What's in the Latest Microsoft Dynamics NAV Statement of Direction?

Following notable updates around October of 2011, the Microsoft Dynamics NAV product team has released its updated Statement of Direction document which gathered the latest public information on the upcoming NAV "7" and the team's outlook on the future of the product.

In a recent video introducing the updated SOD, Dynamics NAV director of product management Paul White describes the new SOD as different for its lack of "crushing detail" and a more concise, readable format that partners can share with customers and prospects.

The document, which is available via PartnerSource, does not add much by way of new information, but it is worth noting the areas that the team emphasizes, and the areas it doesn't. 

For example, the document opens up, after a general review of research on the costs of ERP implementations and a review of the Dynamics NAV 2009 releases, with a page dedicated to the "significant new features" that were made available in 2011 - Zetadocs Express and Jet Reports Express.  Microsoft positions these embedded add on solutions as "NAV capabilities," an interesting way to position ISV solutions that Microsoft has yet to either acquire or enable as "full" features (each is offered with limited capabilities and the option to upgrade to a full version from the ISVs who developed it).

The review ...