Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 adds cloud services

MBS President, Kirill Tatarinov (at the left) plays with Dynamics AX 2012 via Kinect

Last week the new version Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 became available in 25 countries (Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, UK, US). This new version is interesting for us because it finally adds the cloud services. They work from the Windows Azure cloud in combination with the general ERP software, which can be installed on the company's own server or hosted in a partner data center. Thus, it implements the Microsoft's favorite concept - S + S (Software + Service). Customers can access the cloud services via the customer portal at dynamicsonline.com. There are four groups of services:

- Commerce Services - enable to integrate ERP system with e-commerce sites (such as eBay) and automate the online sales

- Sites Services - enable to create extranet sites to automate business processes, which involve partners and customers

- Payment Services - enable to accept credit and debit card transactions

- RapidStart Services - Quick Start Wizard that allows to customize ERP for your individual business needs

Microsoft says that the next version of Dynamics Nav, which will be released next year, the first fully cloud-enabled product and operate on Azure. In addition, previously they promised that MS Dynamics ERP will become a part of the SaaS-office suite Office 365.

See also: Top 10 Online ERP software