MICROSOFT, BAX GLOBAL LAUNCH OEM HARDWARE LOGISTICS PROGAM

MICROSOFT, BAX GLOBAL LAUNCH OEM HARDWARE LOGISTICS PROGAM    Microsoft Corp. and BAX Global have launched a five-region global logistics program to distribute the software giant's OEM Hardware business.
   The global logistics sites went operational in Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dallas-Fort Worth and Ridderkirk, The Netherlands. Dallas and Ridderkirk are the largest Microsoft operations, with 3,000 pallet positions each. The other three facilities hold 200 to 500 pallet positions.
As part of the launch BAX had to lease and begin operation of a new 42,000-square-foot facility in Dallas.
   The two companies said it is the first time they have launched a logistics and distribution program for its products across so many regions at one time.
   As a result of the contract, Microsoft has named BAX a global distribution turnkey logistics vendor for its OEM Hardware.
   BAX also handles Microsoft logistics programs, including the launch of its latest Office XP release. The XP launch required 193 separate shipments, some 187,000 pounds worth of software, delivered with 97 percent on-time performance over a two-week period, the company said.