Microsoft Dynamics AX vs GP

Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions are by far the most comprehensive ERP solutions available in overall aspect. Ranging from cost to complexity and implementation to support, if you are interested to keep everything into account, Microsoft Dynamics would be your answer. They offer exceptionally easy-to-use solutions that fit smoothly with your existing IT systems and infrastructure.

However, one may get into this trouble of which one to choose? And mostly people end up comparing Dynamics AX vs. Dynamics GP and Dynamics CRM or NAV etc. Microsoft does not compare any of those solutions, neither any comparison exists nor they encourage it. However, there are several other ways to look at a project from different angles that are reflected in the decision engine of your choice. Here is an easy to use app on the web that helps you find the right solution for your business.

This is a simple assessment test carefully map your responses to each Microsoft Dynamics ERP solution. The final result is a recommendation that targets your specific organization.

Microsoft Dynamics AX Connector for SAP

In a near future, Microsoft plans to release a two-tier business connector for its flagship product Microsoft Dynamics AX that can wire up with Business Suite ERP of SAP.

The idea of the this AX-SAP connector is to set up a two-tier structure for process integration from both the headquarters of an organization (using SAP's Business Suite) and office-branch subsidiaries (using Dynamics AX). Microsoft has already announced that this connector will be available for download sometime later this year.

The Microsoft Dynamics two-tier connector is designed to incorporate key scenarios like Distributed Manufacturing, Distributed Distribution and Financial Consolidation that is shared from a central SAP installation.

The technology behind the connector is an integral part of Microsoft Dynamics AX, as well as a standalone integration component. The standard technical component includes the Application Integration Framework (AIF), which is a Microsoft Dynamics AX module based on Windows Communication Services. It basically functions as a middleware that allows systems to expose and consume web services in X++. Secondly, the BizTalk Server together with the SAP Adapter and Microsoft Dynamics AX Adapter handles communication and mapping of messages between Microsoft Dynamics AX and SAP

Microsoft describes the two-tier ERP approach as offering cost-savings to organizations.

"Organizations seeking to streamline their processes and technology should consider a two-tier ERP strategy as a cost-effective alternative to the limitations associated with forcing a single enterprise solution across their entire business," stated Crispin Read, Microsoft's general manager of Dynamics ERP, in released statement.

Here is a useful resources on the while two-tier ERP concept that Microsoft introduces.

Microsoft Dynamics ERP Two-Tier Business Scenario

Microsoft recently releases a Two-Tier Business Scenario for Microsoft Dynamics AX ERP.

Check it out at: http://www.microsoft.com/global/dynamics/en/us/RichMedia/demoHTML/demo-dynamics-ax-two-tier.htm#/Home

This Silverlight application demo describes 3 of key scenarios.

1. Distributed Manufacturing
2. Distributed Distribution
3. Financial Consolidation

If you want if for offline use, just right click on screen and select “Install Microsoft Dynamics tow-tier onto this computer…”.

Finally removing it won’t be that difficult too. Just right click and select “Remove this application…”.