A week of compelling stories. AX on Azure, NAV Extensions excitement and dismay, the Common Data Model preview for PowerApps, and why is marketing automation sitting on the shelf?

Among this week’s topics:

• Microsoft’s update to New Dynamics AX, available from LCS, which adds the use of Azure Resource Manager for managing deployments, offers improvements to the user interface, Office integration, analytics, security, and integrations.
• Marketing automation’s “dirty little secret” – could it be its absence? Or disuse?
• A look at CRMUG Summit 2016RMUG Summit 2016, in which CRMUG Director Tony Stein promises a “by-user, for-user” feel, and a touch of Convergence.
• Debate on Extensions grows, in which experts are split on the wisdom of Microsoft’s choice; their moods run from excitement to resignation.
• The Common Data Model (CDM) preview for PowerApps, CDM being Microsoft's new Azure-based business application model and storage mechanism for PowerApps, Microsoft Flow, and Power B.
• Two interesting case studies, being the global nonprofit Partners In Health using a NAV-based solution to manage the complexities of that vertical; and the Portland Trail Blazers using Dynamics CRM to retain and upsell ticketholders.

Dynamics AX cannot have enough add-ons: perhaps you need retail store pack-and-ship, or, advanced product lifecycle management. There are ISVs by the hundreds to choose from—but proceed with caution.

Don Riggs joins us to navigate the complexities. He’s a 13-year Dynamics AX veteran, currently Sr. Director AX Applications Architect, enVista Corporation, and a much-sought expert in the AXUG community.

Don will discuss:

• Why ISV products are often bought but not implemented.
• The qualities to look for in an ISV partner. Hint: what is their commitment to the AX product? What is their roadmap?
• What are the partner’s responsibilities in an implementation, or for support?
• What are the long-term risks and hidden costs?

Paul Greenberg is leading CRM analyst, the managing principal of The 56 Group LLC, author of CRM at the Speed of Light (now in its fourth edition and dubbed “The Bible of CRM”), author of the upcoming Commonwealth of Self Interest, and he practically hosted Microsoft’s June “Customer Driven” online event.

He joins us for the MSDW Podcast to share his latest views on issues and topics including:

• “Customer driven” need not mean “customer obsessed”: customers don’t need to love you, they must want to continue to do business with you.
• Does customer culture trump technology (like CRM)?
• Self interest drives both the customer and companies; for companies, it is a key strategy.
• Microsoft aspires to offer more than a platform, but the “matrix within” a business (and how the LinkedIn acquisition can help achieve that).
• Why e-commerce is not the fourth pillar of CRM – but it can’t be missing.
• Is there a worthwhile e-commerce vendor for Microsoft to acquire?

An interesting week! Microsoft released pretty good earnings driven by Commercial Cloud, the new Common Data Model and Azure Security hitting general availability. Plus, some interesting vertical-specific cases in fintech, food & bev (and government), and in

Among other stories we’ll discuss:

• more WPC download
• the Common Data Model
• Microsoft’s not-bad earnings Q4 2016 (this year’s big hit: Windows 10 revenue deferrals)
• Azure Security Center generally available, promises real-time threat response
• CRM for banking and financial service
• How Alfa People scored a 10-year deal with the New Hampshire Liquor Commission to run Dynamics AX 2013 R3 and POS
• Retail Realm’s and Retail Hero’s alternative to the sunsetting Microsoft Dynamics RMS. It’s not a Dynamics product, but it fills a void and was crafted by two long-time Microsoft partners.

With Microsoft’s World Partner Congress (WPC) just wrapping up, we look at what Dynamics partners are facing in the year ahead, what adjustments they need to make (and Microsoft will make) for Dynamics 365, Cloud and the new AppSource.

Among other stories we’ll discuss:

• Satya Nadella’s Day One keynote, in which he called for the move away from software suites toward role-based services. How does Dynamics 365 figure in? Do NAV, GP and SL figure in at all?
• Licensing details are vague, but Microsoft makes clear where Dynamics CRM, Dynamics AX and Project Madeira fit together.
• The common data model of Dynamics 365 – is this a natural evolution?
• Microsoft AppSource, the barriers to entry, the value prop to ISVs.
• Microsoft guides partners on cloud direction. Are CSPs truly making 2x revenue growth? And what new initiatives will support Microsoft partners in the tumultuous year ahead?

This lively discussion with Andrew King, Managing Director of WebSan Solutions begins with successful versus unsuccessful implementations. Then we steer into Microsoft product direction, both good and bad.

Among the provocative topics we cover:

• Why the out-of-the-box promise of cloud is a mythical unicorn.

• How much of systems that talk is owed to Microsoft ad how much is partnered services?

• How data cleanup, not just integration, is key to successful implementations.
• Office 365: Just a “side order of fries” for resellers, or the key to winnig long-term customers?
• Partners and Madeira (or “Baby NAV”): “You want me to sell what, for how much?”
• Microsoft knows how to sell software, but is it out of touch with how partners run profitable businesses?
• Dynamics 365: Competitive with CSP solutions? Configurable or fixed-functions at a fixed price?

They look similar – even under the hood. But don’t mistake Project Madeira for Dynamics NAV 2016, two NAV veterans say.

Joining us to distinguish Dynamics NAV from Project Madeira – and to make sense of the upgrade strategies and Extensions – are author, consultant, educator, and NAV MVP Mark Brummel, and Andrew Good, CEO of Dynamics NAV partner firm Liberty Grove Software.

Among the provocative topics we cover with them:

• If Project Madeira is a Dynamics NAV “cousin,” how does it resemble Dynamics GP instead?
• What is the partner opportunity with Project Madeira? Think upgrades, volume sales, simple implementations.
• The open source difference. Don’t expect the same customizability with Project Madeira that you’ve enjoyed with Dynamics NAV.
• NAV and Madeira Extensions. Why are they a plus, but how do they restrict partners from delivering tailored solutions?  

Want to be heard on our podcast? We are always interested in a good story, idea, or accomplishment.

A significant product release, partnership, or merger. Your take on a trend like the move to the cloud, or Dynamics CRM product direction. Your thoughts on Microsoft's partner programs - are they enough? Too little? Just right for your busine

If you've got an idea for a MSDW Podcast feature write to us directly. We are Jason Gumpert, editor, at jgumpert@msdynamicsworld.com, or, Dann Maurno, assistant editor, at dmaurno@msdynamicsworld.com.

Until next time, thanks for listening!

In this week's MSDW Podcast, we look at plans for Dynamics GP’s release cadence, the sunset of Management Reporter for Dynamics GP, Microsoft’s GigJam preview, CRM data quality, your role in improving Dynamics AX.

Among the stories:

• The twice-a-year Dynamics GP release cadence. Microsoft pledges to listen to those why cry “too much of a good thing!”
• Why Management Reporter for Dynamics GP is like the Crown Victoria. So said GP expert Marc Polino of FastPath. It’s old, reliable, but will it improve at all?
• Microsoft’s Public GigJam Preview. Could its ad hoc, cross-app, cross-device approach make it the collaboration tool to beat all?
• Why improvements to Dynamics CRM make enterprise architecture vital. Never mind what the product can do, what should it do, and what belongs in other systems?.
• Are in the dark about the quality of your data? You’d be shocked how quickly it ages, but, automation tools can keep it fresh.
• The role of the community in improving Dynamics AX; what can you do for Dynamics AX? A thought piece by Thomas Bonde Ejby, Enterprise Solution Architect, AXVICE
• A profile of Singaporean Dynamics CRM MVP Aileen Gusni. She’s a consultant with NEC, but you might know her as Dynamics CRM, the name of her blog.
• A look at Microsoft’s 2016 Partner of the Year Winners and Finalists.

Do you have a tip, a great story idea or a podcast episode suggestion? Then write to us directly. We are Jason Gumpert, editor, at jgumpert@msdynamicsworld.com, or, Dann Maurno, assistant editor, at dmaurno@msdynamicsworld.com.

Until next time, thanks for listening!

That’s right – with no code whatsoever, it’s possible to use Microsoft Dynamics CRM to create powerful business solutions for sales, service, marketing, and social.

Joining us to tell us all about it is TheCRMWiz – he is Dynamics CRM MVP Nicolae Tarla, a Senior Manager withKPMG Canada, and author of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2016 Customization – newly released by Packt publishing and available from Packt and Amazon at $35.99

Among other things we’ll hear

• How CRM 2016 can be seamlessly embedded into various productivity tools (like Office 365 and Outlook)
• Will your customizations hold up in a Dynamics CRM upgrade?
• How to customize Dynamics CRM to integrate with OneNote
• What you can and cannot do to customize your Dynamics CRM installation, and where you’re better off using, for example, PowerApps.

In this week's MSDW Podcast, we look at Dynamics NAV development changes, the new Power BI Solution Templates, Excel for Dynamics GP, managed services for B2B integration, the void of Dynamics AX talent.

Among the stories:

• Dynamics NAV developers: prepare for extensions, as The Microsoft Dynamics NAV team puts in motion plans to change the way customizations and add-on solutions will be managed.
• Power BI Solution Templates: how these make the last-mile connection between Power BI and Dynamics CRM (on-premise and online) using Scribe technology.
• Dynamics GP may finally be getting a better option for financial reporting and it’s…Excel.
• Jet Reports has partnered with Microsoft to launch Jet Express for Excel for Dynamics GP, helping users create Excel-based reports tied to ERP data.
• Managed services for supply chain B2B integration – what’s the promise? The time savings? Why go pro when you’ve got in-house talent?
• Microsoft’s Supply Chain Management innovations for process manufacturers in Dynamics AX, a thought piece by consultant and author Scott Hamilton.
• Turns out there’s a void of Dynamics AX talent out there. How do you go about building your career with Microsoft Dynamics AX Certifications?
• RIP to Microsoft’s Feature Phone business. Microsoft cuts the albatross from its neck and probably thrills its investor base.

Plus: More partner announcements.

Do you have a tip, a great story idea or a podcast episode suggestion? Then write to us directly. We are Jason Gumpert, editor, at jgumpert@msdynamicsworld.com, or, Dann Maurno, assistant editor, at dmaurno@msdynamicsworld.com.

Until next time, thanks for listening!

In this week's MSDW Podcast, we look at industry buzz, partners joining forces, Microsoft’s Solair acquisition, and opportunities for better B2B integration.

Among the stories:

• Is Marketo a realistic acquisition candidate for Microsoft? Who else might be in the running (e.g., SAP and Adobe), and why it makes sense for Microsoft to flesh out Dynamics CRM.
• How two former rivals joined forces to create Kuvana sales acceleration solution.
• The Internet of Things (IoT): how with the Solair acquisition, Microsoft builds out its IoT capabilities in supply chain and business process automation.
• NAV Users: Fix Your Inventory Before It Trashes Your GL, a practical piece by Jeff Landeen of Catapult and the subject of a May 18 Webinar (registration open) hosted by MSDynamicsWorld.
• Microsoft Cloud is now open for business in Canada, and India and Japan – how Microsoft is landing and expanding worldwide with Azure, Offices 365 and Dynamics CRM Online.
• Opportunities abound for better B2B integration abound, found managed services provider DiCentral; so what’s holding enterprise back?
• Sikich LLP is in transition, with Jim Sikich retiring at the end of 2017, and newly-elected CEO and Managing Director Chris Geier charged with leading the company’s 10-year expansion.

Plus: More partner announcements.

In this week's MSDW Podcast, we look at industry buzz, partners joining forces, Microsoft’s Solair acquisition, and opportunities for better B2B integration.

Among the stories:

• Is Marketo a realistic acquisition candidate for Microsoft? Who else might be in the running (e.g., SAP and Adobe), and why it makes sense for Microsoft to flesh out Dynamics CRM.
• How two former rivals joined forces to create Kuvana sales acceleration solution.
• The Internet of Things (IoT): how with the Solair acquisition, Microsoft builds out its IoT capabilities in supply chain and business process automation.
• NAV Users: Fix Your Inventory Before It Trashes Your GL, a practical piece by Jeff Landeen of Catapult and the subject of a May 18 Webinar (registration open) hosted by MSDynamicsWorld.
• Microsoft Cloud is now open for business in Canada, and India and Japan – how Microsoft is landing and expanding worldwide with Azure, Offices 365 and Dynamics CRM Online.
• Opportunities abound for better B2B integration abound, found managed services provider DiCentral; so what’s holding enterprise back?
• Sikich LLP is in transition, with Jim Sikich retiring at the end of 2017, and newly-elected CEO and Managing Director Chris Geier charged with leading the company’s 10-year expansion.

Plus: More partner announcements.

So now there’s a Dynamics CRM Project Service solution. But there’s also a Microsoft Dynamics AX Service Industries solution, and of course, Microsoft Project Online.

No, they are not the same, says our guest Andy Yeomans, US Director of Business Development for SAGlobal. Microsoft didn’t just cut-and-paste Dynamics AX capabilities into Dynamics CRM.

Which makes sense for you depends upon three questions (which Andy answers in the podcast):

• Who is the buyer or executive sponsor, within the organization? Hint: Finance favors Dynamics AX, sales and marketing favors Dynamics CRM.
• What is the organization's overall business application strategy? To consolidate or find a best-of-breed solution?
• What functionality would support the business processes in scope? Start by defining your processes, then, the choice will be clear.

You will learn about:

• Microsoft Project. When is/isn’t Microsoft’s classic application good enough? Do you need it in addition to Dynamics CRM or Dynamics AX services capability?
• Which industries favor the Dynamics CRM or Dynamics AX solutions. One suits white-collar professional services, the other favors manufacturing.
• What to expect from Dynamics CRM Project Services. You can expect Microsoft’s cloud first/mobile first and Internet of Things initiatives to shape development of this product.

MSDynamicsWorld.com editors Jason Gumpert and Dann Maurno bring you a recap of the headlines of the week on MSDW, from product news to new research, upgrade strategies, the future of SCM, and more. 

It has been six months since Microsoft rebooted the MVP program to be more regional, and less solution-specific. What do MVPs think of that? How is it working?

Two MVPs will tell us. They are Mariano Gomez, a senior software developer with Mekorma, and Mark Polino, director of client services with Fastpath.

They’ll also weigh in on –

• How does it sit in the Dynamics family? What’s the partner opportunity, and how realistic are upsells to Dynamics NAV or Dynamics GP?
• MPN Competencies. Microsoft is doing away with 12 partner competencies and replacing them with cloud competencies. Is this a boon or a burden for partners?
• Microsoft Q3 2016 earnings. They were, frankly, a little soft and short of marks. But how did Dynamics and cloud earnings stack up? And when will the company shake the Windows Phone albatross? (Should it?)

Want to be heard on our podcast?

We are always interested in a good story.

A significant product release, partnership, or merger. Your take on a trend like the move to the cloud, or Dynamics CRM product direction. Your thoughts on Microsoft's partner programs - are they enough? Too little? Just right for your business?

If you've got an idea for a MSDW Podcast feature write to us directly. We are Jason Gumpert, editor, at jgumpert@msdynamicsworld.com, or, Dann Maurno, assistant editor, at dmaurno@msdynamicsworld.com.

Until next time, thanks for listening!

In this week’s podcast, we look back at an exciting week of product and partner channel news.

Among the stories:

• Microsoft Envision 2016 – what is the takeaway? Microsoft aimed for something different, did it achieve that? And was it enough to attract attendees?
• Project Madeira – what is different about this Dynamics NAV-based cloud offering? And why is it not Dynamics NAV?
• Sunsetting MPN competencies – why all of a sudden is Microsoft doing away with 12 Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) competencies, and in such key areas as CRM and mid-sized business?
• A roundup of Microsoft Dynamics partner news, from companies like Merit Solutions with Dynamics AX solutions for Life Sciences companies, SBS Group and its partnership with Progressus for professional services companies; K3 Software Solutions and its Dynamics AX-based ax|is fashion; and StratusLIVE LLC with its Dynamics CRM-based fundraising solution.