Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Airlift 2013 - Day 1

The Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Airlift 2013, hosted by GP Partner Connections is now in full session.

Unfortunately, last minute circumstances prevented my participation as a presenter this year, but in retrospect, it was probably a good thing as I really don't want to become like those actors that show up in just about every movie.

The sessions list for this year is off the chain and if you are a propeller head like me, you can certainly attend some really cool sessions:

• Developing for the Web Client: a Microsoft Dexterity Perspective (Sept 18, 1:15 PM CST)
• Dynamics GP Multitenant for Developers (Sept 18, 2:30 PM CST)
• Dynamics GP Development Team Unplug (Sept 18, 3:45 PM CST)
• Dexterity and Services: Can they be friends? (Sept 19, 11:15 AM CST)
• Web Client Customization with VST Deep Dive (Sept 19, 4:00 PM CST)

In addition to these development sessions, there are tons of other development related sessions around Window 8 and Windows Phone, and BI for GP.

You will not want to miss the closing session on Friday either. That promises to be a complete surprise, according to my friend Jay Manley. Find detailed information on sessions here.

Being away, however, doesn't give me the right to not know what's going on and I can tell you that the first major update coming out of Fargo is a roadmap refresh.

Roadmap Update

The next big thing in the horizon, of course, is all the buzz surrounding GP Next, Microsoft's next generation of the award winning Microsoft Dynamics GP -- okay, I sounded a bit like a salesman there, but hey, ain't we all? To deliver the "next generation" of products you have to imagine there will be a "next generation" of tools. What will happen with Dexterity? What will happen with Visual Studio Tools and, of course, Silverlight development? As GP expands more into a service model, and away (in some sense) from its Client/Server roots how will the development tools be enhanced?

Microsoft delivered ahead of expectations on the SP2 updates for GP 2013 in the second half of this year, which included close to 20 new enhancements, drifting away from the traditional Feature Pack concept. Pam Misialek explains this as a way to deliver functionality out the door much, much quicker to customers. You can read more here.

The next major wave will be coming in the first half of 2014 and will see significant enhancements to Workflow, a move to add Requisitions into Microsoft Dynamics GP, a Windows 8 Procurement app, and some Identity Management concepts.

I also have my spy reporter at the conference and this is the first picture coming out from Fargo with MVP Leslie Vail presenting the Support Debugging Tool session (with MVP Belinda Allen).

Leslie in the Support Debugging Tool session

The credit for the above goes to Tanya Henderson at S2 Technology.

I challenge you to be my reporter by taking pictures and relaying your experience. Email  your pictures and updates and I will make sure you get credit for your work in my article. All pictures will be uploaded to The Dynamics GP Blogster on Facebook for everyone to see. If you attend an interesting session and/or hear of the latest buzz around the corridors, please feel free to email me too.

I wish everyone in attendance a great conference and hope you enjoy every bit of it.

Until next post!

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

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Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 Release Date

Couple days aback, Microsoft announced the planned release date for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013, in a combined press release which included updates on Microsoft Dynamics AX and Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 Release Candidate 0 build

Of interest to this community, of course, is the target release date of Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013, which has been planned for December 19. As we all know, plans can change, but bar some major issue, we should be seeing RTM pretty soon. Currently, Microsoft is testing Release Candidate 0 (build 12.00.1273) and is probably getting prepared to compile a new build for partners in the beta program.

Still not ready? Take a look at my article 5 Ways to Prepare for the Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 Web Client over at MSDynamicsWorld (free registration required). Other resources to help you get there can be found on this blog and on the Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP blog's Feature of the Day series.

Until next post!

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

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Microsoft Dynamics GP Web Client Phased Release Cycle

At the last Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Airlift it was communicated that the Web Client would be released in phases, addressing each core application functionality. The release cycle is as follows:

If you are currently using HR/Payroll, Project Series, Field Service, and/or Manufacturing, keep in mind that you will be able to upgrade to GP 2013 without any issues and continue to use this functionality with the standard (Dexterity) client.

However, those modules will be enabled gradually at the web client level as soon as testing and some quirks are ironed out with these dictionaries - the quirks are more related to menu display issues and some user interface and code cleanup that will render these dictionaries compatible with the web client.

As a sidebar, dictionary code cleanup makes the packages of data flowing between the Silverlight client and the Session Service very efficient performance wise.

If you have any comments or questions, please post them here

Until next post!

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

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Chad Sogge describes the features process for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013

I have been asked how do features make it to Microsoft Dynamics GP more than 1,000 times. Hear it directly from Chad Sogge, Principal Program Manager at Microsoft in this short video.

Listen firsthand what went into putting in place some of the features in the upcoming Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 and know how you can make a difference.

Until next post!

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

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More Management Reporter 2012

The Dynamics Corporate Performance Management team over at Microsoft has been releasing information about specific features in Management Reporter 2012 for the past 2 weeks. I hope you are enjoying these just as much as I am. In my previous article I provided some links to the first 6 articles released. Here is a new set of links with more of the cool Management Reporter 2012 features:

• Drill to Dynamics GP
• Missing Account Analysis
• Financial Reporting Data Mart
• Lync Integration
• Drill to Dynamics AX 2012
• Install Experience
• Report Scheduling
• Dimension Sets

This new set of features should get you excited about the product and its capabilities. Can't wait to see the demo at Microsoft Dynamics Convergence 2012.

Until next post!

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

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Management Reporter 2012

Management Reporter 2012 Release Themes

Most of you know me to be a fairly technical guy, so it must be quite an event when I get excited about a financial reporting product. My excitement stems from a couple of things I saw in an MVP Product Group Interaction session yesterday with the Dynamics Corporate Performance Management team:

• Management Reporter 2012 is simply THE BEST darn financial reporting product produced to date by Microsoft. This release revolves around 4 core themes: Interactive Report Viewing, Deeper Dynamics ERP Integration, Report Collaboration, and Design Flexibility. I highlighted a few of the capabilities in my March 8, 2011 Corporate Performance Management Roadmap article.

• Among the things I can say for now, and from a technical perspective, this release removes its dependency on Internet Information Services (IIS), allowing it to run in native mode. If you are familiar with SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services, you can now begin to imagine how this will improve Management Reporter's reports delivering capabilities and efficiency.

Honestly, I wish I could just spill it all out right now... but that would make for a lot of angry folks over at Microsoft, but you don't have to wait on me. The Dynamics Corporate Performance Management team over at Microsoft already began releasing information about specific features in Management Reporter 2012, and the following are links to what they have posted so far:

• Start Learning how Management Reporter 2012 can make a difference in your business
• Rolling Forecast Headers - Management Reporter 2012 Feature Highlight
• Viewing dimension codes and descriptions - Management Reporter 2012 Feature Highlight
• Report group navigation changes - Management Reporter 2012 Feature Highlight
• Comments - Management Reporter 2012 Feature Overview
• Distributing reports to multiple locations - Management Reporter 2012 Feature Highlight

From what I have seen so far, the Comments feature will make a lot of accounting folks happy, but the ability to distribute reports to multiple locations at once will certainly make a lot of IT folks happy. From me to you... there's not one reason, at least in my mind, why you need to continue your love affair with FRx. The new Management Reporter 2012 blows off the FRx 6.7 hat off by a long shot.

Until next post!

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

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Codename GP "12" Preliminary Features Series - Wrap Up

Over the past few days I have presented some of the product enhancements being considered and developed for codename GP "12". Those enhancements are based on 4 core pillars: Simplicity, Productivity, Product Depth, and Innovation.

As we approach the Microsoft Convergence 2012 event, I am sure more of these will be revealed.

As is customary, you can find links to all previously published articles:

Codename GP "12" Preliminary Features Series - 1 of 4
Codename GP "12" Preliminary Features Series - 2 of 4
Codename GP "12" Preliminary Features Series - 3 of 4
Codename GP "12" Preliminary Features Series - 4 of 4

I encourage you to continue following the Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP blog by the Microsoft Dynamics GP Product Management Team. They are the premier (and official) source for information on all things codename GP "12" and if you have been to the site, you will know that closer to the product release date, you will get a "Feature of the Day" post showcasing new functionality.

Until next post!

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

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Codename GP "12" Preliminary Features Series - 4 of 4

Codename GP "12" Preliminary Features - Part 4 

This is article is part 4 of 4 from the series Codename GP "12" Preliminary Features. Some images and content reproduced with express permission from Microsoft Business Solutions, a division of Microsoft Corporation.

DISCLAIMER: These features are subject to change.

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In part 3 of the series, we discussed the different enhancements geared towards building up the Microsoft Dynamics GP product depth: enhancements to the GL year-end process, ability to generate Fixed Assets historical reports, and tolerance handling in the purchasing receipt process, are just among the few that stand out.

Of course, the Innovation pillar is mostly dominated by the release of the Web Client, but I will have to add some of the other features that got cataloged in the Product Depth pillar as true product innovations, even though the technologies supporting these innovations has been around for quite sometime.

Product Depth? More like Innovation

If the dynamic conversion of all Dexterity based forms is not an innovation, then I don't know what else qualifies. Take a look at my previous articles on the subject:

Microsoft Dynamics GP "12" Web Client Architecture - Part 2
Microsoft Dynamics GP "12" Web Client Architecture - Part 3

For the complete series on the Web Client, please take a look at my series:

Microsoft Dynamics GP "12" Web Client Architecture Series

To learn more about the Multitenant Services capabilities coming to GP "12", please take a look at my article:

Microsoft Dynamics GP "12" Multitenant Service Architecture

Until next post!

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

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Codename GP "12" Preliminary Features Series - 3 of 4

Codename GP "12" Preliminary Features - Part 3 

This is article is part 3 of 4 from the series Codename GP "12" Preliminary Features. Some images and content reproduced with express permission from Microsoft Business Solutions, a division of Microsoft Corporation.

DISCLAIMER: These features are subject to change.

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If you were taken by the Simplicity and Productivity features, then you will be more impressed with the this new list of features aimed at enhancing the Microsoft Dynamics GP product depth.

Product Depth features

Receivables Management Enhancements

As of the current release, it has always been necessary to enter and apply multicurrency cash receipts as a two-step process. MC Apply in Cash Receipts will now allow you to take a cash receipt entered in originating currency and apply it against an invoice all in the same transaction entry process.

Payables Management

Void of Check Return Applied Credits (return/credit memo) to reusable state - For example, if you have an invoice ($100) with a payment of $50 and a credit memo for $50, both applied to the invoice, you will be able to void the check and have the credit memo become available to either use against the same invoice or apply it to another document - the credit memo returns to an unapplied state. If the original payment was made by credit card, the invoice created for the credit card vendor will also be voided automatically.
Fixed Assets Enhancements

The Fixed Assets module has seen considerable improvements. New also is the Fixed Assets Historical Depreciation Reports. If you have tried to run a historical report, it was not possible and the system would retrieve all the previous depreciation information. Now you can select a specific depreciation date for your report.

System Enhancements

Document Attach. Are you tired of trying to fight your way with the Dexterity OLE Notes Container? First I should clarify, the OLE Notes Container will remain an integral part of Microsoft Dynamics GP. After all, there are a number of you using out there. However, now you will have a more powerful tool in Document Attach.

Document Attach

General Ledger Enhancements

GL Year End Close Options. This feature will provide an option to clear out balance for unit accounts.  Currently, unit account balances automatically carry over from the previous year. The year-end process now features a progress bar that will indicate how far you are into the process when executing it. GP "12" will also provide an option to NOT delete budget account with balances.

I hope you are enjoying some of these preliminary features. My next article will discuss some of the product innovations and what you can expect from a technology perspective..

Until next post!

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

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Codename GP "12" Preliminary Features Series - 2 of 4

Codename GP "12" Preliminary Features - Part 2 

This is article is part 2 of 4 from the series Codename GP "12" Preliminary Features. Some images and content reproduced with express permission from Microsoft Business Solutions, a division of Microsoft Corporation.

DISCLAIMER: These features are subject to change.

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Yesterday, in Part 1 of the Series we saw some of the new features in the Simplicity pillar: Select printer at Print Time, improvements in the Fixed Assets calendar setup process, reprinting of check remittances, and the ability to print SSRS reports directly from within Microsoft Dynamics GP, in what seems to be a race to replace Report Writer reports.

Today, we will take a look at some of the features in the Productivity pillar, whose aim is to "enhance productivity from application configuration to frequently performed tasks".

Productivity Features

System Enhancements

Among the features being worked, the Named System Database and Multi-tenant Applications are two of the most important features aimed to change Microsoft Dynamics GP architecture. I have covered these two features extensively in my Microsoft Dynamics Communities column articles:

Microsoft Dynamics GP "12" Named System Database Architecture
Microsoft Dynamics GP "12" Multitenant Service Architecture

Bank Reconciliation Enhancements

In the Bank Reconciliation front, you can expect the new Sub Ledger Reconcile BR to GL feature. If you are worried about your checkbook balance and GL cash account not matching, this new option will present you with reason for the out of balance conditions: a batch not posted, a voided GL entry, etc. This new feature also looks at the Receivables and Payables module.

By adding the checkbook ID as a field, you can compare the checkbook balance to the Cash Account in GL. This new reconcile tool will attempt to match records on transaction source, date, and amount and will report matched transactions, unmatched transactions, and potentially matched transactions, with the capability to drill back to the document and/or journal entry.

You can then save the output file and date when the reconciliation was performed so you don’t need to run the reconcile again. This option has been retrofitted to the other reconciliation processes.

Fixed Assets Enhancements

Yesterday I talked about the Fixed Assets Calendar Setup enhancements. You can expect other enhancements in the Fixed Assets GL Posting process – you will now be able to create batches of fixed assets transaction. As with every other batch in the system, you will now be able to review what is going to post to GL before it is posted, via an edit list.

You can build the batch, insert restrictions - today, you are only able to enter a date range and Fixed Assets pulls everything - such as dates, transaction type (depreciation, transfer, retire, addition) review the batch, make changes, and post. You can post in detail vs. post in summary - the only option available today. Going forward, each distribution line in Fixed Assets will have an equivalent distribution line in GL.

Other enhancements in Fixed assets will entail Mass Depreciation Reversal. This one is much needed as, if you have depreciated 1,000 assets through the end of the year by mistake, you would have to manually back out each of the 1,000 assets. In GP "12", you will be able to perform a mass reversal of the depreciation - all assets at once.

EFT Enhancements

EFT Payables and Receivables will see the introduction of the Bank Administration Institute (BAI). The process will use the current Configurator to setup an EFT file based on BAI standards.

Distribution Enhancements

Purchasing Receivings will now see Tolerance Levels handling for quantities being received. If you setup a tolerance level, any quantities not received within the tolerance limits will automatically be cancelled on the Purchase Order. You will have the option to setup whether you want to do this automatically or prompted.

SOP and POP Drop Ship for Serial/Lots items – GP "12" will allow you to track serial/lot numbers from vendors. Users will have the ability to enter the serial numbers for any product being drop-shipped, unlike current released versions of GP. If you have a SOP invoice linked to a PO then the Serial/Lot will come across onto the SOP invoice.

As you can see, there are tons of enhancements in all of the above modules. GP "12" is geared towards solving some of the complexities in business processes that were a bit neglected in current releases.

Until next post!

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

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Codename GP "12" Preliminary Features Series - 1 of 4

Codename GP "12" Preliminary Features - Part 1 

This is article is part 1 of 4 from the series Codename GP "12" Preliminary Features. Some images and content reproduced with express permission from Microsoft Business Solutions, a division of Microsoft Corporation.

DISCLAIMER: These features are subject to change.

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I am only repeating what I have heard so please don't shoot the messenger. With GP "12" to be released "sometimes next year" - and yes, December 31, 2012 is still within that time frame - there may still be features on the following list that may not make the cut. However, it was fairly clear that the boys and girls on the Microsoft Dynamics GP development team in Fargo are working their rears off to get the feature list to a state where they feel pretty comfortable, meeting the demands on the shopping list.

Straight out of GPUG Summit's closing session, comes some of the top features being worked on, based on the traditional 4 pillar goals:

4 Core Design Pillars

Each pillar allows the engineering team to showcase a list of features that will support the objectives behind pillar.

Simplicity

The PM Reprint Check Remittance, for instance, will allow users to re-print the check remittance without having to generate the check.

Improvements have also been considered for the FA Calendar Setup feature. In this case, the Fixed Assets calendar does not have to match the fiscal calendar. You can now have multiple calendars, for example, having an asset depreciate on a fiscal year for tax purposes, if tax year and fiscal year are different, and depreciate calendar year for financial reporting purposes.
  
The Journal Entry History Inquiry will see enhancements too. In today's world, the existing window only looks at the open tables. The plan for GP "12" is to have it look at both open and/or history.

In the reporting area, you will be delighted to know that you will now be able to choose a printer at print time. This feature was only 20 years in the making, but it's finally here! Hey, I remember like if it was yesterday, when Windows True Type fonts became a standard part of Report Writer reports. Before that, we only had 4 fonts to play with. Challenge: name the 4 fonts available prior to the introduction of True Type fonts.

SSRS Simplicity

In addition to the printer at print time, one of the most awaited features is the ability to print SSRS reports from right within Microsoft Dynamics GP, this is, you will no longer need to wait for the Internet Explorer browser to load Report Server to display the report and will rather see the report from within GP as if you were looking at a Report Writer report in the report layout window... ah, and before I forget, Report Writer will eventually be phased out as the predominant options to render reports.

I don't know how this plays with all that Word Template functionality released fairly recently, but I am sure a lot of you will jump on one feet in happiness knowing that you no longer will need to suffer through the tortuous process of customizing a report. My instinct tells me, that Report Writer will mainly subsists as a data delivery mechanism for XML files needed for your beloved Word Templates. If history and memory serve me well, Microsoft rarely gets rid of a working function within its products, except it becomes as annoying as the Office Paperclip Assistant. Now that I come to think, Report Writer is got to be up there for a lot of you.

I will continue tomorrow with the Productivity pillar.
Until next post!

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

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Microsoft Dynamics GP Roadmap Update - Welcome codename GP "15"

Exciting times to be in the Microsoft Dynamics GP world! Web Client on the horizon, cloud computing in the not so distant future, tons of enhancements in codename GP "12". Now that I come to think about it, kind of make GP 2010 sound a bit obsolete, but wait? GP 2010 just got a refresh a few months ago. Oh, well!

If you keep up with my blog, you probably have seen my previous articles on the GP roadmap. For your benefit however, here are the links:

The Evolution of the Microsoft Dynamics GP Roadmap
Microsoft Dynamics GP Roadmap Update
Microsoft Dynamics GP roadmap

Now, I unveil for you the new roadmap which includes codename GP "15"

Roadmap as of November 2011 (GPUG Summit)

This roadmap update was unveiled at the GPUG Summit 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Note that codename GP "15" includes a Rapid Time-to-Value focus for the middle market, which probably means you will see some improvements in the implementation and deployment cycles of the product, a carry over topic from codename GP "14". One has to imagine that given the changes in the core product architecture, deployment would become a focus going into the future.

As usual, if anything new comes up I will let you know about it - as long as I am not bound by my NDA.

Until next post!

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

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Jumping on the Windows 8 Metro bandwagon

In my most recent In My Humble Opinion article I weigh in on the subject of Windows 8 Metro and Microsoft Dynamics GP "12" web client, and Microsoft's decision to go it the Silverlight route. Read why I think Silverlight is still the best choice as a development platform and how Windows 8 can still drive business applications requiring rich controls on the front-end.

You can read the article at - Jumping on the Windows 8 bandwagon on the Community site.

For more information on Windows 8, including a link to download the Developer's edition, click below:




Read more at the Microsoft News Center

Download the Windows Developer Preview

Until next post!

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

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Microsoft Dynamics GP "12" Web Client Architecture - Part 3

This is article 3 of 3 from the series Microsoft Dynamics GP "12" Web Client Architecture. Some images and content reproduced with express permission from Microsoft Business Solutions, a division of Microsoft Corporation.

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In Part 2 we explored the Microsoft Dynamics GP "12" Web Client's Rendering Engine and how it had to be decoupled from the overall Dexterity Runtime Engine functions, in order to create a Generic Window Object that could be rendered as a Windows Form or a Silverlight interface.

Today this article discusses how a Generic Window Object is transformed into a Windows form or a Silverlight UI, but before, let's remember that the Window Manager, a former part of the Dexterity Runtime Engine, is still in charge of processing the UI events while  the Rendering Engine presents the interface to the end-user.

Dynamic Form Rendering with Template Processor

Now that the Dexterity Runtime Engine has been freed of these tasks, the resulting Generic Window Object must be processed to produce either interfaces. For this, the Development team has created Template Processor.

Template Processor takes a generic representation of a window and is able to deliver an XML version of its content (fields, buttons, and events in the case of a traditional Dexterity window), called a Window Template, but as well delivers a version that the Dexterity Runtime Engine can still display in the classical client, also known as coreTemplate. The technique of processing a Generic Window Object into an XML Window Tempalte and a coreTemplate has been labeled Dynamics Form Rendering.

The XML Window Template is then delivered to Silverlight via a browser application - explicitly Internet Explorer given the use of Silverlight - where the Rendering Engine uses a Converter to serialize into a Silverlight UI. Since the Dexterity Runtime Engine retains the ability to understand the coreTemplate elements, displaying a Windows form is still a natural function.

Dynamic Form Rendering - Developer's Experience

The result will still allow developers to create traditional Dexterity customizations against the classic client UI or the XML Window Template generated by the Template Processor.

On a closing note, GP "12" aims to provide additional deployment methods to the traditional classical client deployment, where the client is either delivered as an installation at desktop level or in a Terminal Server or Citrix environment. With the Silverlight client, users can rely on their Internet Explorer browser and the Silverlight plug-in to run their Microsoft Dynamics GP application, while retaining the feature rich functionality of the classical client.

To make things even more interesting, a deployment environment can take advantage of both the classical client and the Silverlight client at the same time. Why would you need both? I suspect certain application functions like maintenance are best executed from the classical client, however in the scheme of things, it allows for a smooth end-user transition.

Finally, I hope you enjoyed this series of articles and I will continue to work with the Microsoft Dynamics GP Product Management team to deliver information to you as it becomes available (and needless to say, not deemed a trade secret). There is more to all this than meet the eyes.

Until next post!

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

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Microsoft Dynamics GP "12" Web Client Architecture - Part 2

This is article 2 of 3 from the series Microsoft Dynamics GP "12" Web Client Architecture. Some images and content reproduced with express permission from Microsoft Business Solutions, a division of Microsoft Corporation.

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In Part 1 of this series I went through the architecture transition from the classic client (the traditional Microsoft Dexterity interface and its evolution) to the Microsoft Dynamics GP "12" Web Client and introduced some elements of that architecture (Silverlight, .NET C#, and .NET Runtime) and how these elements fall into the "Built to Last" philosophy outlined in the overall Architectural Foundation.

Today, this article will continue down the lines outlining some of the technology challenges posed by the introduction of the Web Client and the highlighting some of the radical changes (from a development perspective) needed at the core of Microsoft Dexterity and Microsoft Dynamics GP to enable the Microsoft Silverlight interface.

The Rendering Engine

If you are a Microsoft Dexterity developer, you are already in tune with the purpose of forms (windows in the general sense) as an essential part of any Microsoft Dexterity application or integrating solution. After all, there are a key mechanism by which a user will interact with the Microsoft Dynamics GP system.

As such, a Microsoft Dexterity window typically includes sanScript code associated to the controls on that window. This code executes in response to events given the intended function of the window and the controls, i.e., save a transaction, post a batch, etc., under the direction of the Script Interpreter.

Note: The process of chunking a dictionary typically involves the removal of source code for shipping of the dictionary. Hence the need for the Script Interpreter as an integral component of the Runtime Engine.

Under the hood though, the user interface is administered by the Window Manager, which in turn talks to the Rendering Engine to display the actual Microsoft Dexterity window on the screen with the control elements previously laid out by the developer.

Web Client Architecture

The tight bond between UI and code has served well up to now, but it hasn't been without its drawbacks. One of the biggest complaints registered by developers and users alike is the fact that too much of the Microsoft Dynamics GP code resides within the user interface and the confines of the dictionary which makes for a heavy client - nonetheless, fitting the traditional client/server application architecture.

To facilitate the transition to the Web Client, the Window Manager and Rendering Engine have been decoupled from the functions of the Runtime Engine, allowing the Microsoft Dexterity Runtime Engine to produce a Generic Window Object instead. With a generic window, a classic client can continue to serve up the typical Win32 forms all the while allowing a Silverlight client to serve up a web based representation of that form. Decoupling the Window Manager and Rendering Engine allows for forms to move freely between the Win32 and Web worlds with the help of another key piece of technology - more on this in the next installment.

With the Window Manager and Rendering Engine decoupled, you can now conclude that a Microsoft Dexterity application can run as a service in the background, awaiting for events that would be either received via a traditional Win32 form or a Silverlight client, and STILL be able to execute script events regardless of the type of form they were submitted through. The theory also would indicate that a Microsoft Dexterity application is the basis for a Web Client version of itself. This is, a Microsoft Dexterity applications can leverage the new architecture elements to become web enabled - but not the other way around (yet!).

But how is the classic UI transformed into a web version? In the next and final installment, I will dig a bit more into the patent worthy elements of the architecture: Template Processor and Dynamic Window Rendering.

Until next post!

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

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Microsoft Dynamics GP "12" Web Client Architecture - Part 1

This is article 1 of 3 from the series Microsoft Dynamics GP "12" Web Client Architecture. Some images and content reproduced with express permission from Microsoft Business Solutions, a division of Microsoft Corporation.

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In past weeks I mentioned expanding a bit more on the Web Client to be introduced with codename GP "12".

Web Client Overview

The Web Client is the full GP application delivered through the Web. The key pieces to be delivered will be the core application components, ISV dictionaries, and in-house customizations - Dexterity customizations. At the core of the web client is the UI update which will feature new homepage tiles, ribbons and tabs. Microsoft expects that UI performance will rival that of Terminal Server or better.

Client/Server Architecture Transition

Historically, the Microsoft Dynamics GP application has followed a 2-tier client/server architecture, which divides the application functions into two distinct, but very interrelated components: the database server and the client application.

The database server, which relies on Microsoft SQL Server, hosts the system and company data, along with extended business logic that allows it to process some of the heavier operations that would be extremely time consuming to perform at the client, for example, transaction posting business logic.

In turn, the Microsoft Dynamics GP client application, built on Microsoft Dexterity, has always performed the functions of delivering the user interface, providing data entry validation, and rendering reports - ok, so it does a bit more at times, but in context these are the key functions.

Transition from current Client/Server architecture to the Web Client architecture

A Microsoft Dexterity application is divided into two distinct elements: 1) a Runtime Engine that deals with the technology aspects of the application environment, like communicating to the operating system and establishing and managing the connection to the databases, and 2) a dictionary which hosts all the core application components and business logic, such as the forms, reports, and the sanScript code that makes the entire user interface and reports do something in response to user commands and input.

This architecture has been time tested and has served its purpose even after numerous technology changes over the years. In fact, application users have seen no disruption to the application functionality due to technology changes. The same could be said for changes in functionality- see Microsoft Dynamics GP Architectural Foundation Series with Tim Brookins for a primer on GP's architecture.

The Web Client, built on Microsoft Silverlight delivers a set of components and services oriented toward the UI and user interaction, including user input, lightweight UI controls for use in Web applications (some other Silverlight features that probably won't be a part of the Web Client include media playback, digital rights management, data binding, and presentation features, including vector graphics, text, animation, and images). Also Silverlight includes the Extensible Application Markup Language (XAML) for specifying layout which is heavily used by the Web Client.

The Silverlight Web Client application uses a subset of the .NET Framework that contains components and libraries, including data integration, extensible Windows controls, networking, base class libraries, garbage collection, and the common language runtime (CLR). The development language of choice, of course, is C#.

Some parts of the .NET Framework for Silverlight are deployed with the Web Client application. These "Silverlight Libraries" are assemblies not included in the Silverlight runtime and are instead shipped in the Silverlight SDK. The Silverlight Libraries used by the Web Client, are packaged up with the application and downloaded to the browser from the Server. These include new UI controls, XLINQ, Syndication (RSS/Atom), XML serialization, and the dynamic language runtime (DLR). Perhaps, not all these elements will make it to the initial release of the Web Client, but will gradually make their way in the future.

For more on Silverlight architecture click here.

Tomorrow, I will cover in more detail some of the changes required in the current architecture (from a technology stand point) to be able to serve up the Silverlight UI.

Until next post!

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

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Microsoft Dynamics GP "12" Web Client Architecture Series

You've got a peek at the past Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference, you saw it at Microsoft Dynamics Convergence Atlanta 2011. But do you really understand what goes on "under the hood". If you are intreagued by the upcoming codename GP "12", today I begin a series of articles oriented to shed some light on the new application architecture. Get a review of the web client and the transition from the classic client to the new architecture environment, understand what changes went into rendering the Silverlight interface, how UI templates work and future deployment options, get an introduction to Dynamic Form Rendering and why this technology is so cool.

The publishing schedule for these articles are as follows:

Published Date	Featured Article
05/09/2011	Microsoft Dynamics GP "12" Web Client Architecture - Part 1
05/11/2011	Microsoft Dynamics GP "12" Web Client Architecture - Part 2
05/16/2011	Microsoft Dynamics GP "12" Web Client Architecture - Part 3
05/23/2011	Microsoft Dynamics GP "12" Named System Database Architecture

Disclaimer: Some images and content reproduced with express permission from Microsoft Business Solutions, a division of Microsoft Corporation. The content of these articles should not be reproduced without permission from this author.

Until next post!

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

Edits:
05/23/2011 - Added link to Named System Database Architecture article on Dynamics Community.

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Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2011 Wrap Up

I usually wait for David to return to Australia to do this post and link back to his, but our schedules were very different this year, so when he catches up with everything I will be adding links to his posts.

This year's Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2011 was very different from the one I attended in 2009. What made it different you may ask (if you did not attend of course)? The fact that we got full demos of the upcoming Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2 and code name GP "12" made a difference, the fact that we were able to preview the web client for Microsoft Dynamics GP made a big difference, the fact that we saw a renewed commitment from Microsoft to deliver a butt kicking product made ALL the difference in the world.

Bottom line, this Conference was the last straw being drawn by many partners in attendance to see if things would take a turn for the best, product wise. I can certainly say, partners got what they came for and more...lot's more!

If you did not get a chance to catch up with the Conference, please click on the links below to take you to a different day of the Conference and the experiences of that day.

Pre-Conference Day 1: Getting here
Pre-Conference Day 2: Fine tuning presentations
Pre-Conference Day 3: Tech Check
Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2011 begins today
Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2011: Day 1 Opening Session
Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2011: Day 1 Presentation
Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2011: Day 2 Presentation
Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2011: Closing Session
Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2011: Trip back home
Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2011: Sessions Materials

Also, don't miss the in between posts on the product roadmap and features list.

The Evolution of the Microsoft Dynamics GP roadmap
Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2 Features List

What would be the world without social media...get a look into the Conference, catch some pictures of some really funny moments and see if you recognize some of the people that attended.

The Dynamics GP Blogster Facebook

Catch David's perspectives and experiences at the Conference over at Developing for Dynamics GP.

Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2011: Getting there
Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2011: Day -3
Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2011: Day -2
Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2011: Day -1
Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2011: Day 1 Morning
Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2011: Day 1 Afternoon
Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2011: Day 2
Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2011: Day 2 cont.
Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2011: Day 3
Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2011: Day 3 cont. (David goes wild...and back to school!)
Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2011: Post Conference
Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2011: Getting Home
Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Confernece 2011: Wrap Up

Also, all session materials are available for download on PartnerSource

Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2011 Resources


You can download the materials from the sessions presented by David and I here at The Dynamics GP Blogster:

MSDGPTechConference2011.zip (All materials for all sessions)

Development_Troubleshooting_with_the_Support_Debugging_Tool.zip

Introduction_to_Microsoft_Dynamics_GP_Customization_Tools.zip


Please come back to this post for updates on the links and remember: David and I will be at the next Microsoft Dynamics Convergence Atlanta 2011. Please register now and catch our sessions there, which will involve a DayOne with GPUG, a deep dive session, and a breakout session.

Until next post!

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


Edits:
03/07/2011 - Added link to David's "Post Conference" article
03/08/2011 - Added link to David's "Getting Home" article
03/10/2011 - Added link to David's "Wrap Up" article

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The Evolution of the Microsoft Dynamics GP Roadmap

I wanted to take the opportunity to show how the Microsoft Dynamics GP roadmap has evolved over the past 2 years, contrasting each slide that has been released at different stages. Clearly, Microsoft is going in the right direction and, while there's a lot more work to be done, the future looks very promising.

---

Attendees at Convergence New Orleans 2009 saw a roadmap contemplating up to the release of the then code name "11 FP". You can still expect to see a Service Pack 2 for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 coming soon.


Roadmap as of March 2009 (Convergence New Orleans)

 At the Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2009, the roadmap had been updated to incorporate code name GP "14". However, code name GP "11 FP" had been dropped as part of the picture, all the while maintaining code name GP "12" and code name GP "14" as part of the future plans.

Roadmap as of November 2009 (Technical Conference 2009)

Now, at the Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference 2011, and with GP 10 SP4 (and SP5) out of sight, you could see a slight change on the roadmap with the incorporation of GP 2010 R2 and the overall objectives for this release. Also, note that some futures that were anticipated to be in code name GP "12" have now been rolled into GP 2010 R2.

Roadmap as of March 2011 (Technical Conference 2011)

It is clear that heavy investment in the product continues to be a priority for Microsoft and this trend is not expected to decrease at least for the next 5 years. Of course, if you feel otherwise, please take your comments to The Dynamics GP Blogster Facebook feed.

Until next post!

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

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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/

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