Microsoft Dexterity 10.0: notes on new features Dynamics GP

At this time Dexterity is the platform for Microsoft Dynamics GP version 10.0, released in Summer 2007.  General trend in Dexterity architecture is the move to Microsoft platforms: .Net, COM, Web Services, eConnect, Sharepoint, MS SQL Server.  Initially Dexterity was designed with the concepts of DB platform independence: Ctree, Pervasive SQL/Btrieve, MS SQL Server with possible switches to Oracle, Ingress, Sybase, IBM DB II.  When Microsoft acquired Great Plains Software and formed Microsoft Great Plains Business Solutions, later renamed into Microsoft Business Solutions, and later again renamed into Microsoft Dynamics (when Great Plains, Axapta, Navision, Solomon and Microsoft CRM were included into Microsoft Dynamics family of ERP/CRM products)

1. Dex_Row_Ts column.  This column allows Microsoft to introduce future possibilities on Audit Trail for the dex tables lines update.  Time and User auditing was long time known issue for Microsoft Great Plains as well as for SQL Server 2000, 2005 itself.  We should keep you updated on the purpose and practical use of this now important column
2. Sharepoint workflow.  Sharepoint and Dex should from now on cooperate in the sense of tracking and altering document approval cycle: SOP Sales order for example could be subject to Sharepoint workflow approval cycle.  At this time, July 2007, the concept seems to be too innovative and joint efforts of Sharepoint and GP developers seems to be needed
3. Dexterity Renaissance.  This is surprise for us, mostly Dexterity developers, we were in impression that Microsoft Dynamics GP will be rewritten in C#.Net as it was king of unofficially announced back in 2002, when Dot.Net was on the wining parade.  With recent Microsoft Dynamics, read Business Solutions whitepapers MS announced Dex as one of the primary development tools for GP 10.0! and plus it says, that Dex is really easy to learn for new programmers.  This is kind of strange statement in our opinion as Microsoft Dynamics GP Dexterity DYNAMICS.DIC source code program is now free and as such not available to Microsoft C# or VB.Net programmers
4. SQL Server Reporting Services vs. Crystal Reports.  We keep getting these questions from GP reports designers, mostly newcomers – which tool they should use as the cornerstone strategy for their companies.  Again, we believe that both tools are good, based on your experience, you should invest your time in learning how to build either Crystal Report or SRS based on  SQL view or stored procedure
5. COM Objects support.  This feature was introduced in 2003, and we are mentioning it as Microsoft Dynamics Dexterity development officials are mentioning it in Dex 10.0 features list
6. Dex.INI.  This is the main entry point for Dex troubleshooting.  When you as Microsoft Dynamics GP customer will be placing customer support calls to Microsoft Business Solutions technical support – this file will be referenced
7. Report Writer improvements.  RW is Dexterity module and so far we don’t really see substantial efforts from MBS to improve RW functionality. This is probably signal to you that you should invest more in SRS reports design for Microsoft Dynamics GP and try to phase out sophisticated ReportWriter reports
8. eCommerce.  Here we again are committed to Alba Spectrum Posting Sevrver, which allows eConect software developer to post GP SOP and other modules transactions automatically from eCommerce application.  Posting Server utilizes Dexterity source code programming and initiated Dex native logic to post approved eCommerce transactions: SOP invoices
9. Comparison with Navision and Axapta.  In our opinion Dex Renaissance is related to AX and NAV Morph X and C Side sustainability.  From our perspective view – Microsoft had to invest too much with little return into these proprietary languages porting to C#.Net to fulfill Microsoft Project Green goals
10. VBA fate.  It was kind of decided in October 2005, when GP 9.0 was presented to MBS partners.  We were thinking that VBA should no longer be recommended as GP IM manager was in process of being rewritten in eConnect.  Now with version 10.0 VBA is back as one of the modifications and software development options
11. Projects Green Microsoft Business Suites merge concept.  This concept was introduced by Microsoft back in 2002.  At this time all the Dynamics MRP/ERP/CRM applications were following their own way and utilize proprietary technologies: Microsoft CRM SDK, GP Dexterity, NAV CSIDE, Axapta X++ Morph X 
12. Dex Sanscript scripting language.  If you are large GP customer, you should consider contacting MBS directly to organize Dex training for your IT programmers.  Beginning with version 10.0 – this seems to us what Microsoft Dynamics wants you to do
13. Microsoft Dynamics GP Business Portal 10.0.  Business Portal is true .Net and Sharepoint application, so its modules, such as Requisition Management, Order Management, HR & Employee Self Service, Key Performance Indicators, Electronic Documents Delivery