Microsoft launches PerformancePoint Server 2007

Microsoft has launched Office PerformancePoint Server 2007, a business intelligence application designed to help users at all levels of an organization make better planning and budget decisions.

The integrated application offers planning, programming, budgeting and execution capabilities. It combines business intelligence with a tool that helps users determine if resources are aligned with an organization's goals.

For example, the software could help federal agencies improve the way they manage performance by transforming goals and objectives into discrete programs and budgets. Managers could then track progress toward those goals from program planning through execution.

Many agencies require substantial time and personnel to conduct related operations such as aligning resources with goals, managing budget collaborators on a tight schedule, integrating budget data from disparate sources into a master database, or compiling a budget submission to the Office of Management and Budget or a Program Objective Memorandum for the secretary of Defense. PerformancePoint Server can aid agency officials in effectively managing those activities, according to Microsoft.

Like the company's other business intelligence products, PerformancePoint Server has the familiar Microsoft Office interface, making it easy to use, company officials said.

Rutrell Yasin writes for Government Computer News, 1105 Government Information Group publication.