MPN - Build your path to industry creditability and awareness

The Microsoft Partner Program got a major overhaul last year, and we covered some of those topic's in an interview this year with Microsoft's own Doug Kennedy, Interview with Microsoft's Doug Kennedy & Kees Hertogh

With this, and for the past several years really, all the top brass in the Microsoft Dynamics org has talked about the need for partners to be vertically focused. There has been massive efforts within the Microsoft Dynamics Partner Org to help align the Dynamics Partner Ecosystem, with the new MPN.

There are a lot of great resources on PartnerSource, and to help highlight this I wanted to point to a new Partner Learning Course Build your path to industry creditability and awareness!

This is very focused on the Partner, and so does not directly apply to a custom context, however this blog is meant to cover all things Dynamics, and that include the Partner Ecosystem at large.

Here's a snippet from the course details.:
"Our research indicates that our most successful and profitable partners are ISVs and VARs that have a deep understanding of the vertical requirements, business processes, and business challenges of their prospects. Similar to years past, Microsoft will continue to identify, brand and promote partners who are investing in vertical expertise, and delivering a vertical value proposition to win deals.

Join us to learn more about how to—Build your path to industry creditability and awareness!"

This is suppose to help a Partner focus on

• The Value and Process to Software Test and Certify Your Solutions that work well with Microsoft Dynamics
• The Microsoft Dynamics Marketplace
• Options to Promote Your Solution and/or Selling Expertise to Microsoft Field Sellers

There is some great content in here, and as we look to the future of Microsoft Dynamics ERP including that of the cloud, and beyond, the use of ERP App Stores (ie: MPN PinPoint), as well as vertically focused Partners, is going to be key for the continued success of the Dynamics Ecosystem.

So I highly recommend, taking an hour out, and joining Tera Long, no matter whatever or role you play within a Microsoft Partner. It will be well worth the time, and well worth the knowledge gained, so you can help do your part in the continue drive and growth of the Dynamics Ecosystem at large.

That's all for now, but check back soon as a whole lot more to come! Till Next time!



"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

Out-of-the-box Connector for Dynamics AX and CRM

Today, Microsoft has a new press release focusing on some new tools that allow customers to possibly save time and money. The full press release can be found here.: New Microsoft Dynamics ERP Resources Save Customers Time and Money

"Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq “MSFT”) today announced new resources to help improve productivity and save Microsoft Dynamics enterprise resource planning (ERP) customers time and money through new interoperable Microsoft technologies. The new resources include an out-of-the-box connector between Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Microsoft Dynamics AX and a Data Migration Assistant for Microsoft Dynamics AX customers moving from an Oracle database to Microsoft SQL Server.

“These offerings help enable Microsoft Dynamics ERP customers to take full advantage of the benefits of Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Microsoft SQL Server in an easy and cost- effective way,” said Guy Weismantel, director, Microsoft Dynamics ERP Product Marketing. “By offering out-of-the-box interoperability with these Microsoft technologies, as well as Microsoft Office 2010, Microsoft SharePoint 2010 and Microsoft Visual Studio 2010, we’re further supporting our customers’ path to becoming dynamic businesses.”"

Both are great moves by Microsoft, but for this post I want to focus on the out-of-the-box Connector between Microsoft Dynamics AX and CRM.

Before this official release, connectors between these two products where developed either by VAR, custom for a given customer, or where developed by third party ISV's that focused in a specific vertical expertise.

Now with this new out-of-the-box connector, we have a base level of integration between Microsoft Dynamics AX and Microsoft Dynamics CRM. Lets look at this closely though, and think about the nature of both CRM and AX.

Both are very flexible, and both can look way different from one customer to the next. What is being attempted is to offer a way for more standard integration to be achieved between these two products and their data.

This is great, and for a lot of customers this will most likely fit the bill for enabling the integration between the two products. There will still however be a need for custom integrations, workflows, and vertical / industry specific integrations that go deeper than what can be achieved with this new 'out-of-the-box' offering.

I bold this point, so that we can understand what this offers, and still want will exists within the Dynamics Ecosystem, in the form of need of services, and software that enable deeper integration for these two products and their respective datasets.

I have not yet had a chance to dig deep technically into this new offering, and I have a pending question out to Microsoft if this is an open integration in which such deeper, vertical specific needs can be built on top or, or used to connfigure from. Once I have that answer I will let you know.

Needless to say this is a very right move, and will help enable the adoption of Microsoft Dynamics CRM for existing Microsoft Dynamics AX customers that might not already use CRM but want to move from the 'Sales & Marketing Module' within AX to a more robust CRM solution.

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

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

Microsoft Dynamics AX Lunch'n Learn for the Furniture Industry

As a break from my coverage of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, I thought I would highlight a new Lunch'n Learn that will focus on Microsoft Dynamics AX for the Furniture Industry.

You can find out details here, about this very focused Lunch'n Learn.: Microsoft Dynamics AX Online Lunch n' Learn for furniture

What's great about these, as they are very similar to Virtual Conferences, in it's all web based, and you can attend from your desk.



Sunrise Technologies, Inc. is hosting this Lunch'n Learn, and will provide for you a delivered lunch of your choice from a local to you location. So some true localization on a learning event taking place here!

This makes it very easy for you to gain knowledge about Microsoft Dynamics AX, and how it can help your company, that operates within the Furniture Industry Space.

At Sunrise, this is a vertical we are well known for, and have deep functional knowledge that we have applied and are applying to customers within this space.

So go ahead, sign up, kick back and enjoy a lunch on us, and maybe have some good take aways that can help you and your company grow!

I have a great new series I am starting over at MSDW focusing on Development and Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, so look for that, as well as my next article on the Official Dynamics Community site and many more post here!

Till next time!

"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

Sunrise Releases new Virtual Office

Last week Sunrise Technologies, Inc., the Microsoft Gold Certified VAR I have the honor of being a part of, released a new Virtaul Office.

This virtual office offers a new way for people to connect with needed information about Dynamics AX, Specific verticals, case studies, and also learn about Sunrise Technologies, and connect with us!

The offical press release for this virtaul office, can be found here.:
Sunrise Technologies Launches Virtual Office - Meet Sunrise employees face-to-face, hear from customers, and learn about Microsoft DynamicsT AX for your industry without leaving your office.

As part of this release I interviewed Sunrise CEO John Pence about this new offering, below is that interview.:

1.) What are some of the key goals Sunrise is hoping to achieve with the newly released Sunrise-AX.com, Sunrise Technologies, Inc. Virtual Office?

"We are trying to create a more interesting, personalized experience for our potential customers. We really want to give people a feel for our company and people, not just a static website."

2.) When designing the content, and the content delivery, what was the inspiration and guiding principles for guiding the development of each? How does the Virtual Office relate to the Sunrise office and the employees?

"The driving philosophy was it should feel like Sunrise. We wanted to create an experience similar to walking into our real office and being shown around by Mike or Cem. I think we came close to accomplishing that goal."



3.) Being a former CIO what do you think is the most exciting aspect of the virtual environment that will appeal to a CIO that is looking for an ERP solution?

"As a CIO, I was always frustrated by the expensive, time consuming aspect of researching software solutions. Our virtual office let’s a CIO efficiently and cost effectively research Microsoft Dynamics AX in a manner that suits his interests."

4.) What industries are featured in the Virtual office and what should companies in these industries look for when they visit the Virtual Office?

"Each of the core verticals Sunrise specializes in are featured: Apparel and Footwear, Furniture, and Consumer Package Goods. Extremely informative overviews and demos of what Microsoft Dynamics AX can do for each vertical are available in the virtual office."



5.) What new features are planned for the next release, and what goals exist for releasing new content for the virtual office?

"We plan to add features to the next release that make sense based on the feedback we receive from our visitors and customers."

The following is a closing statement from John.:
"I am really excited to see how our new virtual office is accepted by the market. I feel that on-line marketing is the primary vehicle we will use in the future to acquire new leads and customers. This is step one in a long journey to move the on-line sales experience closer to the experience you get in person."

This is a very exciting new offering, and one that I hope you check out. There will be a "badge" on the left hand side of my blog from here on out, that will look similar to what you see below.:



This badge will always take you to the new Sunrise Virtual office. I recommend you go and click the above badge and check out what is already being offered. Also check back often as more and more content will be added, that I will of course make sure and highlight for you.

That's all for now, but check back as I have more post, with another book review, another interview, and more focus on core AX, and the fridge of the enterprise with Cloud and Mobile comptuing focuses. See you soon!




"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

Another Sunrise Award and customer win

Sunrise Technologies, Inc, the Microsoft Gold Partner I am a part of, recently had two press releases.

One if for a new award that was given at the very end of 2009.:
Sunrise Technologies named to the Accounting Technology 2009 Pacesetters

From the Press Release.:
"The Technology Pacesetters are leaders in the field of reselling accounting and related software, chosen for their innovation, their cutting-edge technical expertise and their success in helping their clients build better businesses. A spot on the list indicates a VAR that is operating at the top of its game," states Daniel Hood, Managing Editor, Accounting Today.

And...
"We are very pleased to be recognized as one of the Technology Pacesetters for 2009," states John Pence, President of Sunrise Technologies. "Our continued commitment to Microsoft Dynamics AX, customer service, and technical excellence is proving to be a winning combination in the marketplace."

Congrats to all my fellow Sunrisers on yet another award that shows how hard we all work!

Now, Sunrise also had another press release, this time for a new customer in the apparel vertical.:
Camp David chooses an apparel business solution that fits: Microsoft Dynamics™ AX and Sunrise Technologies



From the press release.:
"With the economy changing as it is, we didn't want to react like most of our competition by cutting quality and service; we wanted to step up and serve our customers better." states David Willson, President of Camp David, Inc. "With Microsoft Dynamics AX, we can accept and process orders quicker with a much higher degree of accuracy; this translates to faster more accurate customer deliveries. In addition, our forecasting is better; enabling us to ensure product is on hand when our customers need it." "Through the Microsoft Dynamics AX e-portal, our sales representatives are further empowered to sell and service their customers with up-to-date product information, inventory, purchase history and promotions." adds Mark Willson, Vice President - Sales and Marketing. "The bottom line for Camp David is that with Microsoft Dynamics AX, our customers are receiving even better products and services during a time when their other suppliers are cutting back."

And...
"We are very pleased and proud to add Camp David to our strong list of customers, particularly in the apparel industry", states Mike Pereira, General Manager of Sunrise Technologies. "Microsoft Dynamics AX will serve as a great compliment to the superior product and service offered by Camp David. The team at Camp David recognizes the power and flexibility of Microsoft Dynamics AX to model their business the way they need to and offer better visibility to inventory, order status, and continued customer service. We look forward to working with them on improving their business systems overall."

The Apparel and Footwear industry is just one of the main verticals Sunrise Technologies is known for, and I am excited for both Camp David and Sunrise in this new Dynamics AX implementation!

Thanks all for now, but check back later as I have more post coming soon!






"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

Dynamics AX - Hosting and Managed Service Provider Industry

Sunrise Technologies, Inc. has recently, just this week, released new white paper and brochure data about the exciting 'Hosting and Managed Service Provider Industry'

The link to request the new white paper, and also a recorded demo of this new vertical offering can be found at the following links.:
- Request the white paper
- Request the recorded demo

Also the direct link to the brochure can be found at the following.:
- Direct Link to the Brochure

And to look at what the full Dynamics AX solution offers, the following link from Sunrise's web site can give you nice high level details about it.:
- ERP Solution



The details found in the white paper, go over the Hosting and Managed Service Provider industry vertical offering with proven customer comments that is making use of this vertical knowledge already. It goes deep into the design, goals, and area's that most H&MSP Vertical companies are interested in and would use Dynamics AX to help manage.



I recommend taking the time, get connected with Sunrise and looking into what this offering can do for your Hosting and Managed Service Provider company or companies. Sunrise has the expertise and knowledge to give you a solution that can help give you an edge.






"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

Sunrise Microsoft Dynamics AX expertise for the Hosting and Managed Services Provider industry

Sunrise Technologies, Inc., has taken their expertise in Microsoft Dynamics AX to provide a vertical solution for the Hosting & Managed Services Provider ('H&MSP') industry.

The direct link to information about this offering can be found here:
Sunrise Hosting and Managed Service Providers vertical solution - home page.



Some of the highlights of the solution are:
- Product Management
- Sales Management
- Operations Management
- Billing Management
- Financial Management
- Human Resources Management



To get a glimpse into one of these highlights, let’s look at the “product management” area:

"Manage and model server and service solutions. The module includes out of the box capability to publish and present modeled solutions directly to your commerce website. Manage solution prices for base offerings, discounts, and promotions. Complex pricing capabilities include pricing per customer, product, specified time frame or based on volume-based purchasing."

As you can see, this is highly targeted at those companies that would consider themselves a “Hosting & Managed Services Provider”, or other technology focused company.

There is already a case study that has been completed for a successful implementation, for LayeredTech. The direct link to download that PDF can be found here: LayeredTech Case Study for Microsoft Dynamics AX / Sunrise

A brief intro to this case study is seen here.:
"Layered Tech was looking for a more robust framework for company growth by integrating data from multiple independent customer and accounting systems into a unified solution. With the help of Sunrise and the fully integrated Microsoft Dynamics AX ERP, Layered Tech now has an advanced, automated management and accountability system linking its sales, client services, procurement, inventory, and general ledger areas."

A link to the latest case studies from Sunrise can be found here:
Sunrise Technologies, Inc. - Case Studies

If you’re in need of a very focused vertical solution and a partner that can deliver the vertical expertise that your company’s business requirements demands, then contact Sunrise Technologies, Inc. by going to our contact page: Sunrise Technologies, Inc. - Contact Page

Well that's all for now, check back soon as more great posts are coming! See you then.






"Visit the Dynamics AX Community Page today!"

Sunrise Dynamics AX Add-ons

Well I wanted to take and post the week some more exciting news from Sunrise Technologies, Inc. [Sunrise Website]. Offically we are now offering Dynamics AX value adding software, that is geared towards the following topics:

- Textile-Apparel-Footwear Solution
- Advanced Warehouse Management
- StarShip Integration
- Bartender Integration
- Vertex O Series Integration

This really respresents a new ERA for integration, warehouse management, and solutions that target the TAF vertical. The integrations and warehouse management can be used and applied to any type of vertical, and the TAF template, or Solution is targeted towards helping Textile, Apparel & Footwear companies get the most out of thier Dynamics AX install base.

For me I am very excited to see this, and see that we are now offically offering this to the public and other partners. Sunrise will be showcasing these Add-ons at the AXUG meeting this month. You can use the links above to find out more about each, and download the brochure for each. Also feel free to use the contact form located here: [Contact Us!] To get in touch with a Sunrise Rep. for further information.

Way to go Sunrise! Check back soon!
Find a job at: www.DynamicsAXJobs.com