Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 Evaluated--Part 2

In Part 1 of this three-part evaluation of Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009, I provided a generally positive assessment of the Role Tailored Interface. In this Part 2, an examination of The Service Tier and the Transformation Tool, I am somewhat less enthusiastic.

The Service Tier

Whereas the new Service Tier interface is a very visible new feature of Dynamics NAV 2009, the Service Tier's functionality is definitely not new. From an end user's or consultant's perspective, it is difficult to judge the Service Tier. From a developer's perspective, it is difficult to judge as well. The Service Tier does not make his/her life any easier, though the question should be this: Does it make his life harder?

For what we have seen, this is not the case. The Service Tier is very stable in normal conditions and seems to have good performance. The first caching seems to be a bit slow, but once the objects are in, it is fast enough for an end user to work with. Too bad sessions do not share cached objects, though. For batch processing the service tier seems to be significantly slower than the classic two-tier client. It takes up to three times longer to post a batch of invoices.

One of the downsides is that the service tier only accepts Windows authentications. This makes it mandatory to be in the domain when connecting. This makes it impossible to bring your own laptop to the end user. A good workaround is to have a remote desktop connection for the Role Tailored Client.

When working with files and automation control objects, it is slightly more confusing when working with the service tier. Extra code ...