Microsoft reveals new Dynamics AX 2012, 2009 upgrade and migration options for 365 Operations (AX7)

As of November, Microsoft Dynamics AX nomenclature will change, but the popular ERP will live on under its new name, Dynamics 365 for Operations. Also known as AX7, the latest release will offer both a full cloud and a hybrid deployment model for select scenarios.

Arif Kureshy, director of program management for AX platform, explained to AXUG Summit 2016 attendees that the AX application architecture as it existed in version 2012 is now being managed in distinct components: AX app suite, app foundation, and app platform.

"Focusing on the app platform, we are [sealing those components of the architecture] that we can't overlay anymore because we want to iterate on the platform really fast. We are working on a two-week cadence by splitting up the AX app. By sealing some of them, we can innovate faster and you can use them [in your process]," he said.

Rather than customize the platform components, Microsoft wants customers who upgrade to D365 Operations (AX7) to use an extensions model. The goal is that Microsoft continues to support the platform and foundation aspects continuously.

"If you follow extensibility patterns recommended, it ensures you're in the serviceable limits and that Microsoft can service [your system] without issues," said Manoj Swaminathan, Dynamics R&D program manager, at an AX upgrade presentation at Summit.

But AX users are also eager for guidance about D365 Operations in a range of areas like upgrade and migration, licensing, and security.

Microsoft is actively developing paths to AX7 from the two most recent major versions - a migration path from AX 2009 and an upgrade from any AX 2012 release. The AX 2009 migration process that has been developed should also work for AX 4.0, and the team, including Swaminathan, wants to hear from ...