August 2011 – The much anticipated release of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 will take place.  AX 2012 is designed to “empower people to anticipate and embrace change” through enhanced business agility and simplified decision making.   

May 1, 2011 – Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2 will become available, featuring significant business intelligence capabilities geared to make businesses more agile. 

April 11, 2011 – Today marks the official launch of Microsoft Dynamics SL 2011!  This new release promises a faster realization of the value of the software for users via a direct integration with Microsoft Project 2010.  Dynamics SL 2011 is currently available for purchase or upgrade. 

Ballmer and Tatarinov stressed that the enhancements made in these releases, as well as all of the Dynamics products now and going forward, are geared toward making businesses more dynamic through simplicity, value, and agility.

The short answer is: it was designed to get people excited about using it. 

All of the Dynamics SL 2011 product improvements, from the new user experience to the web services framework to the completely updated Quick Query solution and beyond, were developed for the users and suggested by the users and partners.  For the first time in Dynamics SL history, a customer and partner Advisory Board went beyond contributing feature requirements and actively took part in prototype and spec reviews.  The various Advisory Boards were able to apply their in-depth knowledge of use case scenarios, pain points, and vertical requirements to influence and shape Dynamics SL 2011 through every stage of its development.

As a result of the step-by-step involvement of these Advisory Boards working in close collaboration with the Microsoft R&D team, Dynamics SL 2011 is truly an ERP software solution that was built by the people, for the people.  Here is what one user thinks:

“We are fired up about the release of SL 2011. This version to us represents a whole new level of commitment from Microsoft towards the Dynamics SL product line. We are excited because SL is now built on a firm foundation for the future and this 2011 version is by far the most feature rich version we have ever seen!”
Bob Hauck, Cisco-Eagle

Although Dynamics SL 2011 officially “launches” on Monday, April 11^th at Convergence, it is available for purchase now!  To learn more about this exciting release, download the “Top 10 Reasons for Choosing Microsoft Dynamics SL”. 

If you are currently using version 6.5 and have a current service plan, you can still take advantage of the following tools through CustomerSource:

• Previously released Upgrades, Updates, Service Packs, Fixes and Regulatory/Tax Updates
• Self-Help Support through KnowledgeBase articles and online content
• Unlimited Online Training
• CustomerSource Community and Tools

However, the only true way to ensure that you will have support available to you in the event of a major issue with your system is to upgrade to a currently supported version of Microsoft Dynamics SL.  Not sure what it would take to get your system current?  Discuss your Dynamics SL upgrade with a Socius consultant today!

Microsoft Dynamics SL 2011 is especially well suited for project-based businesses in the construction, professional services, government contracting, architecture and engineering industries.  Microsoft is billing it as being “built for your dynamic business” by enhancing productivity and increasing business value and insight. 

Microsoft has prepared videos to explain and show examples of each of the three ways that Dynamics SL 2011 accomplishes its objectives:

• Familiar user experience
• Strong sharing and collaboration tools
• New project inventory and tracking tools

View all three videos here!

If you want to see more of Microsoft Dynamics SL 2011, plan to attend our roadshow launch events coming in spring 2011! 

Built with Microsoft Visual Studio 2005, Microsoft Dynamics SL 7.0 provides new tools for developers and interfaces to products like Microsoft SQL Reporting Services. Other features include a role-tailored main menu system, web access for many common project management functions, and improved reporting and analysis to optimize business information. Additionally, Microsoft Dynamics SL 7.0 and Microsoft Office Project 2007 can be connected to deliver financial insight to Project Managers in Office Project Professional and Microsoft Dynamics Business Portal.

The Top 10 Reasons for Upgrading to Dynamics SL 7.0:

1. New menu interface similar to Microsoft Office. Configurable, role-relevant menus and home pages, improved text editing, and step-by-step menus that can be customized reduce the time required to become productive.
2. Flexible and powerful reporting tools. Business Information Optimization (BIO), a business intelligence solution built specifically for Microsoft Dynamics SL 7.0, and SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), an interface to call SSRS reports from within Microsoft Dynamics SL, can help you integrate, analyze, and present data from multiple sources to meet specific needs of your company.
3. Electronic document delivery using Quick Send. Save time and money and improve customer service by sending purchase orders and invoices to your customers and vendors by using email or fax.
4. Pay-subcontractor-when-paid. Link subcontractor and customer work so that payment to the subcontractor is not made until the work has been accepted by the customer and the associated customer invoice is paid.
5. Additional currency support. Project expenses can now be entered in many currencies, and handling of value-added tax (VAT) is also supported. The Scheduled Billings and Billing by Percent processes now allow for multi-currency processing.
6. Business Portal project access. Create, edit, or view project information from the Web by using the new Project Maintenance screen, a combination of information pulled from five separate screens to provide project users the information they need. Access to project data can be controlled to suit the needs of your projects.
7. Business Portal built on Windows SharePoint Services 3.0. You can access your enterprise resource planning (ERP) data, along with features such as document repository, calendars, blogs, wikis, and RSS feeds provided by Windows SharePoint Services.
8. Maintain security and efficiency. New optional security features support Windows Authentication so that users can log on to their systems and to Microsoft Dynamics SL without the need to re-enter information. This also makes Microsoft Dynamics SL compliant with your corporate password policies.
9. Continued compatibility with current technologies. Microsoft Dynamics SL 7.0 provides support for the latest business tools and technologies such as the Windows Vista operating system, Microsoft SQL 2005, Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, Microsoft Office SharePoint Server, the 2007 Microsoft Office system, and Microsoft Project 2007.
10. Microsoft Dynamics SL 7.0 is a .NET product. Microsoft Dynamics SL 7.0 has been rewritten to run in Microsoft Visual Basic 2005, making it a .NET product. This allows more opportunity for customization and provides a strong base for developing future features and interfaces.

Learn more about Microsoft Dynamics SL

Learn more about the new features in Microsoft Dynamics SL 7.0

Contact Socius to schedule your upgrade now!

If your business is looking for the right tool to keep you in the competition or to take your organization to the next level, this week is a great time to score a Microsoft Dynamics business solution.  On Friday, some of the most aggressive promotional offers that Microsoft has ever released on their ERP and CRM solutions expire. 

Line up the best shot for your organizations’ success by taking advantage of one of the following offers today:

3 for a $1 – With the initial purchase of Microsoft Dynamics GP, buy up to your first three (3) users (foundation pack user and two additional users) for $1. Offer applies to both the Advanced Management and Business Essentials editions.

Stimulate Your Business– Trade Up to Microsoft Dynamics ERP (GP & SL) from NetSuite, QuickBooks, or Peachtree for less with a special trade-up offer.

Business Ready Flexible Pay – Reduce your upfront investment through three predictable and affordable annual payments which can help optimize you cash flow and improve IT budget management.

A Better Together Offer – Save 20% on Microsoft Dynamics SL users when you purchase them with Microsoft Project user licenses.

There are also some fantastic offers available to existing users of Microsoft Dynamics solutions. 

Contact Socius to take advantage of these great savings opportunities and win big against your competition. 

According to consultant and blogger, Eric Kimberling, these results were not a surprise to Panorama due to the following facts about Microsoft Dynamics:

• It has an average evaluation, selection, and implemention time that is two months shorter than its competition.
• The average total cost of ownership is the lowest of all the leading ERP solutions covered in the study at $2.6 million for the initial investment, or 5% of the implementing company’s annual revenue.
• It has the most predictable ERP implementation costs compared to other vendors.
• Due to the Windows look and feel that many employees are accustomed to, it leads all vendors in user satisfaction.

Find out if a Microsoft Dynamics ERP solution is a good move for your small or midsized business with a complimentary business strategy assessment!

Microsoft has made it easier than ever to find those answers!

The Microsoft Dynamics Knowledge Base has always been the source for 24×7 answers to every-day support questions, technical requirements issues, usability recommendations, and helpful tips for Microsoft Dynamics solutions users on a current Business Ready Enhancement Plan.

However, Microsoft announced that beginning Tuesday, September 1st, they are launching a two month pilot program showcasing the Top 28 ERP Knowledge Base articles (KBs) on their public site:  www.support.microsoft.com.

These public articles will be offered in abstract form only; however, Microsoft Dynamics Solutions users on a current Enhancement Plan can access the full articles via CustomerSource. 

If you are not on a current Enhancement Plan and would like to gain full access to the Microsoft Dynamics Knowledge Base, contact Socius! We are an Ohio Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft Dynamics SL partner that can help you get the answers you need.

NOTE: Complete Knowledge Base articles are already available to the public, regardless of Enhancement Plan status, for Microsoft Dynamics CRM at www.support.microsoft.com.

• Maintain Your Solution- Maximize your ROI with benefits such as product  upgrades and updates and learn about transition investment credits, protected list price, and Support Lifecycle Policy.
• Access Support Resources- Access CustomerSource, Knowledge Base, Online Learning, Support, Managed Newsgroups, and TechNet Plus Direct.
• Compare Service Plans- View and compare the different benefits of the Business Ready Enhancement, Business Ready Advantage, and Business Ready Advantage Plus Plans.  Utilize the service plan assessment tool to select the plan that suites your needs.
• Budget & Renew- Learn how remaining current on your service plan helps you to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and gain access to innovations in your Microsoft Dynamics solutions and how to renew your plan.  View planning, budgeting, and finance options and resources.