Why the Microsoft Dynamics AX community needs independent professionals

There is an excellent resource in the Dynamics community that is not part of any Microsoft program: the independent AX professionals who serve customers around the world. Independents represent some of the best talent available for Dynamics AX. I doubt if most people could name five of these professionals. That article will explore their role and value.

Who Are These Independents?

The pool of independent AX consultants is primarily comprised of people who have worked for a Microsoft partner, worked directly for a customer, or in some cases may have even worked for Microsoft itself. They are individuals who have invested their time and effort over years to enable them to go out on their own. It takes courage to do this. Most of them do good work every day but are virtually anonymous. Many of them subcontract to Microsoft partners. Some work directly with clients. We all should recognize, if these individuals were not offering something more than what exists, they would cease to be. They provide a flexible resource for partner implementations, many times a lower cost alternative for smaller clients, and they also represent some of the best talent in the industry.  One other thing important characteristic: they are focused almost entirely on the delivery side of the business. They make their living leading or participating in successful projects.

Some people would say these individuals took advantage of resources from past employers and then went off on their own. But the situation is never that simple. In most cases these individuals have excelled while working for a Microsoft partner, helping win projects and delivering bottom line value. Many of them have also been laid off. It is a common cycle for partners to hire resources to try to staff their ...