XLRI eyes Microsoft, SAP alliances

Software giant Microsoft is examining a proposal to make Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI) a centre for excellence for its products. The focus would be on enterprise resource planning (ERP) packages for the managers of tomorrow, XLRI sources said.

"Microsoft evinced interest in making XLRI a Center for Excellence," said A K Pani, head of information systems department at XLRI.

XLRI would get Microsoft ERP packages "" Navision and Axapta "" for academic use. Meant for mid-size units, these generally cost between Rs 3-20 lakh. Navision caters to the lower end of mid-size companies, Axapta is meant for the upper end of the segment or companies with turnover of Rs 5-50 crore. "These packages provide best practices - customising and implementation are done by a consultancy", said Pani.

"XLRI would like to know whether Microsoft would provide training, hardware and small projects that the students can handle," said Pani.

XLRI was exploring a similar tie-up with SAP, a major player in the ERP sector. SAP ERP packages, generally for large-scale companies, cost Rs 20-100 crore.