Microsoft rolls partner technology into Dynamics AX ERP

Article

Microsoft rolls partner technology into Dynamics AX ERP

Barbara Darrow, Senior News Director
Microsoft continues to build up the stack for its Dynamics ERP line. This time it's bought what it calls core technology that will flow into Dynamics AX.

Specifically, it bought process manufacturing technology from Fullscope Inc., a professional services solution from Computer Generated Solutions Inc., and retail technology from both LS Retail EHF and To-Increase Denmark A/S. Terms were not disclosed.

At least one of these ISV partners, Fullscope, was part of Microsoft Business Solutions' Industry Builder initiative, which put partner-built solutions on the Microsoft price list as if they were home-grown products. Sources say that Industry Builder has been shuttered.

To continue reading for free, register below or login

Requires Membership to View

To gain access to this and all member only content, please provide the following information:

By submitting your registration information to SearchITChannel.com you agree to receive email communications from the TechTarget network of sites, and/or third party content providers that have relationships with TechTarget, based on your topic interests and activity, including updates on new content, event notifications, new site launches and market research surveys. Please verify all information and selections above. You may unsubscribe at any time from one or more of the services you have selected by editing your profile, unsubscribing via email or by contacting us here

  • Your use of SearchITChannel.com is governed by our Terms of Use
  • We designed our Privacy Policy to provide you with important disclosures about how we collect and use your registration and other information. We encourage you to read the Privacy Policy, and to use it to help make informed decisions.
  • If you reside outside of the United States, by submitting this registration information you consent to having your personal data transferred to and processed in the United States.

Microsoft Dynamics ERP resources
 New MBS support plan could allay 'Project Green' worries

Microsoft showcases CRM, ERP business applications

Microsoft incentives, finance options seek to ease ERP sales woes

Dynamics AX, formerly known as Axapta, is one of four Microsoft Dynamics ERP lines and the one most that competes most directly with SAP's mid market ERP offerings. In that arena, customizing applications to meet end-user needs is critical and Microsoft executives positioned the technology buyout as a way to add features and functions to ease further customization.

The acquisition of third-party technology continues Microsoft's push add functionality to its core ERP lines, moving up into the "white space" where ISVs and VAR partners typically do customization. Many VAR partners do application customization work themselves and could view Microsoft's push up the stack as unhelpful to their own business.

Still, some VARs who were briefed on the news said the addition of these features and functions to AX is helpful.

"They've bought some key functionality for professional services and are putting it into the plumbing. That will let us extend our products more easily into various verticals," said Dan Fine, president of Fine Solutions, a Seattle-based Dynamics AX and GP partner. Things like time sheets and billing should all be in there, he added.

The alternative is to build out that functionality internally or to add other solutions, like [Compuware's] Changepoint, that can add cost to the end user solution, Fine said.

Let us know what you think about the story; email: Barbara Darrow, Senior News Director, SearchITChannel.com, SearchDataCenter.com, and SearchServerVirtualization.com