It has been quite a while since I updated my blog. It was very hectic with lots of travelling around the country, late hours etc.
Any way the other day I came across quite a lot of Ax videos in YouTube on subjects like SourceSafe, Enterprise portal, Compliance Centre, setting up Outlook synchronization etc. Here are some interesting play lists that I came across -
MS Dynamics Ax (10 videos)
Dynamics Ax 2009 (6 videos)
Bradkoontz (2 videos)
- Dynamics Ax videos in YouTube
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harish_m- November 24th, 21:14
curious
- Dynamics Ax 2009 Demo data - SQL error
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- harish_m
- October 11th, 11:36
Some time back after restoring Ax 2009 standard demo data, I tried to start AOS server and got the following error -
The program is unable to load and execute the class 'SqlDatabaseInit', which is essential in order to identify the database vendor and load the appropriate SQL system variables.
This can be caused by insufficient access rights to the SQL Database, a missing or corrupted application file, or syntax error(s) within the class itself.
Solution - This error is due insufficient access rights. After restoring standard demo data, AOS service account must be manually assigned following database roles - db_ddladmin, db_datareader and db_datawriter. Additionally execute rights must be granted on the two stored procedures as well (CREATESERVERSESSIONS and CREATEUSERSESSIONS).
- Inside Microsoft Dynamics Ax 2009
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- harish_m
- July 13th, 22:30
busy
As we all know recently MS published book on Dynamics Ax 2009 (ISBN: 9780735626454).
This week MS published excerpt from Chapter 3 in Microsoft Press blog. Chapter 3 is essentially on MorphX tools.
To read, click here
- Dynamics Ax in Channel 9
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- harish_m
- June 1st, 20:46
full
- "Managing Your Supply Chain using Microsoft Dynamics Ax 2009" by Dr. Scott Hamilton
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- harish_m
- May 17th, 15:54
- determined
A while back Dr. Scott Hamilton kindly sent me copy of his latest book "Managing your supply chain using Microsoft Dynamics Ax 2009".
Most will remember his two previous editions of this book for DAX 3.0 and 4.0. The latest version in my opinion definitely is top notch. The key differentiating aspect on Dr. Hamilton's books are the amount and most significantly quality of relevant and accurate information based on not only standard DAX training materials, documentation etc but also based on his consulting engagements, presentations from various SCM conferences etc. In fact Dr Hamilton has even contributed to standard DAX 2009 user documentation on areas like product costing and quality management.
Anyway, in this book he has extensively covered SCM activities in manufacturing and distribution environments alongside blending new functionalities that were introduced in DAX 2009 (ex Multi-site functionality). Each and every chapter is consistent in its quality and over all very well written. Plenty of case studies is definitely a strong point in highlighting not only fundamental business challenges but also highlights customisations and 3rd party ISV offerings (ex ECO module from Columbus IT, S&OP tool from Oliver Wight etc - 14th and 35th case study respectively) for DAX 2009.
I would highly recommend this book to implementation consultants and also to end users implementing or considering implementing DAX 2009.
- Dynamics Ax 2009 white papers ..
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- harish_m
- May 16th, 10:14
- working
One place to see all Dynamics Ax 2009 white papers - click here
- Creating Dynamics Ax crash dump ..
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- harish_m
- April 5th, 18:12
awake
Recently I came across this blog from Dynamics Ax Czech support team. Among many interesting things, there is instruction on 'how to create crash dump for Dynamics Ax'. Whenever there is a need to contact MS support regarding crashing incidents, a crash dump file should be provided to MS. And this post explains how to go about creating a dump file.
To read this particular post, please click here.
- History of Dynamics Nav ..
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- harish_m
- March 29th, 22:00
- thoughtful
It was interesting to read this article titled 'History of Dynamics Nav' from an old timer. References to many things like Damgaard's merger with Navision, Project Green etc, brings back many cherished memories. I hope you enjoy reading this article too. To read, please click here.
- Upgrading from Microsoft Dynamics Ax 3.0 to Microsoft Dynamics Ax 2009
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- harish_m
- January 14th, 22:15
- busy
Off late, often I come across queries related to upgrading from Ax 3.0 to Ax 2009. Though there is this Ax 2009 upgrade guide, as always there are still issues preventing a smooth upgrade.
Microsoft have announced webcast which will hopefully should throw more light on this particular subject. This webcast is open to partners and is expected to cover following topics -- End to end upgrade overview
- Tips and tricks for optimizing code upgrade
- Info on new tables and classes
- Data upgrade overview with emphasis on framework architecture, upgrade checklist changes etc
- Finally info on upgrade documentation
For more info, please click here. [Requires Partner Learning Centre access]
- Microsoft Dynamics Ax - Statement of Direction
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- harish_m
- December 18th, 2008
- working
Microsoft published their latest Dynamics Ax Statement of Direction this week. This document contains details about Microsoft's plans specifically for Dynamics Ax till 2011.
More info could be obtained from here. Access to PartnerSource required.
- Changes in Microsoft Dynamics Ax 2009 Patching
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- harish_m
- December 12th, 2008
hopeful
In Dynamics Ax 4.0, hot fixes were released as DIS layer which posed many challenges to partners/customers in terms of importing them.
I am glad to say Microsoft have listened to the concerns and have come up with new strategy for patching in Dynamics Ax 2009. To read more about this new strategy, please click here to visit Dynamics Ax Sustained Engineering blog.
Alternatively, employees from Partners can attend this web seminar from Brian King, Manager, Dynamics Ax Sustained Engineering to know more about Patching. This event details are here. Access to Partner program required.
- Documentation on Role centers
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- harish_m
- October 29th, 2008
calm
As we all know, one of the new features in DAX 2009 was the new role-tailored, customizable home page called role centers. And that by default DAX ships with around 30 out-of-the-box (OTB) role centers for user profiles ranging from finance, HR, Sales etc.
But what was lacking was meaningful documentation which explained the various role centers that are shipped in detail.
Thankfully, MS have released substantial documentation which explains all components (links, web parts like KPI, report, cues etc) used in across all role centers in detail.
The documentation could be accessed from here.
TIP - Unless you already have figured it out, you can find the profiles, web parts like cues etc under AOT -> Resources.
- Hardware sizing guides for Ax 2009?
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- harish_m
- October 12th, 2008
disappointed
If there is one area in Ax 2009 that needs much improvement, I would say as hardware sizing guides.
In and prior to Dynamics Ax 3.0, the hardware sizing guides were simple to use. Simply put, it worked something like this -- Navision / Microsoft had partnerships with many computer hardware manufacturers.
- If one wants to do hardware sizing, all one has to do is to visit the hardware sizing tool in the partners website.
- Upon entering the numbers and pressing submit, presto - you will have the hardware recommendations.
But when in comes to Ax 2009, there weren't any hardware sizing guides made available till date. Considering the server landscape that is required for any typical implementations, I find this strange. The only hardware related information for Ax 2009 that I came across till date is the benchmark stuudy titled 'Microsoft Dynamics Ax 2009 Day in the Life Benchmark'. Please click here for more info.
- "How do I" - Ax videos
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- harish_m
- October 10th, 2008
chipper
I realise that I did not post anything for a long time. It is purely because recently I was made redundant. And it took a while for me to land in my feet again.
Any way, I came across the 'How do I' videos for Dynamics Ax a while back. Though there were not many, MSDN says new videos will be added regularly. So worth checking out once a while. For the link click here.
- SharePoint Server 2007 Technical Library
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- harish_m
- July 25th, 2008
- working
For those Ax technical consultants trying to grapple with the intricacies of SharePoint, there is a good news!
SharePoint team have finally compiled the entirety of SharePoint content in TechNet technical library to a downloadable compiled help format (CHM) file. This could be a handy file to have around! Here is the link from where the help file could be downloaded - http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=ba006584-711d-4ce7-9e1 f-181aedf6434a&DisplayLang=en
The link to the actual announcement in SharePoint team blog is here
- Survey on .NET Business Connector for Partners
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- harish_m
- June 24th, 2008
- busy
As many of you might have heard, Microsoft have already started working on their next version of Dynamics Ax. Towards this objective, Product Planning team are conducting a survey.
Please note - this survey essentially is for developers and architects working for Dynamics Ax partner organisations.
The link to this survey could be found here. So if you are working for partner, do please take 5-10 minutes and complete this survey!
- Inside Microsoft Dynamics Ax 4.0 - Free eBook!
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- harish_m
- April 16th, 2008
- contemplative
In July 2006, I mentioned in my blog about release of "Inside Microsoft Dynamics Ax 4.0" book from Microsoft Press. Subsequently I published the interview that I did with MFP here.
Now I am very happy to let you all know that Microsoft have decided to release this book free as an eBook. Here is the link from where one can download this book - http://download.microsoft.com/download/2/5/8/258C8894-B94A-4A87-81EA-4DBB9776F8F2/6225 79eBook.pdf
I would like to thank MFP for bringing this to the attention of Ax community. And a special thanks to Dilip for bringing this to my attention :-)
Finally I would like to apologise for being silent for quite some time. I will sincerely try to post more on Ax from today onwards.
- Convergence 2007, Copenhagen
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- harish_m
- October 17th, 2007
- excited
I will be attending the Convergence 2007 in Copenhagen. Along with other MVPs (Ax, Nav and GP) I will be working on and off in MVP booths. I am very eagerly looking forward to spend quality time with delegates and MVPs from Ax, CRM, GP etc.
If you happen to pass by do please drop in to say hello :)
I am hoping to post info on Convergence here. Do look out!
- SQL Server Management Studio too slow ?
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- harish_m
- August 6th, 2007
- busy
As part of my work I have to manage quite a few SQL Server 2005 installations. Some servers I was able to open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) very quickly but in some others it took ages for them to open - almost one or two minutes which was simply not acceptable.
Then I came across this fantastic tip from Euan garden which helped in resolving this issue. The tip is here.
- Mobile solutions for Microsoft Dynamics Ax
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- harish_m
- July 12th, 2007
- relaxed
As far as Dynamics Ax is concerned, Microsoft keep pushing the boundaries. When you read further you will understand what I mean.
MS recently came up with mobile solutions for MS Dynamics Ax 4.0 SP1. The mobile solution essentially contains two parts -
1. Mobile framework for developing mobile applications and
2. Mobile server for enabling communication between the mobile application and Ax
With the mobile framework now mobile business applications could be developed for the popular Windows Mobile 5.0 and 6.0 devices.
The requirements for Mobile framework are -
1. MS Visual Studio 2005 (which will be the development environment)
2. MS .NET Compact Framework 2.0 SP1. Link for downloading Compact framework is available here.
3. Windows Mobile 5.0 or 6.0 SDK for Pocket PC
For more info on the system requirements for Mobile server please refer to 'install.chm' in Microsoft Dynamics Mobile documentation.
Most importantly Microsoft have also released the first mobile application called 'MS Dynamics Ax Mobile Sales'. This application is essentially targetted at mobile employees and also (as the name of application indicates) sales personnel on the field. The requirements -
1. MS .NET Compact Framework 2.0 SP1 including Replication module and
2. MS SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition
For more detailed requirements please refer to the documentation mentioned above.
BTW I cannot resist the temptation of mentioning a few facts about MS SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition. Ever since I saw SQL Server Compact edition for the first time (years ago!) I straight away fell in love with this great product. Here are the details of versions -
1) SQL Server Compact edition was originally launched in 2000 along with Embedded VB and Embedded VC. That was SQL Server Compact edition 1.0.
2) Subsequently SQL Server Compact Edition 2.0 was released along with Visual Studio 2003.
3) Then the next version was named as SQL Server Mobile 3.0 and it was released with Visual Studio 2005.
4) Finally end of 2006, SQL Server Mobile became SQL Server Compact Edition.
Contrary to its previous name SQL Server Compact Edition could indeed be run on desktops. This could be downloaded from here.
The main difference between SQL Server Express and SQL Server Compact Editions is the size - SQL Express requires around 60 MB where as SQL Compact manages itself just with 2 MB. Both of them can handle database size upto 4 GB. The only thing to remember is unlike SQL Express, SQL Compact edition is not meant for development of multi user applications. For more info on the differences you might want to refer to this white paper available here.
Coming back to mobile solutions, more info is available in Partnersource.
