Microsoft previews Windows 8 Apps for Dynamics AX 2012 R2, calls for developer involvement

Microsoft introduced three Windows 8 apps for Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 R2 at WPC 2013, and they are now available in the US Windows store. These preview versions are aimed giving customers and partners a look at the new apps as well as deliver a guide for the developer ecosystem that Microsoft hopes will embrace the new approach.

The preview versions of the apps only work with local demo data, according to Microsoft officials, but within the next few months, Microsoft plans to release updated versions of these same apps that organizations can connect their Dynamics AX 2012 R2 instances. And additional languages and markets (through the local Windows Store) will also be made available in future releases of these apps, company officials said.

Microsoft is looking to help application developers deliver user experiences that are personal, social, and immersive. To that end, the three preview employee and manager self-service apps offer good examples of the types of apps developers can build. They've released a Design Center for Windows 8 apps, with resources and guidance for developers, customers and partners.

Additionally, the Windows team has announced a new User Experience Design competency for Microsoft partners, which will be rolled out in January 2014 through the Microsoft Partner Network. This certification offers valuable insight for developers interested in developing immersive Windows 8 apps for Dynamics-specific scenarios or any other consumer/business scenarios, according to company officials.

"At WPC in Houston earlier this month I saw some interesting apps that our partners were able to build in a short time period," wrote AX director of product ...