Dynamics AX

Blog spot lioght: Gotdax?

2009-11-08T12:01:00.004-06:00

I try to spotlight great resources I find from time to time. Places on the web that has some great peices of information, spanning the entire Microsoft stack, and how that relates to Dynamics AX.

In doing so, I will do these Blog spot light posts. Well today is one of those post, and I want to spotlight a blog called: Gotdax? - click here to visit.

This blog, was recently started this year it seems in July, by a one Jacob Sørensen who seems to be from around the north sea area of Europe, where AX was actually born.

His post, some we have see similar at the SysDict Blog and I myself have posted about, focus on the 'out of the box' ways to get things done inside Dynamics AX.

See I am a big fan of reflection, and reflective development. Meta-programming or meta-development as it is sometimes referred too. And Jacob touches some of that with his post.

Here are some of the interesting one's that he has posted so far.:

Merging code/elements in Layers

Extracting labels from one labelfile to another

Generating and running code RUNTIME.

I always encourage my fellow bloggers to continue to push the envolope in being creative, and posting relavent information that helps the Dynamics AX community.

This is for sure some good post, Jacob, and I hope to see more from you! Thanks for taking the time to post!

That's all for now. I have more planned post for the upcoming week, so see you then!

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

Dynamics Anywhere - A new mobile focus for Dynamics AX

2009-11-03T16:46:00.003-06:00

Last week a press release caught my eye. It was from a new company called 'Dynamics Anywhere'. A direct link to their website can be found here.: DynamicsAnywhere Website

This company was started to focus on Mobile based solutions for Dynamics brand ERP, and a big focus of that is Dynamics AX.

This comes at a time, when Microsoft stopped it's development of it's mobile framework. The reason Microsoft did this, was told in the ZDNet Blog entry that Mary Jo did, and this blog was featured in.

The news of that was first broke by MSDynamicsWorld.com.

Microsoft saw that most solutions are either custom or based on ISV based frameworks and solutions. And with that, has tipped it's hat and is depending on VAR's and ISV's to provide this need to customers.

That is where DynamicsAnywhere fits in. I am going to be digging deeper into what they actually will be offering, but this is some very interesting news. Mobile need for business data is growing in leaps and bounds, and when it comes to a build vs. buy, well the actual compare is build vs. buy+customize.

From the Press release.:
"On 15 October 2009 Dalosy, a well known and innovative Dutch company specialized in mobile solutions, has founded a new company: Dynamics Anywhere. Microsoft’s international Partner Development Center (PDC) program, in which Dalosy participated this year, resulted in the strategy to start a company fully dedicated to mobile business solutions . This is Dalosy’s answer to the market’s growing demand for flexible mobile solutions. Dynamics Anywhere will focus on the development and distribution of software for mobile applications for companies that use Microsoft Dynamics AX and NAV.

Dalosy has asked Mr. Joop van Voorthuijsen, director of the Dutch Partner Development Center and also founder and former CEO of To-Increase, to head Business Development. Joop has extensive experience in the field of development and distribution of software in the Microsoft Dynamics world. Combined with Dalosy’s broad knowledge of mobile solutions, this gives Dynamics Anywhere a very strong position.

Optimization
Dynamics Anywhere is an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) with focus on the development and distribution of software for mobile solutions for Microsoft Dynamics AX and NAV. These solutions, which will be sold globally through the Microsoft Dynamics partner channel, offer users of Dynamics AX and NAV the opportunity to optimize their business processes. Well known analysts, like IDC and Forrester, expect a lot of companies to invest in mobile solutions to be able to work more efficient and effective.

Improve productivity and save costs
Almost every business process can be improved by deployment of a mobile solution. Examples of this are management of order pickers in warehouses, sales order entry while visiting the customer, optimization of a distribution route or the execution of quality inspections. With Dynamics Anywhere’s innovative mobile solutions, the user can count on improvements in productivity and lower costs. The Return On Investment of these kinds of solutions is often less than one year."

The link to the full Press release can be found here.: DynamicsAnywhere Press Release

Check them out, as I will be, and seeing how this can possible help out customer needs in the mobile area.

That's all for now, back check back soon. See you next time!

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

A Possible Dynamics AX Solution - with the Cloud

2009-10-30T13:09:00.003-05:00

Alright,

As I talked about in my recent post, More Focus on the Cloud, I want to start showing how Dynamics AX 2009 and beyond can be used with the cloud, cloud services, cloud based applications and platforms.

To kick this off, I want to talk about a possibility that can be done today. So lets invent a company, called CompanyA. They already have Dynamics AX 2009 in place, and some integrations with Dynamics AX with other applications.

They are wanting though, to have a field service application for their field service agents. These agents are located all over the world, and sometimes are contract employees. They have a desired to have the Field Service mobile application to work directly with their instance of Dynamics AX. They want to be able to keep track of work done, by who, hours, operations performed, charges to the clients, ticket information, etc.

They don't want to open their network to the world, and don't really have a lot of internal staff to support hosting a web presence internally. They want to off load the hosting somewhere else.

Also they want to be able to push the data out in the cloud from AX for the field service agents to pick up when they can connect. Finally, they want to pull data from the cloud datasource, to get updates from the field service agents.

So with that said, lets look at this.:

This daigram shows Dynamics AX instance on the top part, with it's core business logic. Then you have AIF and the AIF generated .Net Services. These services live at the service layer, where some SSIS packages and custom .Net Services are used to perform some data extraction and loading for reporting into a datawarehouse possibly.

You have the Services layer acting as the bridge between the Dynamics AX On Premise solution, to the SQL Azure based Field Service Database.

With this option, which by the way can be done right now with the CTP version of SQL Azure, a very secure connection to the outside world, with limited and controlled interactions between Dynamics AX and the SQL Azure database takes place.

Next we have the Field Service Agents, that have a mobile based solution designed to connect to the SQL Azure database, when it can connect to the internet, to download specific information for that field service agent and to also upload updates from the field service agent.

So with this possible solution design, we can address the needs to the client, by making use of SQL Azure Cloud based database. And I point out again, this can be done right now with Dynamics AX 2009 and SQL Azure CTP.

Now to take some steps further, lets look at a diagram from MSDN.:

This image shows how a windows or web client, on-premise can be used and make use of the Windows Azure platform for SQL Azure and Application code that lives in the cloud.

That's all for now. More on this topic to come. If you have questions, issues, interests about seeing more of this. Drop me a comment on this post.

Till next time!

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

Dynamics AX 2009 - SSRS Report Deployment Issue

2009-10-28T17:40:00.004-05:00

If you have deployed the SSRS Report Lib.'s from Dynamics AX 2009 before, you might have ran into some timeout issues.

Even with deploying the reports one ReportLib at a time. And if you have not seen this yet, most likely you will.

An error message, sometimes with great detail will show up during the Reports Deployment process, and that will reference something similar to the following.

[ThreadAbortException: Thread was being aborted.]

The ThreadAbortException is the key for this error. Basically the thread trying to do the deploy is timing out writing to the Report Server.

Most likely you cause is related to the amount of langauge files / cultures that are trying to be deployed for the given ReportLib.

A simple change can be done to help fix this issue.

The following is the steps to do, that relate to the above table inside Dynamics AX.:
1) Open the AOT
2) Expand Data Dictionary > Tables > LanguageTable > Fields
3) Right click on the 'LabelFile' field and choose properties
4) Change the Visible property to 'Yes'
5) Save the change
6) Right click on the LanguageTable and choose Open
7) In the table, uncheck the Label file field for any languages that are not needed
8) Deploy the ReportLibs again that were having issues

This may not be the fix all the time, but most likely it will be. Also this can be used to help clean up the Report Manager. The initial deploy can deploy a lot of reports in languages you just don't care about. So you can remove those, or clear the entire Report Manager and then deploy with only the language files / Cultures that matter to you.

Well that's call for now, check back soon, as I have more post coming! See you then!

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

More Focus on the Cloud

2009-10-26T17:11:00.003-05:00

Alright,

So a topic that I have not talked about in a few months is really about to come into focus. Specifically in 2010. What I am talking about is Cloud Computing, and focused on the Cloud Platforms.

That's right I used the plural, because there are many now to choose from. However, the two that I will focus on for my postings are Windows Azure Cloud Platform, and then Google's AppEngine Cloud Platform.

Sometimes it will be a vs. and sometimes it will be different approaches. Because believe me, there are some major differences. For example SQL Azure is a true relational database. I have setup a SQL Azure database, then use SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio) to connect to it, and create tables, etc. Then use SSIS to initially fill the tables or work with that data. It's that simple with creating your relational data with SQL Azure.

However with Google's AppEngine it's a different ball game as POJO's, Plain Old Java Objects are stored via JDO, or Java Data Objects, into a not so relational datastore.

So this is a totally different mind set in thinking.

Now, to point why this will be important for 2010, and beyond. First all of the previous news and interest up to this point, but now check out the following three links.:

- RCPMAG: Making a Cloud Play
Check this statement out from that post.:
"What are kids doing in college today? They don't have Windows servers sitting in their dorm rooms to build really cool applications -- but they do have access to the Google App Engine. What's going to happen in three to five years when those kids start coming into the workforce? You're going to come in with a proposal for $100,000 of infrastructure costs, and there's going to be some kid fresh out of college saying, 'I think I can do that for nothing.' You have to understand the tradeoffs. There might be a reason to spend $100,000 -- there might not be."

That is a big, and true statement. Think about what happened when all of us College kids had Microsoft to play with? Or Java even, how did that change the world? This is going to be a similar aspect.

Now the following, point to interest and also Microsoft expanding it's Office Web Applications testing.:

-ZDNet: Survey: cloud interest grows triple-fold; cost may not be main factor
-Microsoft expanding Office Web Apps test program

Both Microsoft Windows Azure Platform and Google.com AppEngine are in beta still but very soon will be in full swing. And I have been playing with both, and you can do a lot already with these two. Again though it's a totally different mindset sometimes when you look at how you design a service, application, etc.

So I am using this post to talk about the focus on the Cloud, and these two options for working with Dynamics AX instances, and having real world, pratical applications living in the cloud, parts living in the cloud, services living in the cloud, and interacting with Dynamic AX instances on different levels.

The Hybrid Cloud will be the most domaint, and will be like that for the next 5-8 years, as trust builds and certain low level aspects of the computing pardiam are worked out.

See you soon, as we will go cloud hopping! Yes cheezy closing tag... oh well!

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

Windows 7 Launched Today!

2009-10-22T10:09:00.004-05:00

Well I would not be much of a Microsoft person, if I did not talk about the launch of Windows 7 today. This is the next release of the Microsoft Windows OS. So far, this OS has had rave reviews from critics and analysts alike.

The full online press kit can be found here.:
Windows 7 Launch Virtual Presskit

Just to make sure it's clear, like I posted about last week, Microsoft Dynamics AX 4.0 and 2009 are Windows 7 ready. So being able to take advantage of Windows 7 features as an OS for those companies wanting to make the move, your ERP investment is ready to make use of it now!

Here is the direct link to that post.: MSDW: Microsoft Confirms Dynamics AX Compatibility with Windows 7

Another interesting blog is one talking about what people are saying about Windows 7 OS.: What People Are Saying About Windows 7

That's all for now, congrats to the Windows OS development team, and the marketing team at Microsoft for the latest launch!

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

Dynamics AX 6.0: A look at MFP's write up on the AXModel concept

2009-10-21T15:29:00.002-05:00

Recent, MFP has been doing some great post about Dynamics AX 6.0, also currently known as Dynamics AX 2011. This next version is set to be released sometime in Q3 of next year, 2010.

MFP has done a series of post, talking about a new concept, called AXModels. This comes, as part of moving the Application files into SQL server, instead of being a flat file set of information.

Some of he highlighted benefits from this move to the SQL database, and also the introduction of axmodel concept are.:

You can have as many models per layer as you want.

You can deploy models from several sources into the same layer.

Strong Name Signing

Authenticode Signing

A few examples of uses for axmodels, specifically for development are.:

If you deliver more than one solution to a layer or across layers

If your solution is getting too big

If you write unit testing code and scripts

MFP has done a great job diving into this model concept, and it starts really with the move of the application files to SQL Server database.

So for the full details, check out the following, in order.:
-AX6 sneak preview - SQL AOD
-Introducing AX models - Part 1
-Introducing AX models - Part 2
-Introducing AX models - Part 3

I want to thank MFP for really diving into this topic. This will have a possible huge impact on the development of solutions and code, from a customer, VAR and ISV level.

MFP is planning on diving deeper still into axmodels, and so I recommend that you keep a close eye on his blog.

That's all for now, check back later as I have some great post planned. See you then!

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

MSDW: Microsoft Confirms Dynamics AX Compatibility with Windows 7

2009-10-16T17:29:00.004-05:00

Well, hot off the wire, there is a great write up about Microsoft confirming Dynamics AX compatibility with soon the be release Windows 7.

Direct link to the post.: MSDW: Microsoft Confirms Dynamics AX Compatibility with Windows 7

From the article.:
"Moving an ERP system to a new operating system is, by its very nature, fraught with peril. But upgrading to Windows 7 won't be a problem for Microsoft Dynamics AX customers because Dynamics AX 4.0 and AX 2009 are compatible with Windows 7, as well as with Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2"

And...
""This is particularly important for AX because it's a product that customers and partners carefully customize to their business processes," said Rob Helm, an analyst at Directions on Microsoft in Kirkland, Wash. "And once they've got it working they let it run for quite awhile, so it's quite likely that customers would like to move clients to Windows 7 without necessarily upgrading their Dynamics AX installation because of the risk of an upgrade of that particular application.""

Rob Helm from Microsoft hit it right, this is very important news for Dynamics AX customers. It means that Windows 7 benefits can be taken advantage of, when released, for those clients on Dynamics AX 4.0 or 2009.

Thanks Linda Rosencrance, for doing such a great write up, and point this out. The article quotes from the following blog post.:
DAX UK Blog: Microsoft Dynamics AX 4.0 and Dynamics AX 2009 Compatible with Microsoft Windows 7 and Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2

That's all for now. What a timely post though, seeing as how Windows 7 is set to hit the streets on Oct. 22nd.

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

5th year of blogging about Dynamics AX

2009-10-15T16:39:00.002-05:00

Well this month, means I am entering into my 5th year of blogging about Dynamics AX.

It's hard to believe it's already been that long. Just thinking about when I first started blogging, there was hardly anything out there with Axapta, now Dynamics AX. Now, there is a lot of great people writing and blogging about topics that are direct and indirectly about Dynamics AX.

Microsoft itself has really put a lot of effort into making MSDN section on Dynamics AX a place worth reading, and where you can find useful information.

I would like to thank all of those that have read my blog up till now, and I just hope I can continue to add good, meaniful content to the Dynamics Community.

We are really at a point with Microsoft Dynamics AX, where more and more Microsoft technologies must be known, than ever before. And as the rest of the stack becomes more and more a part of Dynamics AX, this will only increase in the amount of solid knolwedge and information is needed.

This means, of course, more topics will need to be covered, in detail, so that not only customers can benefit, but also partners, whom implement the Dynamics AX solution.

I will leave with many thanks, and that I hope in five more years, I will still be adding to the Dynamics community.

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

MSDynamicsWorld.com: AX Decisons 2009 Conference

2009-10-14T17:07:00.003-05:00

So I took the time and quickly regiested yesterday for the AX Decisions 2009 virtual conference.

I was sent an email, and went in early this morning, during lunch, and just now. I made sure to stop by most boths. It was actually very nice, and it seemed there was a good amount of turn out for this.

I also checked out some of the speakers, and the topics ranged along with speakers from Microsoft to Partners, and from the future of AX, BI, Lean, etc. etc.

For those of you that miss this event, it will be archived, so you should be able to get to the information, see the key note speeches on demand, through Jan. of 2010.

I am interested to see the published numbers from MSDynamicsWorld.com, on the actual turn out. It was nice though to get to meet people, virtually, from the Partner Space, AX Possible Customers, AXUG, etc. The great thing is, I could still get all of my work in, while having time to pop in here and there to check things out and get some information, make some contacts in the lounge area, etc.

Speaking of the lounge, it seems as though some might be getting cabin fever in wanting to play hide and go seek in the boths, and drinking a virtual beer here and there. :-)

That's all for now, but more great post are coming out. I also plan on taking some of the key note speeches and highlighting them from now, until they are taking down.

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

Microsoft Opens Windows Marketplace for Mobile Apps (WinMo)

2009-10-14T08:11:00.004-05:00

Recently, Mary Jo from ZDNet, posted on her 'All About Microsoft Blog' about MIcrosoft starting a new online Marketplace for WinMo Appes. (For those that don't know, WinMo = Windows Mobile.)

When questioned about the number of Apps the store is starting with, 246 at the time of the start, Robbie Bach, the President of Microsoft’s Entertainment and Devices Unit, said the following.:
"“Apple had less than 100 applications when it first launched its marketplace,” Bach said."

And...
"Bach also claimed it was “kind of goofy” to focus on the absolute numbers of applications in Microsoft’s Windows Mobile store, since the real measure of success is how many of those applications get used."

This is an interesting move by Microsoft, and one that will focus, mostly on the Consumer End of the application spectrum. Though I see a chance for windows mobile application to be developed, and sold that can tie into Dynamics AX or CRM.

A direct link to the Marketplace can be found here.: Windows® Marketplace for Mobile has launched!

I can tell you this, more and more of the clients I see are wanting to hook into their ERP / Backend systems for many different types of Application. So this will have an impact, possibly even direct, for the mobile focus with Dynamics AX.

I plan on keeping track of this, as I want to see how this compares to Apples AppStore, and also what can make this different and stand out.

That's all for now, check back soon as more great post are coming, including a focus on the cloud and Dynamics AX.

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

Microsoft Dynamics Salary Survey 2009

2009-10-12T15:20:00.002-05:00

Nigel Frank International contacted me today, about their current Salary Survey they are conducting.

Here is the direct link to their salary suvery.:
Nigel Frank International - Dynamics Salary Survey

Here is the information about it.:
"Nigel Frank International would like to invite you to complete what is to be our annual survey of Microsoft Dynamics salaries worldwide.

The survey will only take a couple of minutes to complete and your response and any personal details will be kept strictly confidential. The survey is available in the following languages for your convenience; English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Spanish, Italian, Norwegian, and Finnish.

As a thank-you for your contribution we will send you a PDF report of the results once they have been compiled. This will give you an insight into the salaries, opinions and demographics of your Microsoft Dynamics counterparts worldwide."

And finally.:
"Your response will be greatly appreciated and will help to give everyone in the Microsoft Dynamics community a greater understanding of their profession. "

I plan on doing this one myself, as I am interested to see how the rest of my peers, across the U.S. and the world are doing. It's always helpful, to understand the ecosystem in which who lives in. This is important part of that understanding.

Well check back soon, as I have some great post coming out this week. I am back at it, with about 90-95% myself. The flu, for a lack of better words, sucks!

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

Sick... Ugh!

2009-10-07T03:13:00.001-05:00

Well I was traveling this week, to client site, and as soon as I landed Monday morning, it all started with a cough.

It progressed quickly from that point, to cold chills, aches, pains, cough, runny nose and eye's.

I was lucky, that my doctor agreed to call in some Tamiflu for me. So I am taking that, but I have been up and down all night.

So I have to get some rest, and most likely will not be writing this week. However, I will be back in strong force next week, with a lot of great post.

See you then!

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

MSDW: Why Microsoft Dynamics Partners Begin with Big Advantages Over Competitors

2009-10-02T15:44:00.003-05:00

Over at MSDynamicsWorld.com, a new article was posted recently by Raman Dhooria, IT Consultant, Microsoft India.

The full post can be found here.:
Why Microsoft Dynamics Partners Begin with Big Advantages Over Competitors

This is a good read, from a Microsoft person that gets it. You can tell that he understands the value and power of what the Microsoft partner community represents. Specifically in the Dynamics world.

From the article.:
"If we compare the partner programs of various ERP players, the new channel program from Microsoft (Microsoft Partner Network) clearly supports the essence of partnership. It allows partners to innovate and create business models on Microsoft user-friendly platforms supported by billions of dollars of R&D investments. Further, Microsoft would promote the vertical solutions from partners."

I agree with him, the spreading out over the massive partner channel that exists for Microsoft products, really helps drive innovation. It helps, to also really push the Microsoft technologies, and platforms through a larger section of the working world.

As pointed out here, by Dhooria.:
"Can any other company, including SAP, pay out equal to Microsoft in R&D? In short can they spend around $9 billion on R&D investments? The answer is NO...and the result is quite evident - SAP/Oracle can't come close.

Do SAP partners enjoy flexibility to create vertical solutions and own them?
Again NO - SAP/Oracle wants the whole share of Pie and leave only implementation to the partners. Plainly, the model is archaic and needs to evolve.

The Microsoft partnership model aims at creating large numbers of profitable managed relationships, and banks on human entrepreneurial instincts to grow the whole economy."

And...
"If they can connect the enormous reach of their channel with the application prowess of Microsoft Dynamics partners, they create two new things - a new way of partnership driven business model. Second, change the rules of the game. The sheer size of this synergy would translate into a new economic phenomenon... ...How many sales persons can someone like SAP or Oracle afford to have?"

I also agree, that because of the nature and approach that the Microsoft Partner Channel brings, the sheer size of the force behind the technology, and implementing the solutions, means that more and more people reconize, learn and know how to use these technologies. This pushing then through the entire stack, from Office to Dynamics AX, to SharePoint and SQL Server.

This common platform approach, and something I wrote about now a few years back, found here.: What Dynamics AX beats SAP

And in that post, nearly three years old, I made a few statements, specifically talks on these same lines. The Product Stack, Research dollars, Microsoft's vision.

If you read through that old post, you will see the 2010 is upon us, and Microsoft Dynamics AX 2011 is set to be released then. What's on the roadmap for it? True SOA. ;-)

Now that last part is just a specific point to that older post, but coming back to Dhooria's points, Microsoft's Partner Channel is Microsoft's most valuable resource in making the sale and pushing the technology, that customer solutions are built on.

No other Partner Channel Comes close, not even from the other pseudo-platform companies.

Thanks Dhooria for the great write up. I think it's timely, because all the changes going on in the Partner Channel, from what I can tell, is going to really enable Microsoft and their partners to build up even further upon each other.

That's all for now! Check back soon!

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

Featured on 'All About Microsoft'

2009-09-30T17:30:00.004-05:00

Recently, my blog, Sunrise and Myself were featured and quoted on Mary Jo's 'All About Microsoft' blog.

The direct link to that entry can be found here.:
Microsoft offers no reasons for discontinuation of two Dynamics mobile products

Here is where I was quoted, and talked about.:
"Brandon George, Senior Technical Architect with Microsoft partner Sunrise Technologies (and author of a blog that covers Microsoft’s Dynamics moves), had some educated guesses of his own as to why the Softies may have decided to pull the plug. His list:

“1.) Most mobile applications for Dynamics AX are either running third party developed solutions or fully customized to the customer needs Mobile UI to DAX processes and business logic.

“2.) There is a purchase a foot, that will lead to easier development of mobile applications for accessing and working with X++ busienss logic, and the DAX controlled data model.

“3.) Microsoft is wanting their partners to continue to be the source for such developments and vertical offerings, and they want to provide, as usual the platform in which those vertical offerings are developed and delivered on.”"

And futhermore.:
"Update: It’s sounding like George’s suggested Reason No. 3 might be behind Microsoft’s plan to discontinue its two mobile ERP products. The aforementioned spokesperson just sent the following update:

“Microsoft believes the most effective mobile solutions will be those that meet specific business and industry needs and can be constantly developed to keep up with changing market conditions. The close contact of Microsoft partners to the market and their unique area of expertise allow them to tailor mobile solutions to the specific needs of their customers. With partner-built mobile solutions, businesses can benefit from the core functionality in Microsoft Dynamics, enhanced by the mobile expertise of local partners. Due to the broad availability of such partner-developed mobile solutions, Microsoft made a strategic decision to discontinue the current development of Microsoft Dynamics Mobile.”

In other (fewer) words: Microsoft decided to drop the products to alleviate conflict with its channel. If I get any more from the company on this, I’ll update this post again."

This is in reference to the post I did, from the article by MSDynamicsWorld.com, found here.: MSDW: What’s Behind Microsoft’s Discontinuation of Dynamics Mobile for AX and NAV?

So it seems that what Microsoft's reasoning behind this, turns out to be part of what myself and others were thinking. Still, from what I understand, there is a purchase that is related to this in the works.

So I am waiting to hear more details about that. Still I do think this is the correct and right move by Microsoft.

Well, that's all for now, check back soon!

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

Sunrise Technologies makes the Triad Business Journal's Fast 50 for the 3rd consecutive year

2009-09-28T17:24:00.004-05:00

Sunrise Technologies, Inc., the Microsoft Gold Certified VAR I am proud to be a part of, recently recieved an award, for the 3rd year in a row.

Sunrise has been named one of The Business Journal's 2008 Fast 50 winners. The year, coming in at number 17, 6 better than last year.

From the Press Release.:
"Sunrise Technologies ranked 17th this year, moving up six places from our 2008 ranking. Sunrise was one of only six technology providers, as well as the only Microsoft Dynamics Partner recognized in the Fast 50. 'We are honored to be recognized by the Business Journal for the 3rd year in a row as one of the fastest growing companies in the Triad.', states John Pence, President of Sunrise Technologies. 'Our ability to grow, even in these difficult economic conditions, is a testament to our great employees, and our successful business model.'"

The full length to the Press Release, can be found here.:
Sunrise Technologies makes the Triad Business Journal's Fast 50 for the 3rd consecutive year.

Congrats Sunrise! That's all for now, check back soon.

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

Webucator offering Dynamics Focused Instructor led, web based training

2009-09-28T14:08:00.004-05:00

Recently I had the change to review some of the customized, instructor led training, offered for Dynamics based topics, by Webucator.

Their current focus is CRM, FRX, and GP. From what I understand they are working on adding more, including classes for Dynamics AX.

What's great about these classes, and what webucator can offer, is they can be customized to fit specific needs to clients, or even groups of clients that need similar training benefits.

A list of some of the Dynamics focused classes follows.:

MOC 8399 - FRx 6.7 Report Design Essentials I

MOC 8400 - FRx 6.7 Report Design Essentials II

MOC 8912 - Customization and Configuration in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0

MOC 8913 - Applications in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0

MOC 8969 - Extending Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0

I recommend checking them out, and see what they can do for you. Also I have placed on the left hand toolbar of this site, a link to their site.

Also here is a direct link to their home page.: www.webucator.com

Well check back soon, more great post's, including Sunrise Technologies, recieves another award!

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

Microsoft's Vertical Strategy for Dynamics AX

2009-09-23T12:32:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, a lot of news broke about Microsoft in a buying mode for Vertical solutions from four different Microsoft based ISV's.

The offical Microsoft Press Release can be found here.:
Microsoft Dynamics Acquisitions Accelerate Industry Innovation for ERP Customers

Also over at MSDynamicsWorld.com, they covered this as well, with similar content and reference.:
At Long Last, Microsoft Unveils Its Verticals Strategy for Dynamics AX

Those two cover the broad, overall purchasing that is taking place. The two entries I did yesterday, were focused on what will be called "AX For Retail"

Those post can be found here.:
- LS Retail’s Industry Solution for Microsoft Dynamics AX Acquired by Microsoft
- AX For Retail - More news!

The coverage of this has been pretty good, with Microsoft's Crispin Read going over the high level benefits and vision to these moves. Once thing that I want to point out, and focus in on, for more detail is the following quote.:
"Partners will be able to focus on other more specialized functionality to serve companies that need additional customization, and will reduce their time to market and lower their investments"

That above statement comes from the MSDynamicsWorld.com article on this, which the link for that article is posted above.

So, Microsoft has been saying for years that more vertical solutions is promised, and in the making. Also for years, the Dynamics AX ecosystem for vertical solutions, has been delivered by the partner channel. Microsoft has always been a platform company, and wanting to provide a platform in which it's partners develop solutions on top of.

With this move, Microsoft raises it's own IP foot print up into the vertical solutions area. There are some great benefits to this, for example those mentioned of having these verticals have the R&D money and impact only a company the size of Microsoft can bring.

This also changes the game a bit, to where the support for these will move more in-house, more in-house MS knowledge will exist for these verticals, and it will also mean that certain partners will be able and feel more free, to make use of these verticals for thier customers or possible customers and not have a second partner involved.

So now, what we see in Dynamics AX is Microsoft is no longer just the platform provider, but also the major vertical solution provider as well. This will cause a shift in companies, like To-Increase, FullScope, etc. ISV's that had broad vertical focus, to switch gears, and focus into what is called Micro-verticals, that sit on top of these broader vertical offerings.

This means possible big changes for the development staffs that created those verticals at the companies mentioned. A change in direction, or a refocus.

So the partner, in this vision, is more focuses in on the services side, after the software sale, and the Dynamics AX Partner ISV offerings will continue to be more specialized, micro-vertical focused.

It's going to be interesting to see how this ripples through the entire ecosystem. I will end on I think this is mostly a positive move, looking at the benefits and all. Still there is a part of me wondering how far Microsoft plans to go up the Vertical in the future... interesting times for Dynamics AX either way.

You can say this, that for the Customer, it's a win. And for the Partners that already focused heavily in the Services side, and already did Micro-Vertical focus, it's a win. It's the larger ISV's that will have to re-invent themselves, and their staff.

Check back soon, as more to come!

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

AX For Retail - More news!

2009-09-22T15:25:00.004-05:00

Well as I mentioned in the previous post today,:
LS Retail’s Industry Solution for Microsoft Dynamics AX Acquired by Microsoft

"This 'AX For Retail' module is a step in the right direction, and from what I understand there might be more news in the area soon from a Microsoft point of view."

The news came a lot sooner than I thought it would. That is To-Increase just did a PR release, talking about how Microsoft has acquired their 'Retail Chain Manager solution'.

From the PR.:
"“Microsoft is investing in building industry functionality into its ERP product Dynamics AX and retail is a major focus for us,” says Crispin Read, general manager, Microsoft Dynamics ERP. "To-Increase is a proven ISV who will continue to deliver solutions that enhance the Microsoft Dynamics ERP platform and deliver value to customers.”

The agreement signed between Microsoft and To-Increase formalizes a strategic relationship between the Microsoft Dynamics Team and To-Increase. To-Increase will assist Microsoft in the migration of Retail Chain Manager to the next release of the Microsoft Dynamics AX retail solution. That end-to-end retail solution will include a Microsoft-based POS offering.

The agreement consists of a joint commitment from To-Increase and Microsoft to strengthen their solutions offerings to retail customers. Working under the Microsoft Certified for Dynamics program, To-Increase will focus on developing functionality specific to sub-verticals for the Microsoft Dynamics Retail solution."

The full Press Release can be found here.: TI: Microsoft acquires the To-Increase Retail Chain Manager solution

So then even more so completes this vision and drive for the 'AX For Retail' picture that is now really filling in for Dynamics AX 2011 and beyond.

Microsoft is getting really serious about it's retail offerings for current Dynamics AX Customer and future ones.

More soon on this, as to the details, what this means, how the technologies will be combined, etc. Exciting news! Check back soon!

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

LS Retail’s Industry Solution for Microsoft Dynamics AX Acquired by Microsoft

2009-09-22T12:57:00.004-05:00

Well, Microsoft has made a new move focusing on the retial needs for Dynamics AX current and future customers.

In a PR release today, LS Retail reports that Microsoft is buying it's "Retail Industry Solution for Microsoft Dynamics AX".

From the PR.:
"LS Retail today announced LS Retail’s Industry solution for Microsoft Dynamics AX has been acquired by Microsoft in a move that underlines Microsoft’s continued investment in the retail industry. The agreement brings LS Retail’s proven end to end retail solution into the Microsoft Dynamics AX portfolio.

In acquiring LS Retail’s Microsoft Dynamics AX products, Microsoft Dynamics continues its strategic drive to provide global retail customers with a comprehensive and cost effective, end-to-end retail solution for the market today. It further accelerates Microsoft Dynamics’ goal to provide standard retail functionality as part of the Microsoft Dynamics AX core industry solution and unleashes the extensive Microsoft Dynamics retail partner ecosystem in providing vertical and sub-vertical specific functionality efficiently across all retail opportunities."

More...
"“Microsoft is investing in building industry functionality into its ERP product Microsoft Dynamics AX and retail is a major focus for us,” says Crispin Read, general manager, Microsoft Dynamics ERP. "Acquiring a proven solution like LS Retail AX is a strategic move that enables Microsoft to drive further innovation with partners and customers.”"

So this is some exciting news, as the Road map fills out a little more for retail focused needs in Dynamics AX 2011 (6.0) and beyond. I am interested to see how this fits and makes use of the Dynamics POS system.

This AX For Retail module is a step in the right direction, and from what I understand there might be more news in the area soon from a Microsoft point of view.

More soon as I have more details... Check back soon!

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

Dynamics AX 2009, Virtualization - When and Why?

2009-09-21T17:49:00.002-05:00

With the release of Dynamics AX 2009, Windows Server 2008 and Hyper-V virtualization platform from Microsoft, virtualization possibilites exist in a support, certified fashion.

Dynamics AX 2009 is certified for Windows Server 2008 and Hyper-V:
Dynamics AX 2009 - System Requirements

From that link.:
"Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 is certified on Windows Server 2008 with Hyper-V Virtualization, and will support other virtualization solutions participating in the Server Virtualization Validation Program, consistent with the guidelines listed for all Microsoft software as part of Knowledge Base article 897615.

To use Hyper-V in a production environment, you must download the update for Windows Server 2008 described in Knowledge Base article 950050. The Beta version of Hyper-V, included by default with Windows Server 2008, is not supported."

So now that Dynamics AX 2009 is certified to be virtualized on Windows Server 2008 R2 and the Hyper-V platform, when would you do this, and why?

Well, just like most all other instances of virtualization, the first when would be development and testing enviornments. Having VM images you can bring up for testing, is a great way to save on setup and config time. Creating a VAP, or Virtual Appliance image of Dynamics AX 2009 is a great thing to do. Doing so, means you can quickly have an instance of Dynamics AX, configured with your license, Vertical Add-on's, customizations, and company setup, ready for development and testing.

The why of this is pretty easy to see. There is great benefit in doing this, and getting the most out of your invest from a hardware perspective.

Moving forward into production, there is also a place for Virtualization with Dynamics AX 2009 roles. As you can see in the above diagram though, SQL Server is listed at a different layer, below the Virtualized Platform.

This is a production level point that needs to be really understood. SQL Server, in a production environment, should be on it's own hardware, performance tuned and ready for use.

The rest of the roles can be virtualized, like AOS, Batch Server AOS, SSRS / SSAS, Integration Services, etc.

So this can really open the door, for getting the most out of a customer hardware investment, and not just in the development space anymore.

On the VAP subject line, there is actually a great article about this, that is focused on SQL Server VAP's. However than can easily be applied to Dynamics AX 2009 VAP's.

Check them out here.:
Part 1
Part 2

That's all for now, check back soon!

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

More on the Future of BI with Microsoft, Dynamics AX and Project Gemini

2009-09-17T10:59:00.003-05:00

In the past I mentioned Project Gemini, which will have a large impact on new features, and abilities for doing BI reporting, analytics in regard to Microsoft stack, including Dynamics AX.

The following is a great video that really goes into project Gemini, and covers what Gemini is.
Ch. 9 Project Gemini Video

From the details of the Video:
"Need to make timely business decisions without having to use complicated and sluggish analytical applications? Love to use Excel? Project Gemini is an Excel 2010 add-in that allows you to create powerful analyses by quickly manipulating millions of rows of data into a single Excel workbook and utilize Microsoft Office 2010 to share and collaborate on your insights with your team."

And..
"For all you spreadsheet jockeys out there, this should prove extraordinarliy useful to you when you need to crunch and analyze lots of data effeciently. Wow. 1,000,000 rows in Excel without causing a hang."

So this whole 'BI for the Masses' will start to have some real meaning behind the term, once Gemini becomes a reality.

Another great resource on this, can be found at the following link.:
Project "Gemini": Build powerful analytical applications

"You can combine native Excel 2010 functionality with Gemini’s in-memory engine to allow users to interactively explore and perform calculations on large data sets. In addition, you can easily streamline the process of integrating data from multiple sources – including corporate databases, spreadsheets, reports, and data feeds.

Share and collaborate with confidence by easily publishing your analysis to SharePoint 2010 and have other users enjoy the same slicer and fast-query capabilities when working on your Excel Services reports."

So now, with Office 2010, and the next release of Dynamics AX 2011, Analytics and Ad-hoc ability to really offer BI to masses will have a dramtic face lift and new offerings. This includes collaboration making use of SharePoint, which is already a big part of the Dynamics AX platform.

This is going to add to, the already existing abilities of BI options with Dynamics AX, and will add to also the ability to talior Role Centers and add meaningful data points and reports / abilities to those users that need those Dashboard or Role Centers.

That's all for now, but check back soon as more to come.

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

MSDW: What’s Behind Microsoft’s Discontinuation of Dynamics Mobile for AX and NAV?

2009-09-15T16:56:00.003-05:00

Over at MSDynamicsWorld.com a recent article on Microsoft decision to discontinue development of the Microsoft Dynamics Mobile was published.

Reading this article, by Erik Herman, really can get you thinking about what is going on with this decision.

Erik brings up some thought provoking points.:
"Companies today certainly remain concerned with using technology to maximizing employee productivity. Mobile applications and architectures will continue to evolve and become more pervasive in general business technology terms and in the context of enterprise wide systems and environments. So it begs the question, what's Microsoft's thinking and impetus behind this course of action?

The discontinuation could mean several things both within Microsoft and for the larger Dynamics partner community. It could mean that Microsoft is choosing to focus on things they do best with their Dynamics product line, which is the development of the existing backend infrastructure tools, while allowing their client partners to handle the front end development of applications working against their Dynamics systems. Or, perhaps there's a forthcoming acquisition that will offer Microsoft a fully developed mobile product line (speculation alert)."

As Erik points out, that last option is a specilation alert, which should be noted, is a real possibility.

From what I understand on this point, there is a hybrid set of reason's for this decision.

1.) Most mobile applications for Dynamics AX are either running third party developed solutions or fully customized to the customer needs Mobile UI to DAX processes and business logic.

2.) There is a purchase a foot, that will lead to easier development of mobile applications for accessing and working with X++ busienss logic, and the DAX controlled data model.

3.) Microsoft is wanting their partners to continue to be the source for such developments and vertical offerings, and they want to provide, as usual the platform in which those vertical offerings are developed and delivered on.

So that is my understanding, from what I know, about this topic.

Thanks Erik for taking the time and adding such great value. This is a topic that we should all keep our eyes on, as the mobile front will only demand more and more applications, and need to access DAX business logic and data.

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

AXUG Summit 2009

2009-09-11T14:10:00.003-05:00

Well AXUG Summit 2009 will be kicking off next week, Sept. 14th - 18th. This is a great event, and one of the top events AX customers should be attending.

There is so much great possibilities to connect with other clients like yourself, running into similar problems, running similar processes. The possibility to share, growth, connect is just a great part and reason why you should be attending the AXUG this year, and really every year.

The cost is not that much, and it should be consider part of the on-going investiment to get the most ROI for your Dynamics AX implementation.

There will be Microsoft, VAR's, ISV's, and other customers. Sunrise Technologies, Inc. will be presenting there as a 'Platinum Sponsor'. Make sure to stop by and tell Heather, Mike, Cem, Amber, Susan and the rest of the Sunrise gang hello and tell them I sent you!

ACUG has changed the format of the training sessions this year, in hopes to allow more people access to the topics that most interest you.

Some of the top is going to be BI & Reporting, something I have wrote a lot about this year, and also performance, which is another topic I have covered a lot. Role Centers, Supply Chain, Lean, all these will be covered.

I will not be attending, as I will be busy on a project, however I will be there in spirit, and wish you all the best.

Thanks, and check back soon as I have a lot of great post already queued up, ready to start coming out next week.

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

Been gone for the week....

2009-09-11T08:49:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to write and let everyone know I have been on vacation for this past week.

It was labor day, and the vacation time was all local based, but still good rest. This was good until the last day. I had to go to the doctor, and found I have a rotatary cuff injury that they want me to start theraphy for. And on that same day, yestrday, I was in the hospital the rest of the day because I found out my grand father needs open heart surgery right away or he will no live very long.

So my last day of vacation was not that great at all. Things happen in life, and you just deal with it. However any prayers for my grand father would be most helpful.

I plan on getting back to writing, and maybe even have a post later today. I hope everyone has had a great week.

See you soon!

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"