Thanks to DDS Shipper, its transportation and international commerce software package, the leading French TMS provider (Transport Management system), DDS Logistics, has just been named a ‘Microsoft Certified Partner’ for ‘ISV/Software Solutions’. This clear testimony to it reliability and performance means that DDS Logistics will be able to develop and incorporate Microsoft’s innovations into its solutions prior to their being generally released.

There were several stages to getting this invaluable recognition that opens up whole new possibilities. First of all, the first DDS shipper modules had to be adapted for SQL Server (modules resulting from the purchase of Forum Trafic in 2006). DDS Logistics’ solution, which is generally used with Oracle –the database that is the most widely used by its clients - Informix and DB2, together with dot.net technology, means that web applications and Windows applications can be created from the same development base.Various tests were carried out by the Microsoft VeriTest organisation, and a survey conducted with three DDS Logistics clients using the DDS Shipper solution (La Redoute, Carrefour and Nexans), so as to assess how well the software package performed and how reliable it was.

Numerous advantages. Being awarded level 2 certification like this means that DDS Logistics will have access to beta versions for new software developed by Microsoft before their release. DDS Logistics’ specialist Microsoft developers in its R&D department will be able to make sure their stay in step with any innovations.

This is a real advantage for DDS Logistics allowing in particular Web interfaces for its solutions to be developed more rapidly via Visual Studio in dot.net. (These web portals allow all the those involved, both clients and service providers, to access information about transportation, logistics costs, stock states, etc. and to update them). DDS Logistics’ clients will therefore benefit from a tailor-made solution whenever the software changes.Being a ‘Microsoft Certified Partner’ also means DDS Logistics will work with Microsoft’s experts and benefit from their technical advice and support, will have supplementary software licences and enjoy preferential rates for Microsoft technology training courses.

Finally, DDS Logistics will appear in the Microsoft Internet catalogue of referenced partners, allowing companies to find a service provider able to meet their needs via a search engine