Welcome to the Financial Services Channel of the BeyeNETWORK.

This channel provides insights into how business intelligence can help you address your business challenges. Through the channel, you will also read about the challenges, successes and lessons learned by a wide variety of participants in the financial services industry - including both the private sector and governmental agencies.

Companies in the financial services industry are leveraging business intelligence and performance management solutions to gain valuable insights into their organization, customers, operations, and supply chain and are positively impacting their bottom lines. Emphasis will be placed on the rapidly changing dynamics, needs and issues, facing the industry, consumers and vendors. We will discuss how participants are leveraging innovative strategies, technology and processes to gain competitive advantage, increase operational efficiency and manage risk.

Our approach is highly interactive and collaborative. We welcome your input on topics of interest, questions and other suggestions. Please contact either or both of us using the following email addresses: mbrooks@checkmateadvisors.com or BISolutions@avanade.com.

Markus is a BI Global Solutions Director and Avanad's primary business intelligence (BI) expert. He defines and directs the implementation of Avanade's solution strategy relative to Microsoft's BI products and alliances, including the creation of intellectual property (IP) and reusable implementation assets that accelerate customer deployment.

Markus leads a team of solution architects who work closely with the Microsoft Office Business Applications product group. His team influences the Microsoft product road map through the escalation of technical learnings, challenges and feedback from Avanade customers and the global BI community. Markus joined Avanade in 2005, and has more than 10 years of experience in designing and delivering Microsoft-based BI solutions. Prior to joining Avanade, he owned a business intelligence consulting company in Germany and worked in the management of a BI-focused ISV.

Editor's note: More financial articles, resources, news and events are available in the BeyeNETWORK's Financial Services Channel, led by Markus Sprenger. Be sure to visit today!