Microsoft Releases Tracking, Workflow Solution Tool

Microsoft announced the availability of Access Workflow Designer, a tool to help developers design and build Web-based workflow and tracking solutions that can also be used offline. The tool is free to all licensed Microsoft Office 2000 Developer users.From customer call tracking to expense reporting, Access Workflow Designer can enhance almost any team business process that needs to be tracked. Access Workflow Designer is Microsoft’s first developer tool that targets knowledge management scenarios.“Knowledge management is essential to remain competitive in today’s business environment,” says Tod Neilsen, Microsoft developer marketing vice president. “… Access Workflow Designer is our first developer tool optimized for building workflow solutions and automating business processes that lend a competitive edge. We are currently working on subsequent tools that will extend this knowledge management capability.”A new feature of Microsoft Office 2000 Developer, Access Workflow Designer combines SQL Server’s power and reliability with Microsoft Access’ ease of use of. This new feature helps developers automate a series of tasks in the order in which they must be performed, and defines who may perform them. These solutions, consisting of Web pages and data/workflow rules, can be taken offline for users not connected to a corporate network.Microsoft Office 2000 users can order Access Workflow Designer online at http://msdn.microsoft.com/officedev/. The tool is free, but connect-time charges may apply.