Introducing Dynamics AX “6” Microsoft’s Next-Gen ERP Solution

Microsoft has already been hard at work together with ISV partners testing the next generation of its enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution.

According to the Redmond company, in excess of 100 ISVs were offered the opportunity to take Microsoft Dynamics AX “6” out for a spin over the past six months.

The second half of 2010 made it possible for some of the independent software vendors participating in the software giant early adopter programs to put together vertical offerings based on Dynamics AX “6,” which they will unveil in the future.

“Building on the proven strengths of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009, Microsoft Dynamics AX ‘6’ brings rich functionality, advanced architecture and the full power of the Microsoft stack to the business application developer,” revealed Hal Howard, corporate vice president, Microsoft Dynamics ERP Research and Development.

“As we introduce these powerful new innovations, we maintain our focus on simplicity by streamlining application deployment, maintenance and upgradability.”

The promise from Microsoft is that Dynamics AX “6” is designed to help ISV cut the time it takes them to bring new solutions to market while also saving up in terms of product life-cycle investments.

Of course, Microsoft Dynamics AX “6” is nothing more than a codename at this point in time, and the Redmond company is bound to announce the official label for the offering by the end of 2011.

“Many of the ISVs 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.”

“We are already seeing strong momentum for the solution with ISVs,” explained Doug Kennedy, vice president, Microsoft Dynamics Partners.

With the delivery of Dynamics AX “6”, Microsoft plans to cover no less than five industries by offerings a range of pre-built capabilities.

Dynamics AX “6” general availability is planned for the third quarter of 2011, at which time customers in a total of 38 countries will be able to take advantage of the new ERP solution from Microsoft.

The company has also worked on producing a Community Technical Preview of Dynamics AX “6” set for release in February 2010.

“Significant new innovations in Microsoft Dynamics AX “6” include the following:

• A unique model-driven, layered architecture that accelerates software development, requiring less coding than building from scratch and easing maintenance and upgradability.

• Pre-built interoperability with the Microsoft Application Platform, including Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 and Visual Studio 2010, and other Microsoft technologies such as Microsoft Office 2010 and Microsoft SharePoint 2010,” Microsoft added.