GPUG Summit Questions: Where will new technology take Microsoft Dynamics GP in 2015?

With GPUG Summit 2014 about to start, recent changes at Microsoft lead us to ponder not just the Big Rocks of Dynamics GP 2015, but what we might discover about the next major period in the product's life.

It's no secret at this point that the Dynamics GP team in Fargo took a hit with the recent Microsoft layoffs, and sources tell us many of those affected were team veterans. There are also unconfirmed rumors circulating among Microsoft employees in Fargo more layoffs could be coming in the next month.

So what do these layoffs mean for GPUG Summit 2014 or the upcoming GP 2015 release? In the short term, probably little. Most of the hard work appears to have already been done at this point to get GP 2015 out the door, and GPUG Summit, along with the reImagine partner event in Fargo next month, will provide opportunities to enjoy GP 2015 and to look ahead in the roadmap. The GP Product Strategy and Roadmap on Wednesday will be a good place to get the latest public information on where GP is headed.

With Microsoft's employee counts still potentially in flux, it's worth considering whether a a Dynamics GP product roadmap that extends out more than a few quarters will have much validity. But regardless, let's look at two technology areas that appear to be ready to make a long term impact on the product.

Service Based Architecture's reason for being

The so-called "Big Rocks" of GP 2015 should drive much conversation this week. Progress on the Service Based Architecture (SBA) is ...