Microsoft To Offer Dynamics AX Connector for SAP

  • By Herb Torrens
  • 05/19/10

Microsoft plans to roll out a new connector for its Dynamics AX enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution that can hook up with SAP's Business Suite ERP.

The point of the new connector, announced this week, is to set up a two-tier structure, integrating processes from both the headquarters of an organization (using SAP's Business Suite) and office-branch subsidiaries (using Dynamics AX). The connector will be available for download by Microsoft's customers and partners sometime in the third quarter of this year, according to Microsoft's announcement.

The Microsoft Dynamics two-tier connector is designed to allow business processes--such as financial consolidation, inter-organizational supply-chain integration, and plant automation--to be shared from a central SAP installation. The integration can be customized using Microsoft BizTalk Server, according to Microsoft's announcement.

Microsoft described the two-tier ERP approach as offering cost-savings to organizations.

"Organizations seeking to streamline their processes and technology should consider a two-tier ERP strategy as a cost-effective alternative to the limitations associated with forcing a single enterprise solution across their entire business," said Crispin Read, Microsoft's general manager of Dynamics ERP, in released statement.

The connector offers interconnectivity, but it also may offer Microsoft a means to "infiltrate SAP" by introducing SAP customers to the Dynamics AX experience. In any case, Microsoft has devoted a Web page on the whole two-tier ERP concept, including some white paper downloads.

About the Author

Herb Torrens is an award-winning freelance writer based in Southern California. He managed the MCSP program for a leading computer telephony integrator for more than five years and has worked with numerous solution providers including HP/Compaq, Nortel, and Microsoft in all forms of media. You can contact Herb here.

Featured

  • female technology director leading a meeting

    Navigating the First Year as a Female Technology Director: A Journey of Leadership and Empowerment

    For women in the landscape of technology leadership, the first year is both a proving ground and a powerful platform. It's a year of listening deeply, learning quickly, leading boldly, and paving the way for others.

  • toolbox featuring a circuit-like AI symbol and containing a screwdriver, wrench, and hammer

    Microsoft Launches AI Tools for Educators

    Microsoft has introduced a variety of AI tools aimed at helping educators develop personalized learning experiences for their students, create content more efficiently, and increase student engagement.

  • horizontal stack of U.S. dollar bills breaking in half

    ED Abruptly Cancels ESSER Funding Extensions

    The Department of Education has moved to close the door on COVID relief funding for schools, declaring that "extending deadlines for COVID-related grants, which are in fact taxpayer funds, years after the COVID pandemic ended is not consistent with the Department’s priorities and thus not a worthwhile exercise of its discretion."

  • three main icons—a cloud, a user profile, and a padlock—connected by circuit lines on a blue abstract background

    Identity Has Become a Critical Security Perimeter for Cloud Services

    A new threat landscape report from Fortinet points to new cloud vulnerabilities. According to the company's 2025 Global Threat Landscape Report, while misconfigured cloud storage buckets were once a prime vector for cybersecurity exploits, other cloud missteps are gaining focus.