Featured on 'All About Microsoft'

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

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

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

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!

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

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?

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

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?

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

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....

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!"

Tips for Creating Services in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 - White Paper

While staying on the topic of integrations for Dynamics AX 2009, I wanted to give a link to a great resource that was first released in June of this year.

That is the Tips for Creating Services in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 - White Paper

The previous post, of consuming services inside Dynamics AX 2009 was taking and bring in data or working with serviecs from the point of Dynamics AX 2009 to the outside world.

This white paper goes into great details, helps, do's and dont's for creating Services that expose Dynamics AX 2009 to the outside world.

These services can then be consumed by the outside world for working with process, data, and business logic inside Dynamics AX.

Before this white paper came out, there was good help on the web with great blog entries, etc. However this white paper is recommended for anyone that is working with AIF, or will be working with AIF to expose Dynamics AX to the outside world.

From the white paper.:
"Microsoft Dynamics AX services are designed and implemented in the Application Object Tree (AOT) using X++. A service is defined once, but can be exposed via different transport protocols, such as a Web Service, an MSMQ adapter, a BizTalk adapter, or a file system adapter. Microsoft Dynamics AX tools and wizards are available to expose and deploy services to these different environments, leaving the application developer to focus on the service definition and implementation.

The application developer uses tools and wizards to generate and deploy the X++ service as a Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) service hosted in Internet Information Services (IIS). After a service has been implemented, any requests made to that service are forwarded from IIS and run on the Application Object Server (AOS). These generation tools create the service definition in the form of XML Schema Definitions (XSDs) and managed assemblies. From a high level, service requests are made to the managed assemblies that delegate them to the X++ service implementation using .NET Business Connector. The incoming message is not deserialized inside the managed assembly to increase performance."

AIF, in Dynamics AX 2009, comes as part of the base package and should be used for exposing business logic, data and processes to the outside world.

That's all for now, check back soon!




"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

X++ byref for .Net reference and out method parameters

Since we are on the topic if integrations for our current post threads, I thought I would point out something very interesting.

In Dynamics AX 4.0 and before, if you had a .Net assembly or some of the COM or API call that made use of reference or our method parameters, you would have to wrap this integration in .Net 2.0 and expose such methods through much simplier calls with normal method parameters that are sent in.

In Dynamics AX 2009, the byref keyword was added, so that you do not have to do this anymore. You can now make calls to such methods that make use of reference or out method parameters.

You can find more about this here.: How to: Use the byref Keyword for CLR Interop

I myself have had to create such .Net wrappers around integration points that made such use of reference or out method parameters. Now that layer can go away with Dynamics AX 2009.

This opens up a good path of possibilities, and takes away a layer of abstraction that only existed because of X++ limits.

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




"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"