Sure, Dynamics 365 was the big story of 2016, and likely will be in 2017. But it wasn’t the only story with impact on the year ahead. What else do we see in our crystal ball for 2017?

MSDynamicsWorld Editor Jason Gumpert looks ahead, with his answers to the questions:

• Will Microsoft need to rebrand Dynamics 365? And who will be the public face of D365?
• Are customers eager for a Dynamics/LinkedIn integration? Or would that be one-too-many CRM interfaces?
• What compelling reason is there to upgrade from Dynamics AX 2012 to Dynamics 365 for Operations? (Is there one?)
• When will D365 for Financials reach functional parity with Dynamics NAV? And with its low pricepoint, where does that leave NAV partners?
• Will SMB ERP partners begin dropping off or getting acquired, or, do they have too strong a value proposition to just fade away?

As 2016 nears its end, the MSDW Podcast ponders things ending (Envision), beginning (LinkedIn acquisition), and just coming into focus (Dynamics 365). We also review a raft of excellent expert content and look ahead to two can't-miss webcasts in this last full work week of the year (for most). 

Topics include: 

• The completion of Microsoft's LinkedIn acquisition;
• The end of Envision. The event content may be rolled into Microsoft Ignite as the company embraces a three event stance.
• Microsoft gave Dynamics CRM consultants a roadmap update on the Dynamics 365 customer experience apps. As usual, it is a long and impressive list of new and improved features coming down the pike.
• Some Dynamics AX users and partners shared their views on D365 for Operations (AX7), and the perception is a mixed bag so far.
• Much more AX instructional content on topics like filtering a dynamics date range, firming planned orders, purchase receiving, project accounting, managing consigned inventory, and upgrade planning.
• Don't miss this weeks' expert webcasts on building apps with CRM and cool Azure tech, plus NAV 2017 in Office 365.

Something a little different this week: seven enterprise software podcasters weigh in on 2016 and 2017, talking about everything from Microsoft’s sudden burst of product releases, consolidations among both enterprise packages and partners, and even driverless cars and bitcoin.

Hosted by Bob McAdam (acting as moderator), Todd McDaniel, and Darcy Boerio, cohosts of the EnterpriseSoftwarePodcast.com, also taking part were:

• Jason Gumpert, host of the MSDW Podcast
• Wayne Schulz and Peter Wolf, co-hosts of the SMB Jump Street Podcast
• Ed Kless, host of both the Sage Vice Podcast and the Voice America radio show Soul of Enterprise

Is digital transformation “The end of ERP software as we know it”?

Panorama Consulting’s Eric Kimberling joins us to talk about his company’s report Everything You Need to Know About Digital Transformation, which makes that bold claim.

No, ERP is not going obsolete; it essential to digital transformation, but just a piece of the puzzle. 

Kimberling joins MSDynamicsWorld Editor Jason Gumpert to explore:

• Why digital strategies are driven by an overarching business strategies versus IT’s need to upgrade current systems.
• When ERP upgrades are the right choice.
• Which industries have no choice but to make a digital transformation? (Hint: Can brick-and-mortar retailers compete with Amazon without deeply-integrated CRM and e-commerce?)
• Why the global manufacturing environment practically mandates a transformation.
• How intelligence, not tools, is the aim of any digital transformation.
• How Microsoft leads in completeness of vision.

An interesting week it was, starting with Microsoft’s plans for a vastly new Envision 2017. Hint: More real-life experience and decision making, no expo floor. Also, why Dynamics NAV partners risk ignoring Dynamics 365 at their own peril. Plus the Dynamics GP 2016 R2 release, and a few very practical how-to articles in warehousing, calendars and CRM portals.

Among the stories we’ll cover:

• Envision 2017 will shed expo hall, focus on dialog, global trends, and role of Microsoft tech. A more decision-focused event offers new incentives for driving customers and prospects to the event.
• Dynamics NAV partners: Start exploring the possibilities of Microsoft Dynamics 365. Guus Krabbenborg, QBS, reported straight from on responses there to Dynamics 365.
• Microsoft confirms: Dynamics GP 2016 R2 ships December 1, roadmap extends to 2018. Expect GP 2018 in 2017, GP Next in 2018 as product takes to annual cadence. 
• Dynamics User Group (DUG) bolsters leadership, plans new offerings. Two AX consulting veterans join Erik Ernst, plan to transform DUG into US non-profit entity.
• Three practical how-to articles from expert contributors:
  • What’s new in Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations, Part 2: Warehousing and mobile by Rahul Mohta, Real Dynamics. Not “Warehousing Lite” by any means.
  • What's new in Microsoft Dynamics CRM Portals by Nicholas Hayduk, Engineered Code Consulting. Most significant: Partner relationship management, which will in time incorporate field and project services.
  • Using calendars in Microsoft Dynamics AX for purchasing by Evert Bos, Sikich. When purchasing with Dynamics AX, the calendar is not a set-it-and-forget it tool. Here’s why, and how to use it optimally.

“NAV used to be a rather stationary target, where updates and new versions were few and far between.” But not anymore.

So begins Catapult‘s latest eBook How to Future-Proof Microsoft Dynamics NAV (download), and CEO Elliot Fishman joins us to tell us more. Elliott describes:

• How the “good enough” approach to upgrades costs Dynamics NAV users
• The considerable advantages of Dynamics NAV 2017
• The benefits of staying current, including:
  • Maximum security
  • Cost savings
  • New functionality
  • Cloud compatibility
  • Integration with Office 365 (and all its applications) as well as Dynamics CRM
• How the sophisticated Dynamics NAV upgrade tools available from Microsoft ease the transition

Elliot has also just written the MSDW article 3 best practices for managing Cumulative Updates in Microsoft Dynamics NAV.

November 1 was a landmark day. We knew that Microsoft Dynamics 365 would be generally available, but Microsoft surprised us by releasing Microsoft Flow and PowerApps on the same day, as well as its Common Data Service – all cloud technologies in a single burst.

How are partners synthesizing it all into their businesses? Do these tools truly enable digital transformation at customer organizations? And what’s behind the sudden spike of Dynamics professionals planning to quit partners and go freelance?

(This is also our old-time AM transistor-radio series, wherein two editors on the road phoned in on land lines; please enjoy the classic 1950s sound quality.)

The feel-good conference season is over, with its keynotes, success stories and Dynamics 365 unveiling. Now, what do Microsoft Dynamics SMB partner organizations truly think of the Dynamics channel direction?

Linda Rose, “Chief Cloudster” and founder of RoseASP, joins us for an unflinching look at what Dynamics SMB partners and their clients are likely to experience in the near future. She previews the 2016 Dynamics SMB Partner Survey (registration required) including issues like:

• Competitive cloud products being sold, which scare partners and which entice them?
• How reliant is the channel on cloud service providers, and can we expect more? Fewer?
• Current plans for Dynamics 365: Must partners prepare for their own digital transformations?
• Differences between Microsoft Dynamics GP, NAV, and SL partners. Hint: D365 may be impressive but you’ll pry these classic solutions from the cold, dead fingers of loyal customers.

Dynamic Communities’ GPUG Summit celebrated its 10th anniversary this month with record attendance; it was the best-attended of four events (including the AXUG, NAVUG and CRMUG Summits).

GPUG Program Director, Bob McAdam helps orchestrate the Summit, from the content to the venue to Microsoft’s involvement.

Bob joins us to talk about:

• The Dynamics GP roadmap. Dynamics GP 2017 has a name, and a release date (around Summit 2017).
• The new, yearly release cadence – perhaps a relief to users?
• Next year’s venue. With 60 percent higher attendance in 2016, the Summits have outgrown Tampa. Enjoy the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tenn.
• Why GP holds its loyal user base and will continue to do so, even as Dynamics 365 grabs all the attention.

Microsoft finally unveiled Dynamics 365 last week, just ahead of the user group Summit conferences. They also updated Dynamics ERP and CRM customers on their respective products’ roadmaps, and what 365 will mean for each one.

There was a lot to take in at the event, and we cover a lot in this podcast including:

• Microsoft’s new intelligence apps, wherein Microsoft takes aim at Salesforce with new pricing, analytics expertise on display in Dynamics 365.
• On-premise options related to the rapidly-changing D365 plans. Your on-prem solution for AX might be AX 2012.
• Microsoft readies Dynamics 365 customer engagement apps with added analytics and new partnerships for customer service and lead intelligence round out next wave of offerings.
• Dynamics 365 for Operations: Microsoft reveals AX 2009, 2012 upgrade tools, roadmap
• Not one, but two new Dynamics 365 user groups.

The CEO of RapidStart CRM calls himself a “Dynamics 365 Fighter Pilot.”

Steve Mordue has enthusiasm for progress. You won’t find the cloud CRM veteran, ISV and blogger trying to cling to sunsetting products and last decade's sales models.

Steve is the author of such provocative posts as Dynamics 365 – The Irresistible Force meets the Immovable Channel, a subject he talks about in this week’s podcast. He also shares his wisdom about:

• The future of Dynamics CRM. Is there one, post Dynamics 365?
• Partner-to-partner relationships. Microsoft is pushing them for a reason; can you be an expert in all things Microsoft? And what’s behind partners’ hesitation?
• Why the CRM channel should expect an uptick of acquisitions in 2016.
• Is the channel making a dent in Microsoft’s market share?
• Why ERP and CRM partners must “sing together" or risk losing out to a shifting software sales landscape.

Two weeks of compelling Microsoft Dynamics stories, including intelligence from both Directions 2016 and Ignite. Among this week’s topics:

• Directions 2016 North America, where Microsoft asked NAV partners to embrace the differences of the Dynamics 365 opportunity (and clarifies why there is an opportunity)
• Microsoft’s quiet AI revolution is over now that artificial intelligence is practical and in use by customers like Lowe’s and the NFL. And Surprise! Microsoft has built an Azure-based supercomputer to manage it all.
• Several intriguing guest columns. The topics:
  • Is your CRM an enabler or enemy for your sales team?
  • Why there is no credible AX integration framework from Microsoft, and what to do.
  • Three reasons why the cloud may not be for your organization. Think capex versus opex – maybe your organization is not the subscriber kind.

Two weeks of compelling Microsoft Dynamics stories.  Among this week's topics:

• reIMAGINE 2016, the Dynamics GP conference. What exactly is GP "Next," and what partners think of it, good and bad
• Early pricing details for Dynamics 365 - incentives for choosing plans over apps
• Microsoft's giant HP win and more

He’s a Dynamics GP veteran, author and even humorist, and he’s has co-written the Microsoft Dynamics GP 2016 Cookbook.

This week, Fastpath Director of Client Services Mark Polino tells us about his new book, the Microsoft Dynamics GP 2016 Cookbook - Second Edition, co-authored with Ian Grieve and available directly from Packt Publishing or from Amazon. Somewhere between editions he found time to write the free Undead Guide to Dynamics GP Summit (among others), and at the Summit he’ll deliver a talk called “Naked and Afraid: GP Security.”

There’s 55 pages of new material in this cookbook update, meaning quite a lot that’s new. In the podcast, Polino talks about:

• “GP Hacks,” a new chapter devoted to clever work-arounds by actual users.
• When to surrender your hack and seek a third-party solution.
• Do GP experts still get jazzed by new editions?
• What excites Polino about 2016, and what would he like to see in the next release?
• Are you poking a hole in your firewall by using OData from a remote location? Yes, but you should use it anyway.

A week of compelling stories from the Microsoft Dynamics channel, among the stories:

• The Fall 2016 release of Dynamics AX Retail which will offer in-store tool, analytics and e-commerce improvements
• QBS Group’s new Chief Commercial Officer is former Dynamics exec Michael Hartmann
• The new Inc 5000 list tells us Dynamics is a growth business, with at least seven software and service firms in the ranks
• 5 Lessons the Delta outage should teach us about datacenter security and disaster prevention
• A look at the new Pacific Northwest Microsoft Dynamics 'Empower' event, founded by a partner to fill the void left by Convergence

Your solution on a Dynamics NAV menu – perfect. But it has to have broad utility and proven pay-off, says Bob Monio, Director, Global Alliances at Lexmark International, Inc.

Then, how do you find and support partners? And what new demands do NAV 2017 and Dynamics 365 place on you?

Monio joins us to navigate the complexities. He will discuss:

• Lexmark’s “glove-in-hand” partnership with Microsoft for a partnership in financial process automation solution.
• How ISVs can grab Microsoft’s attention; a killer app is just a start, is it mature?
• How Lexmark’s SaaS-based Invoice Capture Service (ICS) is built into Dynamics user interfaces for enterprises of all
• The costs savings of AP automation. Hint: saving 80% of $15/invoice = just $3/invoice.
• How this ISV will manage both NAV 2017 and Dynamics 365; Lexmark has been down the road of on-premise vs. cloud before, and is willing to advise partners.
• Microsoft’s mandate to provide consistent value, and tasks ISVs to provide continuous savings.
• Making the freemium model payoff: What’s the “breaking point” at which it drives subscriptions? (Hint: Research and guidance from Microsoft are two factors.)

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.