Microsoft Dynamics NAV “7” and Beyond

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 by Christine Satariano

In September or October of this year, Microsoft is going to be releasing Dynamics NAV “7”.  There are three big elements that make NAV “7” special:

1. New cloud deployment options and capabilities – For the first time in version 7, Dynamics NAV will be available both on-premise and hosted in Microsoft’s cloud platform-Windows Azure.  However, the options available with the cloud go beyond deployment choice.  Regardless of how you choose to deploy Dynamics NAV “7”, you can access it through Internet Explorer anywhere through the new web client.  Additionally, Dynamics NAV “7” offers direct integration with Microsoft SharePoint enabling users to access Dynamics through SharePoint, thereby empowering users with rich business applications and self-service technology tools.
2. Enhanced core functionality – Some of the new functionality that you can expect to see in version 7 will be:
   1. Enhancements to the role-tailored interface including context-sensitive charts and Fact Boxes.
   2. Improved data visualization capabilities to that users can see projected availability, supply/demand, forecast, and suggested planning changes in one integrated view.
   3. Product availability on the new industry standard interface (ODat) and enabling integration to PowerPivot for Microsoft Excel.
   4. Upgraded kitting, cost accounting and cash flow forecasting capabilities in the product.
3. Rapidstart for Microsoft Dynamics NAV availability -By using RapidStart, you can accelerate the configuration of Microsoft Dynamics NAV and make it easier to engage the right people and different teams in your business in the implementation process.

To help you know what to expect in this upcoming release and beyond for the future of the product, Microsoft has published a Dynamics NAV Statement of Direction (SOD).  Unlike previous documents of the kind, this SOD is brief, to the point, and focused on clearly explaining what you as a user or potential user of Dynamics NAV can expect from the product going forward.  Download the Microsoft Dynamics NAV Statement of Dynamics here.