Microsoft has announced that it will release a new version of its Dynamics ERP enterprise resource planning software which will reduce the need for customisation and synchronise better with other Microsoft applications.
Also included are additional pre-built capabilities for five industries and 38 countries, furthering Dynamics’ appeal to manufacturers wanting rapid deployment of proven best practice.
Microsoft Dynamics AX 6 has been pencilled in for release in quarter three this year. A technical preview will be available from next month.
The company hopes with this release to make it easier and quicker for independent providers of the software to get customers up and running with the software than is the case with the current latest version, Microsoft Dynamics 2009. This is because the need for customised code will be greatly reduced. Maintenance and upgradeability is also set to improve and the new version will integrate more efficiently with Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Office 2010 and Microsoft SharePoint 2010.
“Many of the (independent software vendors) we are working with have their own end-to-end vertical solutions, often built on aging legacy platforms. The combination of the next-generation architecture of Microsoft Dynamics AX and Microsoft’s partner programs creates a long-term sustainable business opportunity for these ISVs,” said Doug Kennedy, vice president, Microsoft Dynamics Partners. “We are already seeing strong momentum for the solution with ISVs.”
Around 100 ISVs have been trailing early versions of the new version over the last six months.
The Manufacturer’s contributing IT editor Malcolm Wheatley comments: “Microsoft’s ERP footprint has grown rapidly. This new release represents a ‘win win’ for both manufacturers and Microsoft’s partner base.”
