Dynamics AX Continues Upmarket Push

A user interface modeled on Office 2007 and improved features for large companies are among a long list of improvements in Dynamics AX 2009, Microsoft’s top enterprise resource planning (ERP) application and development platform, which became generally available in June 2008. The release will help workers learn the product and find relevant information faster than with previous versions, and will help manufacturers better manage production and inventory across multiple locations and time zones. The upgrade will be welcomed by existing customers and could attract new customers in the low end of the enterprise market, which is dominated by Oracle and SAP.

Although it is less complex than similar Oracle and SAP products, AX 2009 is not a simple product. Organizations should expect to undertake major setup, integration, and training efforts before benefits are realized. Such projects present opportunities for integrators and ISVs to implement, customize, and extend the product for customers, and to assist with training.