Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2011 - Day 1 Opening Session

Microsoft Dynamics GP IS NOT dead! This was the center point message in the opening session of the Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2011.
 

Errol Schoenfish and Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2 key mantras

The Big Shots delivering the opening session (Chad Sogge, Jeff Trosen, and Errol Schoenfish) did an excellent job -- with actions, not words -- to provide the partner community in attendance with reassurance of Microsoft's commitment to the Dynamics GP product line. 10 minutes into the session we were already getting glimpses of Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2, the next major revision of the now familiar  Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010. In addition to a roadmap (more on that in my next post).

The 3 pillars for the new Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2 release?

Enhance Insight
This area will particularly see the introduction of Contextual BI with the newly minted Business Analyzer, a Silverlight (to be) application that is tightly coupled to SSRS to deliver stunning analytical capabilities to business users. The best part... it does not require Microsoft SharePoint Server.

Business Analyzer lite client

Business Analyzer will be delivered in a lite client version and incorporated as part of the Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2 rich client interface (shown below).

Microsoft Dynamcis GP 2010 R2 with Business Analyzer and contextual BI capabilities

Make it Easier
While no concrete demonstration was given on the new Word Template Generator feature, attendees were happy to know that Microsoft has worked on a feature that will allow any Microsoft Dynamics GP report to be converted to an actual Word Template -- all and formatting included!

In addition, the new Email Customization Tool will allow systems administrators and users to define and customize, from the Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2 user interface, the subject, content, and other parts of an email submitted using the available email options in Sales Order Processing and Purchase Order Processing.

Extend Connections
Jon Zimmermann demonstrated the capabilities of the new Rapid Migration Tool and how simple it has become for users to import information from any Microsoft Excel-based template into their environments.
Errol finalized the presentation capturing a video of the partners response to the new features in Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2, Microsoft's roadmap, upcoming projects the company is working on around the Microsoft Dynamics GP ERP platform.

As noted in Bob Scott’s Insights, NetSuite’s CEO, Zach Nelson said that "Microsoft Dynamics GP is disappearing as a competitor"..."The one prediction I will repeat is the continuing demise of Microsoft Dynamics Great Plains.". Frankly, after what I saw in this opening session today, and the reaction of the attending partners (in the video above), I can unequivocally say that Mr. Nelson's views are far from reality. It is now evident the folks at Microsoft had (have) been at work carefully addressing the needs of customers, partners, and ISVs alike. With this much work on the table, heck, even I would be quiet.

Finally, the morning would not be complete without the usual celebrity picture.


David Musgrave, Errol Schoenfish, Pam Misialek, Mariano Gomez

 Until next post!

MG.-
Mariano Gomez, MVP, PMP, MCP
IntellPartners, LLC
http://www.intellpartners.com/