Microsoft to help Columbia Sportswear drive their digital transformation

Microsoft and Columbia Sportswear today announced plans to help the outerwear, sportswear, and footwear company through their digital transformation. The leading innovator in the active outdoor apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment industries will turn to the power of Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Microsoft Azure cloud as part of the new plan.

According to Microsoft, thanks to Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Microsoft Azure cloud, Columbia Sportswear will be able to “manage merchandise globally and streamline operations with increased efficiency.” The company will also be able to use the solutions in their retail, call center, customer relationship management and merchandising operations. This also helps the company personalize engagement with customers thanks to enhanced digital tools and information.

In the words of  Michael Hirt, chief information officer at Columbia Sportswear:

“At Columbia, we have a long history of leveraging innovative technologies to help connect active people with their passions…his practice extends not just to our products, but across every aspect of our business. Through our collaboration with Microsoft, we’re implementing intelligent cloud technology to streamline our global operations and provide additional flexibility and convenience to our consumers.”

Judson Althoff, executive vice president, Worldwide Commercial Business at Microsoft also expressed how this partnership will further make Columbia Sportswear an industry leader:

“Established in 1938, Columbia Sportswear is setting itself up to be an industry leader for another 80 years…Columbia Sportswear will leverage Microsoft’s intelligent cloud to connect data, people and processes globally to deliver personalized shopping experiences for its customers.”

Columbia Sportswear joins many other companies who have already partnered with Microsoft to drive digital transformation. UBS and Maersk, Hershey, Geico, and Fruit of the Loom are just a few of the companies which already deployed Microsoft services as part of their digital transformation.