Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP

Live from London…

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

Top 10 Reasons to attend the Technical Conference!

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!

AndyW

Customer replaces Sage and saves $500,000 annually

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

The Fargo Campus is Ready for Their Close-Up!

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.

 

Errol

RELEASED!! - Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Adapter for Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 (Integration Tool)

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

• Wizard driven installation
• System Preparation Tool
• Lightweight footprint that utilizes web services and eConnect
• Web Service to web service integration

Easy to Use

• Eight out-of-the-box CRM to ERP Mappings

Easy to Customize

• Wizard driven custom mapping

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

Pre-Post Training for Dynamics GP

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:

• Architecting Enterprise-scale xRM Solutions with Microsoft Dynamics CRM
• Microsoft Dynamics CRM Accelerators for ISVs
• Introduction to Microsoft Dynamics CRM and xRM
• Introduction to Marketing in Microsoft Dynamics CRM
• Introduction to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Mobile
• Partner and ISV Opportunities with Microsoft Dynamics CRM/xRM

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

RELEASE DATE CHANGE: Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Adapter for Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 (Integration Tool)

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:

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

Thanks,

Ben

Microsoft Dynamics GP Product Management Joins Social Networking Craze!

Hello Everyone!

The Microsoft Dynamics GP Team has joined facebook and social networking craze!  If you are looking for Microsoft Dynamics GP Demos, links to Microsoft Dynamics GP Customer Case Studies, upcoming Microsoft Dynamics GP Events, promotions….etc. or any information regarding Microsoft Dynamics GP, become a fan of this site!  Feel free to send to anyone that is a “fan” of Microsoft Dynamics GP!  We will update the site frequently!

Here is the link:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/edit/?id=133369983207#/pages/Dynamics-GP-Product-Management/133369983207

Thanks,
Ben

Microsoft Dynamics GP “11” Preview

The buzz, have you heard the buzz building around Dynamics GP “11?”  Well, I have for a while now.  With many partners holding user group meetings, they’re asking for presentations and demos on GP “11.”  This release focuses on feature functionality combined with taking our Dynamics GP 10 innovations to the next level.  Exciting.

For partner’s to talk about what all the buzz is about, we created a PowerPoint and 2 new demos. (Thank you Andy Westby and our development friends.) 

More information will be released in the coming months, so until then use this to keep the buzz, buzzing.  And, no a full feature list is not available, yet.  We’ll release the list closer to the beta timeframe in January.

The PowerPoint includes:

• Dynamics GP 10
• Dynamics GP 10 Feature Pack
• Dynamics GP 10 SP 4 (Extender, CRM Adapter)
• Updated Dynamics GP Roadmap
• Updated Dynamics GP 11
• Appendix with other misc slides we get asked for.

 Download the Dynamics GP "11" Presentation Pack

Of course, any feedback, is helpful.

Pam

Why mid-market companies continue to make the smart move to Microsoft Dynamics GP…

Every year, we see a large number of customers moving to Microsoft Dynamics GP from their Intuit QuickBooks solution.  Since most small businesses want a simple package designed for a small business, they end up buying QuickBooks. It only makes sense then that when those companies grow into a larger, more mid-market like business, they want a full featured product designed for mid-market companies, so they oftentimes select Microsoft Dynamics GP.  In some cases, these mid-market customers looking for a mid-market product will evaluate QuickBooks Enterprise.  While this product definitely can help growing customers on lower editions of QuickBooks overcome some of the user scalability issues they may face (today QuickBooks Enterprise touts they can handle up to 30 users), there is still a wide gap in terms of the type of functionality offered out of the box between this package and Microsoft Dynamics GP.

Take for example the recent findings from the 3rd party company The Accounting Library where they found that Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 includes a great deal more functionality than QuickBooks Enterprise 9.0 out of the box.  The chart below tells the story…

Considering the functionality gaps shown above, the fast ROI customers experience when moving to Microsoft Dynamics GP, along with gaining powerful out of the box interoperability with the Microsoft Office products they use every day, it is no surprise that customers continue to make the Smart Move to Microsoft Dynamics GP!

For a FULL report from The Accounting Library on Microsoft Dynamics GP versus QuickBooks Enterprise, including the analysis above, click here.

AndyW

PARTNER READINESS WEBINAR: Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Adapter for Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 (Integration Tool)

Hello Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partners!

Are you ready for some PARTNER Readiness regarding the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Adapter for Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 Integration Tool? If so, please attend this webinar. We will cover the following topics:

• Version 1 Release Goals
• Adapter Architecture
• High-Level Features
• Entity Mappings
• TAP/BETA Feedback
• Version 1 Release Timelines
• Adapter Pricing
• The Software Development Kit (SDK)
• Adapter Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Future Timelines
• Available Sales/Marketing Collateral

Please try to attend this very important Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Adapter for Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 PARTNER Readiness Webinar. REGISTER TODAY!

Feel free to forward this webinar to other Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partners. (It will be recorded as well.)

Registration Link:

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

Thank you,

Ben

Uncovering the Dynamics GP 10.0 SP3 VPC and Extending the Reach demos

Attention Dynamics GP Partners:

Do you want to understand how to best optimize the performance of the latest Dynamics GP 10 SP3 VPC image?

Do you want to learn more about the new technologies and demo features that were added to this image? 

Do you want to understand the technical details of exactly how the Extending the Reach (Dynamics GP + SharePoint) vision demos were created? 

If you answered YES to any question above, you must set time aside now to view an all-new 4 part webcast series focused on all of the great aspects of the Dynamics GP 10 SP3 VPC image.  These webcasts are available to stream on-demand, or download for viewing on-the-go at your own pace.  This series will give both sales and technical pre-sales roles a greater understanding of how to leverage the VPC image to benefit your organization and deliver more impactful demo’s as a result.

Microsoft Dynamics GP 10 SP3 Workshop Part 1 of 4: View this tutorial for a thorough introduction of the Microsoft Dynamics GP 10 SP3 Virtual PC image (released July 2009), including a demonstration on the optimal setup of the Virtual PC files for maximum performance and response.

Microsoft Dynamics GP 10 SP3 Workshop Part 2 of 4: View this tutorial to get a deeper understanding of the new on the updated Dynamics GP 10 SP3 Virtual PC image. Understand the upgraded technologies, new documentation and demo’s, and additional features available to Partners with this image.

Microsoft Dynamics GP 10 SP3 Workshop Part 3 of 4: View this tutorial to “unlock the secrets” of the updated Dynamics GP 10 SP3 Virtual PC, specifically focusing on the SharePoint specific features and functionality available to showcase on the image. Also understand how these demos can help differentiate the application and yourself from competitors.

Microsoft Dynamics GP 10 SP3 Workshop Part 4 of 4: View this tutorial for a technical deep dive of the new Extend the Reach demos available on the updated Dynamics GP 10 SP3 Virtual PC. See first-hand how technologies such as Web Services, InfoPath, SharePoint Designer, Workflow and more are leveraged and integrated directly into the Dynamics GP environment to meet specific customer requirements and “extend the reach” of the ERP throughout the organization.

Enjoy!

AndyW

Information About The Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Adapter for Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 Integration Tool - Now Available!

Hello Everyone,

A number of you have heard about the new Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Adapter for Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 (Integration Tool) and have asked a lot of great questions!  Well, today we are releasing a Partner/Customer ready Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document...and this is only the beginning of the collateral to help you learn about the new Adapter... 

Here is the list of additional collateral we will be providing Microsoft Dynamics CRM/GP Partners:

All Collateral mentioned below will be placed on the following PartnerSource Landing Page (As it becomes available):   https://mbs.microsoft.com/partnersource/partneressentials/partnerreadiness/resourcing/MDCRMGPAdapter

1.  Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Adapter for Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – AVAILABLE! (Website Live this Afternoon)

2.  Invigoration Station - Radio Interview with Ben Corwin - Sr. Microsoft Dynamics GP Product Manager – AVAILABLE! (Website Live This Afternoon)

3.  Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Adapter for Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 Partner Readiness Webinar (Slide Deck and Live Meeting Recording) – COMING SOON!

4.  Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Adapter for Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 Customer Webinar (Slide Deck and Live Meeting Recording) – COMING SOON!

5.  Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Adapter for Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 Case Studies/Solution Briefs – COMING SOON!

6.  Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Adapter for Microsoft Dynamics GP Thru-Partner eMail Template – COMING SOON!

7.  Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Adapter for Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 (Chapter on the Adapter in a publication) – COMING SOON!

8.  Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 for Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 Out-Of-The-Box (OOTB) Entity Mappings – COMING SOON!

9.  Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 for Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 DemoMate Click-Thru (with Speaker Notes) – COMING SOON!

10.  Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 for Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 Technical Demonstration Toolkit/VPC – COMING SOON!

11.  Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Adapter for Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 VM Express Technical Demonstration Toolkit/VPC – COMING SOON!

12.  Implementer/Consultant (High Level 2-3 Hour) Recorded Training – COMING SOON!

Here is the list of additional collateral we will be providing Microsoft Dynamics CRM/GP Customers:

All Collateral mentioned below will be placed on the following CustomerSource Landing Page (As it becomes available):   https://mbs.microsoft.com/customersource/worldwide/us/productinformation/factsheets/MDCRMGPAdapter

1. Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Adapter for Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – AVAILABLE! (Website Live This Afternoon)

2.  Invigoration Station - Radio Interview with Ben Corwin - Sr. Microsoft Dynamics GP Product Manager – AVAILABLE!  (Website Live This Afternoon)

3.  Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Adapter for Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 Customer Webinar (Slide Deck and Live Meeting Recording) – COMING SOON!

4.  Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Adapter for Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 Customer Case Studies/Solution Briefs – COMING SOON!

5.  Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Adapter for Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 (Chapter on the Adapter in a publication) – COMING SOON!

6.  Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 for Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 Out-Of-The-Box (OOTB) Entity Mappings – COMING SOON!

Here are some of the main questions I have received (all contained in the attached FAQ):

1. When will the Adapter be released?

The Adapter will be available on October 1, 2009.

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. How can a customer obtain the Adapter?

The partner organization would place the order for the customer through the standard Microsoft Dynamics GP ordering system.  No physical media will be provided.  There will be a download page to download the actual files on PartnerSource.  The URL is: https://mbs.microsoft.com/partnersource/deployment/resources/productreleases/MDGP10_CRMAdapter.htm

(This URL will be live on October 1, 2009.)

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. 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.

6. 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.

7. Does the Adapter use Microsoft BizTalk Server?

No.

8. 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.

9. Will this release of the Adapter have multicurrency functionality?

No.  We are considering multicurrency functionality for future releases of the Adapter.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Will there be a Software Development Kit (SDK) for the Adapter?

Yes.  The Adapter SDK will be available in Calendar Q4 2009.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

Please let me know if you have additional questions!  We are looking forward to October 1, 2009 release date and providing additional collateral on the Adapter!!

Thanks,

Ben

Week 11: Do you Know? Series of the Week

After taking a quick two week hiatus (not because of a lack of features, but for a lack of time to get these done!), the “Do you know?” series of the week is back! In this series, we give tips, tricks, and general comments around features and functions that already exist in Microsoft Dynamics GP. 

Our challenge to you is…how much do you really know about Dynamics GP?

This week the feature is the new Report Center functionality introduced in Dynamics GP 10.  Included as a part of Business Portal, this feature is a great one for the out-of-the-box library pages that are setup for Finance, Sales, Purchasing, Inventory, Payroll, HR, Manufacturing, and Executives.  Here is a quick screenshot of the Report Center…

You can deploy folders and SharePoint security groups for individual companies as you see above, and each report folder can hold various report types, such as FRx Reports, Excel Reports, Crystal Reports, SRS Reports, PDF files, and more.  You can also schedule reports for publishing to this Report Center using the Dynamics GP Report Scheduler feature.  It can be that one-stop shop for employees outside of Dynamics GP to access critical information that helps them be more productive and make informed decisions.  We like to call that “Extending the Reach” around here!

AndyW

Dynamics GP Technical Conference for Partners Coming

I started to write a post on the Technical Conference coming up and realized other fellow bloggers probably beat me to it.  Since David did a great job talking about it, I’ll just point you to his post.

Developing for Dynamics Blog Post on Conference

Mark your calendars for November 9-11 to be in Fargo.  We are limited to 450 people, and the registration numbers are climbing.  So sign up early!

Pam