Microsoft is once again commited to improving it’s product offerings by spending a massive amount of money on research & development.

AMR research in a recent report:

 “ERP (is) a crucial component to Microsoft Business Solutions‘ People Ready positioning,(and) also presents revenue opportunities for other Microsoft businesses. And we all know how Microsoft feels about revenue opportunities for its other businesses.”

All told, Microsoft spent over $8 Billion dollars on research and development in it’s fiscal year 2009. They spent that amount across all product lines. In comparison, Sage has fallen behind in their R&D spending, thus causing their products to appear outdated to new prospects and existing customers. It’s Microsoft’s goal to be the leader in the mid-market ERP game and they seem to be putting the money where their mouth is.