Spring 2007

Two former directors of multi-channel software specialist Maginus, Harry Manley and Jon Whiteley, have left the company to start a new venture, Omnica, which will operate in some of the same markets.

Rather than create a brand new software suite from scratch, they are adapting Microsoft's generic Dynamics AX ERP software for use by catalogue, online and multi-channel retailers. They claim their company is the first in the UK to apply the Dynamics AX range in this market sector.

According to Harry Manley, who takes the role of commercial director: 'Most of the order management and CRM systems in the catalogue and multi-channel retail market have taken years to develop. It's increasingly difficult for independent software vendors to keep up, and a fresh approach is called for.'

He says Dynamics AX squares the circle, whilst at the same time 'setting higher standards for ERP systems.' He maintains that Dynamics AX 'delivers astonishing usability through an Outlook-style user interface, low long-term cost-of-ownership, and levels of reliability, functionality and flexibility.'