What are you doing to prepare for the Web Client?

My latest article is out over at MSDynamicsWorld. In it I take a swipe at 5 things I believe you should be doing today to get up to speed with the Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 Web Client. Of course, these are only my observations. If after reading you feel there's something else to add, please feel free to drop a comment.

5 Ways to Prepare for the Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 Web Client

Until next post!

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

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New Article on MSDynamicsWorld: Navigating Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 Licensing: What Does it Mean for the Customer?

"Just about every day it seems, something new is added to the way pricing is going to work..."

My new MSDynamicsWorld article is out and in it I provide a comprehensive summary of the upcoming changes in licensing (as of the date of publication) for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013. The article is generating a lot of traction, so be sure to check it out and add your comments to it.

Navigating Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 Licensing: What Does it Mean for the Customer?

Until next post!


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

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New Article on MSDynamicsWorld: Where Do the Microsoft Dynamics GP Experts Turn for Answers?

My new article is out over at MSDynamicsWorld! It's been a long time coming, but finally, and per the insistence of Jason Gumpert, I was able to get to it - Jason has his ways for sure :-)

This time around my article, Where Do the Microsoft Dynamics GP Experts Turn for Answers? A Preamble to GPUG DayONE, looks the Microsoft Dynamics GP application's dependency on the overall Microsoft technology stack and guides you on how you can find answers to the growing number of questions arising from this interdependence. In truth, the article serves as an invitation to come see David Musgrave and I talking about this subject at the next GPUG DayONE opening event for Microsoft Dynamics Convergence 2012 in Houston, TX - see Microsoft Dynamics Convergence 2012 sessions now published.

As the saying goes: be there or be square!

Until next post!

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

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New Article on MSDynamicsWorld: "The Future of Microsoft Dynamics GP - 5 Cool Technologies"

"Understanding the Microsoft products that will drive Dynamics GP forward"

My new article is up over at MSDynamicsWorld.com. This time I take a look at The Future of Microsoft Dynamics GP: 5 Cool Technologies You Should Watch For (and Learn) in the Coming Years, based on my past experiences and learnings at the Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2011 in Fargo, North Dakota - see my article Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2011 Wrap Up. In this article I explore Microsoft Lync, Microsoft Silverlight, Microsoft Visual Studio Lightswitch, cloud computing, and even Microsoft Dexterity.

If you have experience with any of these technologies it would be very cool to know your thoughts and how they have helped your work.

Until next post!

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

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New Article on MSDynamicsWorld: MVP Mark Polino on "Integration Frustrations"

"Significant gaps remain as eConnect and Integration Manager stagnate"

MVP Mark Polino

If you are familiar with MVP Mark Polino you will know that he has always had a love-hate relationship with Microsoft Dynamics GP integration tools - see Mark Polino's Integration Manager Rant.

This time Mark vents out his frustrations (again!) with Integration Manager and eConnect over at MSDynamicsWorld in his new article Integration Frustration: Why Microsoft Dynamics GP Integration Tools Need a Kickstart. If you have your own comments, complaints, or if you are enamored with the tools and think Mark is simply overreacting, please read Mark's article and add your comments.

Until next post!

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

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Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2 "Feature of the day" roundup

Over at Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP, Pam Misialek has been posting feature after feature of the upcoming Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2, letting you know why the enhancement is so darn cool and what you can expect to see when you get to it. So, with no further due, here is the roundup of features and enhancements covered by Pam over this week:

Feature of the Day: Business Intelligence Refresh
Feature of the Day: Drilldown from SQL Server Reporting Services Reports
Feature of the Day: New SQL Reporting Services Reports
Feature of the Day: Report Builder Integration
Feature of the Day: Report Builder Integration (Export)
Feature of the Day: SOP Return Word Templates
Feature of the Day: TFS Source Control Provider

It's time to start familiarizing yourself with these features and enhancements. The next wave of Microsoft Dynamics GP products will bring a new spotlight to middle-market ERP products. Go catch the wave!

Until next post!

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

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Ingredients for a successful Convergence 2011 experience

"Convergence is more than just the sum of its keynotes and sessions"

My new article is out over at MSDynamicsWorld with some pointers for a successful Convergence here in Atlanta. Wheather you are a local or coming from another city or country there are a few things to take into account even before you arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson. You can read about these ingredients here.

All comments welcome, so please let me know what you think.

Until next post!

MG.-
Mariano Gomez, MVP
Maximum Global Business, LLC
http://www.maximumglobalbusiness.com/

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Dynamics Latam Blog

No, it's not a new Salsa group, but they will sure write to the tune of it. It's actually the brand new Microsoft Dynamics Latin American blog, Dynamics Latam, featuring my buddy Francisco Hillyer and Betrand Desmarest (left to right) showcasing content for the Spanish speaking Dynamics community around the world.

I have been in touch with Francisco for the past 3 years. He just recently moved from California to become a part of Microsoft's Mexico's support team. Chances are you will see future contributions of mine added to this new blog - ehem!

Muchos exitos compadres,

Until next post!

MG.-
Mariano Gomez, MVP
Maximum Global Business, LLC
http://www.maximumglobalbusiness.com/

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Jivtesh Singh disects the Microsoft Dynamics GP Community

If by now you are not familiar with fellow blogger Jivtesh Singh, it's time for you to go take a look at his work. Jivtesh has set out to disect the Microsoft Dynamics GP community by the numbers in his latest article Dynamics GP Experts. In addition, he has worked tirelessly in putting together what I have denominated The Mother of All Blogs. Yes! Jivtesh is the author and matermind behind the now popular GPWindow (see my previous article GPWindow: The next best thing after the Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 Cookbook). In his latest iteration of the popular site, Jivtesh has incorporated searches to all the Microsoft Dynamics GP community forums currently available. If at first you complained about not being able to search every site for what you are looking for, there are virtually no excuses now for not being able to find a specific topic across the spectrum of resources across the community.

Jivtesh already did his part, now you do yours! Check out GPWindow, do a few searches on something you could not find before, see what comes back. But more importantly, let Jivtesh know what you think about his work. After all, he's only spent over a year and a half putting it together as, like you, he had trouble finding things with the growing number of resources.

Until next post!

MG.-
Mariano Gomez, MVP
Maximum Global Business, LLC
http://www.maximumglobalbusiness.com/

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GPWindow: The next best thing after the Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 Cookbook

I have to give credit where credit is due. MVP Mark Polino may have the hottest summer read (see my article Cookbooks), but my good friend and fellow blogger Jivtesh Singh has the mother of all blog sites... literally! Jivtesh is one of those die hard and passionate about Dynamics GP individuals. He probably saw the same problem many of you have seen with the proliferation of Microsoft Dynamics GP blogs and asked himself the same set of questions you may be asking yourself: "how the heck do I keep up with all these blogs?", "I saw an article on [some topic here], where did I read it?".

Jivtesh now provides an answer to these questions with his new GPWindow platform, which aggregates every single blog article, video, and resource about Microsoft Dynamics GP.








C'mon, you know there's absolutely no reason to do this! For all I know, Jivtesh could be home writing cool articles for his own blog... but that's not how we Microsoft Dynamics GP advocates and evangelists feel about the subject. We always need to go the extra mile. Jivtesh has spent a considerable amount of time (over 1 year!) categorizing all these articles and topics and in his own words "Categorization is a work in progress, about 5000 links have been categorized and about 1000 more to go. It’s a very time consuming, but enjoyable process, which I do after my work hours or over the weekend. I enjoy organizing information, so I don't mind all the time this has taken me.".

It's time for you to do your part. Visit GPWindow and at least take the time to play around, but more importantly, let Jivtesh know what you think about this site.

Until next post!

MG.-
Mariano Gomez, MVP
Maximum Global Business, LLC
http://www.maximumglobalbusiness.com/

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New Article on MSDynamicsWorld: "When It Comes to Customizations for Microsoft Dynamics GP, Which Tool Should You Rely On?"

"The term "customization" can mean different things to different people..."

My new article is out over at MSDynamicsWorld. This time, I go back to basics defining what is a customization and what tools are available to customize the Microsoft Dynamics GP user interface. This article is a good start if you are still trying to figure out your options for developing add-on solutions to Microsoft Dynamics GP. To read the full article, click here.

Until next post!

MG.-
Mariano Gomez, MVP
Maximum Global Business, LLC
http://www.maximumglobalbusiness.com/

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Urban Legends - "I cracked Dynamics GP encryption algorithm!"

It is just about right that I start out this article with the definition of Urban Legend. According to Wikipedia, "An urban legend, urban myth, urban tale, or a contemporary legend, is a form of modern folklore consisting of apocryphal stories believed by their tellers to be true. As with all folklore and mythology, the designation suggests nothing about the story's factuality or falsehood, but merely that it is in non-institutional circulation, exhibits variation over time, and carries some significance that motivates the community in preserving and propagating it." The definition seems just about right for what you will read next.

If you are the type who believes everything you read without questioning it, then for your own sake, please stay off the Internet! Rumors -- as they can only be referred to -- began circulating today on claims of someone cracking the Microsoft Dynamics GP user password encryption algorithm -- if you are interested in the original article, click here.

Instead of ranting about the misleading content of the article, I will provide my unbiased, fact-based knowledge of the user password encryption algorithm and Microsoft Dynamics GP security.

Fact 1 - Microsoft Dynamics GP user password encryption algorithm takes into account things like the actual database server's host name as part of the encrypted password. Hence the reason why passwords need to be reset when the application databases are transferred from one server environment to another without the use of the famous Capture_Logins.sql script.

Fact 2 - Microsoft Dynamics GP user passwords are encrypted on SQL Server using a proprietary encryption code. Hence, the encryption algorithm is not commercially available to any other software vendor or ratherly available on the Internet.

Fact 3 - Having the Microsoft Dynamics GP source code DOES NOT give you access to the password encryption or decryption algorithms.

Fact 4 - You cannot access Microsoft Dynamics GP system or company databases via ODBC with the SQL Server logins corresponding to the Microsoft Dynamics GP users. As a result of Fact 2, a user attempting to establish a connection to SQL Server would be required to authenticate with the encrypted password. The clear-text version of their password, used to authenticate to GP simply DOES NOT WORK. The only way to achieve a connection to GP from an external application is by obtaining a copy of the GPConnectNet.dll .NET assembly or the GPConnect.dll COM component by opening a support case with the Tools team.

Fact 5 - While not impossible, it is virtually impossible to decrypt a Microsoft Dynamics GP user password without having access to the algorithm itself... good luck getting a copy of it anywhere!

Fact 6 - Having access to the Microsoft Dynamics GP system password IS NOT a guarantee of access to the system setup - you should -- by now -- be taking advantage of the new Role Based pessimistic security model. The fact is, the system password had more relevance in the days of palette menus when options could not be hidden from a user based on their security settings.

Fact 7 - You do not need Microsoft SQL Server 'sa' to perform all administrative tasks in GP. In fact, any company who provides their Microsoft Dynamics GP application administrators with the 'sa' password should consider firing their database administrators. 'sa' is only required to setup new companies and occassionally -- read, very occassionally -- run third party setup code that has been hardcoded to setup tables and stored procedures with the 'sa' user... oh, yes! You know who you are out there.

Other Factual Resources

Microsoft Dynamics GP POWERUSER role vs Microsoft SQL Server sysadmin role @ this blog
Why does Microsoft Dynamics GP encrypt passwords? @ Developing for Dynamics GP
KB article 878449 - How to tranfer an existing Microsoft Dynamics GP installation to a new server

Until next post!

MG.-
Mariano Gomez, MVP
Maximum Global Business, LLC
http://www.maximumglobalbusiness.com/

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New article on MSDynamicsWorld: Why the Phaseout of the Microsoft Dynamics Public Newsgroups Is a Good Thing

"Personally, I believe this transition is the best outcome for the Microsoft Dynamics GP community in general..."

My new MSDynamicsWorld article is out! Since I featured the article on the newsgroups being phased out on this blog, I have received numerous inquiries on the subject, so I just decided to expand on the article over at MSDynamicsWorld.

Please be sure to read the follow up here.

MG.-
Mariano Gomez, MVP
Maximum Global Business, LLC
http://www.maximumglobalbusiness.com/

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Undocumented DEX.INI switch cuts down SmartList export times to Microsoft Office Excel

Ok, so why the journalistic type nature of this article? Well, if like many users out there you tend to export tens of thousands of records out of Microsoft Dynamics GP using SmartList and you complain about the export's performance, then I guarantee you will want to read Patrick Roth's new article Smartlist: Exports slowly to Excel - Part 1.

In his article, Patrick details an undocumented DEX.INI setting that changes the way records are exported from SmartList into Microsoft Office Excel. The feature was added since release 10 and remains active in release 2010.

SmartlistEnhancedExcelExport=TRUE

Patrick further explains the feature trades formatting for performance, so if you are an Excel wizz just looking to get data out so you can do the rest on your own, then this switch is for you.

The DEX.INI is the Microsoft Dynamics GP defaults file containing setup and operating information about Microsoft Dynamics GP. Each line of information, or setting, in the file contains information such as where your files are located, and whether certain functions, such as displaying print dialog boxes, should be performed.

Additional Resources

DEX.INI on this blog - click here
DEX.INI at Dynamics Confessor blog - click here
DEX.INI at Developing for Dynamics GP blog - click here

Until next post!

MG.-
Mariano Gomez, MVP
Maximum Global Business, LLC
http://www.maximumglobalbusiness.com/

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New Article on MSDynamicsWorld: "Support Incidents vs. Consulting Engagements"

I am back at MSDynamicsWorld with a new article looking at how Microsoft Dynamics GP support incidents may (relatively quickly) end up being consulting engagements. Please take a look at this new post as it is full with useful guidelines... it may just save you some money next time when you open that new incident.

Until next post!

MG.-
Mariano Gomez, MVP
Maximum Global Business, LLC
http://www.maximumglobalbusiness.com

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New Article on MSDynamicsWorld: MVP Frank Hamelly on "Keeping your Axe Sharp"

"If I had six hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend the first four hours sharpening the axe.' - Abraham Lincoln"

MVP Frank Hamelly quotes Abraham Lincoln in his new MSDynamicsWorld article and presents a tale of sorts to illustrate the importance of keeping your skills "axe" very sharp through training. Frank also discusses the different training options available and how employers and employees can take advantage of these to improve productivity during these difficult times.

Until next post!

MG.-
Mariano Gomez, MVP
Maximum Global Business, LLC
http://www.maximumglobalbusiness.com

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VST - Modal Dialogs handling make their way out of VBA into VST

Over at Developing for Dynamics GP, Patrick Roth has a new article describing the new Visual Studio Tools 2010 shiny features, in particular Modal Dialog handling, passing table buffers as parameters, and function and procedure notifications. Patrick also provides sample code showing how to respond to Modal Dialog events as well as code to display notifications.

For the most part, VST now behaves likes Dex so, don't complain and enjoy the new enhancements.

PS. Wait until you see the new Menus for Visual Studio Tools... sure not to dissapoint.

Until next post!

MG.-
Mariano Gomez, MVP
Maximum Global Business, LLC
http://www.maximumglobalbusiness.com/

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New Article on MSDynamicsWorld: Michael Johnson on "Filtering Salesperson-specific data with SSRS"

"It didn't take long to figure out that the problem wasn't with Business Portal, but rather the way they were trying to use it and NOT using SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS). Both tools have a place in their environment, but one is not a substitute for another"

My friend Michael Johnson, a.k.a. "The MBS Guru" has finally come out of hiding and has decided to publish a really clever solution for filtering salesperson-specific data in GP using SSRS over at MSDynamicsWorld. The good thing about Michael's solution is, you can apply it to pretty much any report that requires such type of access and filtering capabilities. They don't call this guy the MBS Guru for nothing!

Until next post!

MG.-
Mariano Gomez, MVP
Maximum Global Business, LLC
http://www.maximumglobalbusiness.com/

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New article on MSDynamicsWorld: MVP Victoria Yudin on "Taking charge of your own support"

"When I first started using Microsoft Dynamics GP almost twenty years ago... there were limited options for getting help"

MVP Victoria Yudin gives an account of her 20-year career history with Microsoft Dynamics GP and how the support landscape has changed over those years. She also gives out some important pointers on how to request help on newsgroups, forums, and even from Microsoft Dynamics GP Support. Be sure to check out her article over at MSDynamicsWorld.

Until next post!

MG.-
Mariano Gomez, MVP
Maximum Global Business, LLC
http://www.maximumglobalbusiness.com

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Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 Beta Buzz

Folks, if you haven't been keeping up lately with the news, there's lot of buzz going on in the Community about the upcoming release of Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 (Get used to it! GP "11" was just the codename). The Microsoft Dynamics GP Product Management and Marketing team kicked it off big with an exclusive Parner webcast which I attended, demonstrating some of the key features and messaging to be delivered to existing and prospective customers. Can you believe they were more than 500 partners signed on at once?

As I mentioned couple days ago, I got a hold of the Beta version minutes after the link was available and could not wait to install it to start playing around with the new features, but before I start blogging about these, here are a few sources you will want to start checking for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 information:

Start Getting Up to Speed on Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 @ Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP
It is a GREAT Day! @ Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP
Microsoft Announces Beta Release of Dynamics GP 2010 @ MSDynamicsWorld

If you haven't cast your vote on the new features you like, then you need to do so. Remember, if you don't vote, you don't get to cheer (or complain depending on your feelings about voting).

New Facebook Poll: What 1 new feature of Dynamics GP 2010 are you most excited about? @ DynamicAccounting.net

MVP Mark Polino cannot contain his excitement and almost lost his voice in his new podcast about Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010:

New Podcast looking at GP 2010 is up now @ DynamicAccounting.net

MVP Mohammad R. Daoud started playing with 2010 Beta earlier than me (and that's a lot to say right there!) and has already released two teasers about the new functionality available in 2010:

Inside Dynamics GP 2010: Lookups @ Mohammad R. Daoud
Inside Microsoft Dynamics 2010: Cue Reminders @ Mohammad R. Daoud

For Partners and Consultants: if you (or your company) are not participating in the Beta program, keep in tune with your humble blogger here to find out about the new features. Starting today, I will begin to look at each of these to provide you get you up to speed. If you are in the US, make sure you enroll and be an active participant in some of the upcoming webinars and roadshows. Visit the Microsoft Partner Learning Center for more information.

For Customers: if you are a customer (or prospective customer) looking to learn about Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 then Convergence Atlanta is the place to be this year. In the mean time, contact your Microsoft Partner and start asking about upgrading options and upcoming promotions. Let's face it: now that the economy is rebounding, you don't want to be caught running old technology and looking to ramp up when business picks up again. If you don't have a partner, simply shoot me an email and I can begin discussing your options.

Stay tuned for a first look at Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010.

Until next post!

MG.-
Mariano Gomez, MVP
Maximum Global Business, LLC
http://www.maximumglobalbusiness.com/

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