dynamics AX to drive enhanced customer experience and operational efficiency for automotive dealers and manufacturers

NORFOLK, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dominion Dealer Solutions and Microsoft have established a strategic relationship to collaborate and create a next-generation Dealer Management System (DMS) based on Microsoft Dynamics AX. The two companies are combining the powerful foundation of Microsoft Dynamics AX with Dominion Dealer Solutions’ extensive automotive retail expertise and assets into an industry leading solution that will enable automotive dealers and manufacturers to enhance customer experience, increase revenue and profit and drive operational efficiencies. The solution will utilize Microsoft Dynamics AX, along with Microsoft server solutions and tools and the Windows Azure platform to take advantage of the efficiencies and flexibility offered by Microsoft’s public cloud offerings.

“The power and flexibility of Microsoft Dynamics AX enables partners like Dominion to rapidly and cost-effectively develop line-of-business solutions that drive accelerated business value for their customers.”

“Our strategy with Microsoft Dynamics AX is to provide a robust platform for game-changing solutions like the new Dealer Management System from Dominion,” said Christian Pedersen, General Manager of Microsoft Dynamics AX. “The power and flexibility of Microsoft Dynamics AX enables partners like Dominion to rapidly and cost-effectively develop line-of-business solutions that drive accelerated business value for their customers.”

“Combining Dominion's experience crafted through relationships with over 11,000 rooftops and Microsoft's technology will result in a tremendous, forward-looking Dealer Management System,” said Robert Berndt, President of Dominion Dealer Solutions. “The automotive DMS market has been dominated by large, legacy systems that severely limit the ability of dealers and manufacturers to meet customers' expectations and differentiate themselves from their competition. Our relationship with Microsoft gives us the capability to meet the needs of the market, and more, on day one. Dealers who use our DMS will experience flexibility they never dreamed possible, and they will be positioned for the future of automotive retailing.”

The relationship between Microsoft and Dominion is part of Microsoft Business Solutions’ strategic Global Independent Solutions Vendor (ISV) program, resulting in collaboration in R&D, marketing and sales. Dominion selected Microsoft Dynamics AX as the platform for the DMS, which offers the combination of industry leading ERP capabilities required for a DMS, along with rich integration and custom development capabilities that are ideal for a meeting the dynamic needs of a rapidly evolving retail market.

“We are excited to welcome Dominion as a member of the Global ISV program,” stated Doug Kennedy, Vice President of Partners for Microsoft Dynamics. “Their long history of delivering value for their customers aligns directly with our goals for the initiative.”

The new dealer management system will be initially rolled out to new vehicle dealerships in the United States, starting in Q1 2013.

About Microsoft Dynamics

Microsoft Dynamics solutions empower your people to be more productive and your systems to last longer and scale as your organization grows, while enabling you to derive the insights necessary to respond quickly in an ever-changing world.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

About Dominion Dealer Solutions

Dominion Dealer Solutions helps car dealers attract, retain, and service customers for life. Dominion Dealer Solutions' marketing performance system includes: lead generation, mobile apps, reputation management solutions, web-based customer relationship and lead management tools; custom digital marketing tools including websites, SEO, SEM, digital advertising, specialized data aggregation; and inventory management analytics including market reports. Every OEM and more than 60 percent of auto dealers nationwide utilize the Dominion Dealer Solutions' technologies to solve their marketing challenges. For more information, visit our website, like us on Facebook, Pinterest or YouTube, or follow us on Twitter.

About Dominion Enterprises

Dominion Enterprises is a leading marketing services and publishing company serving the automotive, recreational and commercial vehicle, real estate, apartment rental, employment, parenting, and travel industries. The company’s businesses provide a comprehensive suite of technology-based marketing solutions including Internet advertising, lead generation, customer relationship management, website design and hosting, and data management services. The company has more than 45 market-leading websites reaching more than 17 million unique visitors monthly. Millions of For Rent®, Employment Guide® and HotelCoupons.com® publications are distributed across the U.S. each year. Headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, the company has 3,300 employees in more than 145 offices in the United States, Canada, England and Italy. For more information, visit DominionEnterprises.com.