Your Microsoft Dynamics GP Product Management & Marketing team:
Errol Schoenfish
Pam Misialek
Jay Manley
Jen Dorsey
Gerice Anderson
Darrin Hawley
While this blog is technically "owned" by the Microsoft Dynamics GP Product Management and Marketing team, it truly belongs to ALL of those who call themselves a part of the Microsoft Dynamics GP community!
We just put the wraps on a great day here in London to a sold out audience for Convergence 2009 Europe! Our Corporate VP of Microsoft Business Solutions, Kirill Tatarinov, kicked off the event with a great keynote that introduced our customers to the concept of the Dynamic Business. This concept is all about how we as Microsoft Dynamics can help our customers be more productive, gain better insight into their business, and enable deeper more meaningful connections with others in their ecosystem. You can read more about the Dynamic Business and some other key announcements Kirill made today here:
http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.aspx?feed=PR&date=20091027&id=10602210
The rest of the day was filled with breakout sessions, including 3 dedicated to Microsoft Dynamics GP. The customers seemed very engaged and had a number of questions regarding some “hot topics” right now, namely our upcoming ”V11” release and some of the exciting GP 10 functionality we focused on including Extender and Excel Report Builder (which is a part of SmartList Builder). All-in-all, a very good day for our customers, partners, and the Microsoft Dynamics team.
Getting a chance to hear what is top of mind for our customers is always such a valuable thing, and one of the favorite parts of my job. While in-person events such as Convergence are a great way for our team to get feedback on product direction or strategy, feel free to use this blog and the comments as another avenue for providing your input! Our “door” is always open…
AndyW
All you Microsoft Dynamics GP Partners out there looking for a reason to attend the upcoming Technical Conference next month, look no more! Our Dynamics Partner team put together a fun “Top 10” list for everyone and shared it on YouTube…check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ze4P2LoMLMU
Lots of fun cameo’s in this video…see how many “actors” you can identify!
Now who wouldn't want to save $500,000 annually?
Well, Microsoft Gold Certified Partner Systematica Inc. helped Glidewell Laboratories, a manufacturer of high-quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry products, do just that!
By replacing Sage Abra with Microsoft Dynamics GP, Glidewell was able to tie together and automate its payroll and financial accounting processes. In addition, Glidewell implemented Advanced Payroll and Advanced Human Resources functionality to support their unique compensation model and payroll requirements.
While Glidewell is in the business of helping resolve dental pains, Microsoft Dynamics GP is in the business of helping resolve payroll pains. And, according to this press release, Microsoft Dynamics GP also helped Glidewell improve insight into their business performance, the efficiency of their business processes, and their employee satisfaction.
We have a great opportunity to secure additional press coverage with these competitive migration stories. Send your customer stories to mbsgp@microsoft.com to help spread the word! And stay tuned for more cool customer stories!!
Errol
With the addition of another new building, executive briefing center, and enough plants to cover a football field now settling in, the Microsoft Fargo campus is a beehive of activity, and is rapidly becoming an important global hub for the entire organization. Whether it’s the Microsoft Dynamics GP team, or a whole host of support, development, and services resources, Fargo is on the map—and with upcoming visits by Steve Ballmer and the Governor of North Dakota in the coming weeks, Fox Business News just taped a segment about the campus, how Microsoft and Fargo are coping and beating the recession, and all the other going’s on as well—you can see it here.
Hello everyone!
It is with great excitement that I am here to announce that the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Adapter for Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 (Integration Tool) has just released and is generally available for US installs of Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 and Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0!!! A huge thank you to all involved with this project. Here is some additional information for when you are speaking with Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partners, Existing Customers, Prospects and internal personnel (Feel free to forward to your Partners and Customers):
Key Messages:
Easy to Implement
Easy to Use
Easy to Customize
Additional Information Regarding the Adapter:
For Partners and Microsoft Team Members (Information will be updated as it is available):
https://mbs.microsoft.com/partnersource/partneressentials/partnerreadiness/resourcing/MDCRMGPAdapter.htm
For Existing Customers (Information will be updated as it is available):
https://mbs.microsoft.com/customersource/worldwide/us/productinformation/factsheets/MDCRMGPAdapter
Partner Download URL (PLEASE REMEMBER TO HAVE THE MICROSOFT DYNAMICS GP PARTNERS PLACE AN ORDER FOR THE ADAPTER – This will allow us to track who has obtained the Adapter – so we can communicate with them if there is a technical need to do so.) There are NO licensing fees for the Adapter. However the customer needs to have an active Microsoft Dynamics CRM Software Assurance Plan well as an active Microsoft Dynamics GP Enhancement Plan. Orders must be placed through the standard Microsoft Dynamics GP ordering process.
HOW TO PLACE AN ORDER:
https://mbs.microsoft.com/partnersource/ordering/tools/placeorder/
THE INTEGRATION TOOL DOWNLOAD LINK WILL BE AVAILABLE BY 2:00 PM CENTRAL TIME TODAY:
https://mbs.microsoft.com/partnersource/deployment/resources/productreleases/MDGP10_CRMAdapter.htm
Partner Readiness Webinar (TOMORROW – 10/6/09- MAKE SURE TO FORWARD TO YOUR MICROSOFT DYNAMICS GP AND MICROSOFT DYNAMICS CRM PARTNERS):
Event Title
Date
Time
Dur
PLC Registration URL
Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Adapter for Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 (Integration Tool)
10/6/2009
11:00 AM
60 min
https://training.partner.microsoft.com/learning/app/management/LMS_ActDetails.aspx?UserMode=0&ActivityId=551516
Customer Readiness Webinar Webinar:
TBD.
Common Questions:
1. What is the name of the Adapter for GP?
The name of the Adapter is: “Microsoft Dynamics CRM Adapter for Microsoft Dynamics GP” (Adapter.)
2. Will there be a price for the Adapter?
No. The Adapter is FREE. However, customers will need to have an active/current Microsoft Dynamics GP Enhancement/Support plan. In addition, the customer will also need an active/current Microsoft Dynamics CRM Software Assurance (SA) Support Plan.
3. Which Microsoft Dynamics Partners are able to order the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Adapter for Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0:
The partner organization needs to be a REGISTERED Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner as all orders MUST be placed through the standard Microsoft Dynamics GP ordering process.
4. Does this new Adapter support Microsoft Dynamics GP 9.0 or Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0?
No. The Adapter will not be compatible with Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0 or Microsoft Dynamics GP 9.0 or any other previous versions of Microsoft Dynamics GP or Microsoft Dynamics CRM. In order to utilize the Adapter, the customer would be required to upgrade to Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 Service Pack 4 and Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Update Roll-up #5.
5. What versions of Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft Dynamics CRM will be compatible with this Adapter?
The Adapter will require Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 Service Pack 4 and Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 – Update Roll-up #5.
6. Is there an upgrade path from the previous Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0 Connector for Microsoft Dynamics GP 9.0?
There is no upgrade path available from the previous Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0 Connector for Microsoft Dynamics GP. As mentioned previously, In order to utilize the Adapter, the customer would be required to upgrade to Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 Service Pack 4 and Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Update Roll-up #5. Finally, the customer would then install the Adapter and integrate the two solutions.
7. Is the Adapter an upgraded version of the previous Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0 Connector for Microsoft Dynamics GP 9.0?
No. The Adapter is an entirely new, separate tool.
8. What is/are the main integration engines/services used for the Adapter?
Web services and eConnect. The integration is a web service to web service integration. The integration is comprised of an NT Service which binds together web services for both Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Microsoft Dynamics GP to read and write data. The integration service also leverages a transform engine to convert the data between the interfaces to ensure that the data moving between the two systems is compatible and in correct form.
9. Does the Adapter use Microsoft BizTalk Server?
No.
10. What are the supported languages for the Adapter?
US English for both Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 and Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0. We are evaluating the other supported Microsoft Dynamics GP supported languages.
11. Will this release of the Adapter have multicurrency functionality?
No. We are considering multicurrency functionality for future releases of the Adapter.
12. Will this Adapter be available for other Microsoft Dynamics ERP products?
Yes. There will be an Adapter released for Microsoft Dynamics AX. This Adapter is scheduled to be released in calendar Q3 2010. We are currently working with the Microsoft Dynamics SL and Microsoft Dynamics NAV teams to determine the appropriate integration strategy with Microsoft Dynamics CRM. More information will be available as we complete the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Adapter for Microsoft Dynamics AX.
13. How is the Adapter different from an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) integration toolset?
The Adapter is an out of the box, lightly extensible data integration tool. Version 1 of the Adapter has been built to integrate Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Microsoft Dynamics ERP applications only. It will allow for additional property mapping between existing entities which are exposed through the adapters, and the upcoming SDK release will allow additional adapters to be built. If your integration requires more complex needs such as introducing workflows into the integration components, integrating other 3rd party products, or doing more multi-mastering of data across multiple applications, then an ISV integration toolset may be more appropriate.
14. Was there a TAP/BETA program for the Adapter?
There was a successful Partner TAP (Technology Adoption Program) as well as a Customer BETA program. This program has helped Microsoft validate key integration scenarios.
15. Will there be a Software Development Kit (SDK) for the Adapter?
16. Yes. The Adapter SDK will be available in Calendar Q4 2009.
17. What are the OOTB (Out-Of-The-Box) Entity Mappings?
18. Can I utilize the Adapter to integrate my existing, or other software solutions, with Microsoft Dynamics GP 10?
Yes. However, Microsoft will only provide support for the integration between Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions. In order to create integrations between your existing, or other software, solutions and Microsoft Dynamics GP or CRM, please review the Adapter SDK (Available: Calendar Q4 2009.) Microsoft will support the Adapter SDK, which will allow you to create your own self-supported integrations to other solutions of your choice.
To connect a non-Microsoft solution to any Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions, additional licensing is required. A Dynamics Client for Office (DCO) license is needed for every user who accesses information from outside of the Microsoft Dynamics ERP solution. For example, if a customer has a custom application they want to integrate with Microsoft Dynamics GP, every person who sends data to Microsoft Dynamics GP or receives data from Microsoft Dynamics GP must have a DCO license.
If you are a Microsoft Dynamics GP partner, and you are looking for additional information regarding DCO licensing, please review the information on this website: https://mbs.microsoft.com/partnersource/pricing/announcements/msdclientsfaq.htm?printpage=false&stext=dco
If you are a Microsoft Dynamics GP customer, please consult with your partner to obtain additional information regarding DCO licensing.
19. Does the Adapter provide a bi-directional integration?
Yes. The Adapter will allow for data movement between both CRM and ERP. In a number of cases, we assume that the ERP application is the system of record (Products, Pricing, Unit of Measure, Sales Invoices, etc.)
In the case of Sales Orders, these documents can be created in either system. Once an order is submitted from Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 to Microsoft Dynamics GP, the ERP solution becomes the system of record and the order will be read-only in CRM.
In the case of the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Account and Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 Customer, the data is truly multi-mastered. Once the data exists in both systems, and update to either system will trigger a subsequent update in the other respective system for properties which are included in the integration mapping.
20. Will this Adapter be compatible with Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online?
No. The initial release of the Adapter will only support installations of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Update Rollup #5 and Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 Service Pack 4. We will continue to review our integration strategies between our hosted and on-premise applications.
21. Can the Adapter integrate Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 SP4 data into Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 custom entities?
With the release of the SDK later this fall, CRM Custom Entities will be supported and customers and partners will be able to build their own additional adapters.
22. If I have system challenge/interruption when utilizing the Adapter to integrate data between Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 to Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 SP4, how can I troubleshoot the challenge or resolve the issue?
Administrative users will have access to a log file which will describe the error and may also suggest steps to mediate the problem (for certain exception types). Additionally, administrators may choose to be proactively notified when exceptions are occurring within the integration. Administrators can be notified via e-mail when there is either business or system-level exceptions.
23. Who will provide support for the Adapter?
The Microsoft Dynamics CRM Support Team will support the Adapter tool. The Microsoft Dynamics GP Support Team will support the Dynamics GP Web Services used by the Adapter.
Thanks again to everyone that has been involved with this project!!! Congratulations on a fantastic integration tool!
Ben
Did you know that there are pre and post trainings tied to the Dynamics GP Technical Conference? This is a great opportunity to get more out of your trip to Fargo. I’ve included the trainings in this post, to register for them, go to the post training area.
Click Here to Register Today
On Premise Training
Title: Microsoft Dynamics CRM Date: 11/12/2009 Location: Fargo, ND Cost: Free
CRM Topics:
Title: Microsoft Dynamics GP Advanced Technical Workshop: Developer Toolkit Date: 11/4/2009 - 11/6/2009 Location: Fargo, ND Cost: $1,500
Title: Microsoft Dynamics GP Extender Date: 11/9/2009 Location: Fargo, ND Cost: Free Lunch: Not provided. Lunch in Fargo Commons on your own.
Title: Microsoft Dynamics GP Advanced Technical Workshop: eConnect Date: 11/12/2009 - 11/13/2009 Location: Fargo, ND Cost: $1,000
Title: Microsoft Dynamics GP Advanced Technical Workshop: Reporting Options Date: 11/17/2009 Location: Fargo, ND Cost: $500
Online Training
Title: Microsoft Dynamics GP Advanced Technical Remote Workshop: Unleash the Power - Data Mining with Microsoft Office Excel Date: 11/5/2009 Location: Online Cost: $250
Title: Microsoft Dynamics GP Advanced Technical Remote Workshop: Advanced Tips for Reconciliation in Payables & Receivables Date: 11/19/2009 Location: Online Cost: $300
Title: Microsoft Dynamics GP Installation & Configuration - Online Partner Academy Date: 11/16/2009 - 11/18/2009 Location: Online Cost: $1,050
Title: Microsoft Dynamics GP Advanced Technical Remote Workshop: Field Service Date: 11/10/2009 Location: Online Cost: $300
Hello Everyone,
After careful deliberation, we (Microsoft Dynamics Product Management and Microsoft Dynamics Integration Development) have decided to change the General Availability (GA) release date of the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Adapter for Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0. The NEW release date will be Monday, October 5, 2009. The Adapter will NOT be available on Thursday, October 1, 2009 as previously scheduled.
Please remember to direct your Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Microsoft Dynamics GP Partners to register for the free Adapter Partner Readiness Webinar on October 6, 2009 at 11:00 am Pacific Time. Please forward this registration link below to any and all Partners who are interested in integrating Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 and Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0:
Thanks,