CognitiveGroup

18th October 2010

Microsoft Convergence 2010 Simplicity . Value . Innovation

When arriving at the Twickenham Rugby stadium for the 2010 Microsoft Convergence last Thursday, I noticed a huge change in the atmosphere to the previous years. Unlike a quieter 2009, the place was buzzing with crowds of Dynamics specialists and eager customers from all over, some having travelled internationally for the yearly event. The seminar rooms were packed to full capacity and already everyone had jumped into networking mode making it difficult for Kirill Tatarinov (Corp VP for Microsoft Business Solutions) to shut us up for his introductory keynote!

The keynote was a broad introduction aimed at the newest customers with no previous AX knowledge to the industry specialists with a sneaky peak of version 6 which will become available from Quarter 3 of 2011.

Dynamics AX Retail Vertical

The latest Dynamics AX Retail vertical seemed to be the most talked about topic this year with video discussions from sector specialists including Junction Solutions. The first release is already being used in 16 countries worldwide and the much anticipated second release is due in February 2011. When I attended an individual Retail seminar, I was surprised to learn from a recent survey that 84% of SAP/Oracle customers didn't have end to end solution from order to pay! This of course, is something Microsoft have used to their advantage by developing their AX solution which encompasses every aspect of the retail process making it a sure winner in the retail world. Watch this space!

Overall, it was great to catch up with so many people within the AX market and of course network with as many industry professionals I could. It was a fun yet educational day!..And the lunch was fab too with miniature bangers & mash, fish & chips, etc - a true Brit event!

...I'd be interested to hear from Dynamics AXer's about what they think V6 will bring to the market, how it will benefit new and existing customers and what enhancements you are most excited about? Anything AX-related in fact that would perhaps inspire me to research and write about in my next blog!...

Isobel Mckay - Account Delivery Consultant on Major Accounts at Cognitive Group - 0207 953 4025 isobel.mckay@cognitive-group.com