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24 June 2003
Microsoft Business Solutions and thomsons online benefits announce Employee Benefit Revolution
Microsoft Business Solutions has announced a new joint initiative with thomsons online benefits to provide an integrated HR and employee benefits platform.
Microsoft Business Solutions has formed an alliance with thomsons because it offers the only online flexible and core benefit platform which can fully integrate with both its HR database and the employee benefit providers. Chris Bruce, Director of Strategic Alliances at thomsons explains, "For the first time there is an employee benefit platform that not only links directly with an HR software system but with the providers of a company's benefits. This means that there is only one set of data shared by the administrator, the employees and the providers. It completely removes the duplication of data entry and paper pushing that has always plagued employee benefits. This not only removes the administrative burden but eliminates the potential for errors and reconciliation issues between data held by the employer and the benefit providers. For example, when entering a new joiner into the Microsoft Business Solutions HR system, the data will automatically pre-populate the relevant area of the employee benefits database and the provider's."
thomsons has also pioneered a fully online "signatureless" benefit joining process, which has received Inland Revenue approval. Their platform is capable of administering a diverse range of benefit options from traditional to multi-currency flexible benefit programmes.
Microsoft Business Solutions also saw a synthesis in thomsons' approach to promoting the merits of a self-service model. Frans Ploen, Strategic Partner Manager of Microsoft Business Solutions explains, "We are always looking for ways to add value to our existing product suite and by partnering with thomsons we are able to offer an extra facility to employees. As well as viewing and making changes to their personal data, employees can now have the same level of interaction with their benefit records. Through our intranet product - Empower ePeople - employees can access their benefit information and use the interactive tools that thomsons has developed. This enables employees to understand and value the benefits provided for them and helps the company to strengthen their brand as an employer of choice."
Chris Bruce claims, "We are very proud to have the opportunity to partner so closely with Microsoft Business Solutions and look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of possibility in people administration".
Ends
About Microsoft Business Solutions
Microsoft Business Solutions, a division of Microsoft, offers a wide range of integrated, end-to-end business applications and services designed to help small, midmarket and corporate businesses become more connected with customers, employees, partners and suppliers. Microsoft Business Solutions' applications optimise strategic business processes across financial management, analytics, human resources management, project management, customer relationship management, field service management, supply chain management, e-commerce, manufacturing and retail management. The applications are designed to provide insight to help customers achieve business success. More information about Microsoft Business Solutions can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/uk/BusinessSolutions/. Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Other company and product names mentioned may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
For more information on Microsoft Business Solutions, press only:
Caroline Rabjohn
Inferno Communications Ltd
Tel: 020 8735 9100
Email: mbs@infernopr.com
For more information on thomsons online benefits
Caroline Shenton
thomsons online benefits
Tel: 020 7808 7588
Email: cs@t-bx.com
www.thomsonsonlinebenefits.com
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