Partners Plan for Microsoft Dynamics ERP Cloud Vision, Part 2: Firms Await More Specifics, Ponder Options for the Future

Microsoft's announcement at Convergence 2011 that it plans to start supporting and, to some extent, deploying cloud versions of its Dynamics ERP solutions had conference attendees buzzing. But some partners are still wondering exactly what these changes will mean, and what they will look like.

In part one of this series we examined how different partners see their business model changing as the options for cloud ERP deployments evolve. Some see the changes as an opportunity to grow a targeted, industry-focused Dynamics practice.  Others are more cautious, citing customer skepticism and a number of technical hurdles still remaining.   

Still waiting for specifics

According to Tensoft president Bob Scarborough, one of the things Microsoft needs to consider around ERP is how is it going to make it a platform to let ISVs integrate easily to extend it.

"So that will be where the actual battle is fought," he said. "There are some things that are unknown. But we're excited that they've announced that they're in the cloud. It's a validation of what we've been doing in a lot of ways."

"There's no word from Microsoft about how it will work with partners, they're just leaving it to partners to do their own thing," said another partner who was at Convergence. "The next announcement will be at WPC in July and at that point they'll announce what the timing will be. They're trying to get all their applications on Azure on the back end and it will be a little more difficult than they anticipated."

Partners are happy ...