Microsoft is adding business intelligence software in the next version of its Office software - Office 12 - due in the second half of next year.

Office 12 will make better use of Excel spreadsheets to analyse company data. It will be easier to link Excel to SQL servers to get better access to enterprise information. Spreadsheet functions will also be improved. Excel Services will make it easier to share and secure spreadsheets.

Microsoft Office Business Scorecard Manager 2005 will be available from November for $5,000 for the server plus $175 per user. It will allow users to track KPIs (Key Performance Indicators).

More details on the Microsoft website here (http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/newsroom/office/BusinessIntelligenceFS.mspx) and here. (http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2005/oct05/10-23BiLaunchPR.mspx)

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