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.