Microsoft Dynamics CommunityTeam

Welcome Microsoft Professional Accountants' Network members!

2009-11-17T14:52:00Z

We welcome you to the new home of MPAN US and UK. Support and training information is included on your pages starting at https://community.dynamics.com/content/mpan.aspx. You can also get back to your resource pages via www.microsoft.com/mpan.

You will definitely want to check out the rest of the Microsoft Dynamics Community site for role-based content, including customer service, sales & marketing and finance articles and blogs. Be sure to visit the various product forums featuring CRM and the entire Microsoft Dynamics ERP product line, including Dynamics GP. You will find this Community site to be very active.

If you have any questions on the site please contact dynamicscommunity@microsoft.com. MPAN program questions can be directed to mpanus@microsoft.com

Congratulations to our UG Summit/UG Forum winners!

2009-09-22T18:17:00Z

Thanks to everyone who visited the Microsoft Dynamics Community booth and attended our sessions at the NAVUG Forum, and AXUG, CRMUG and GPUG Summits last week in Chicago.

Big congratulations to the corporate winners of the Convergence 2010 Atlanta free registration:

Mars Fishcare North America - Lewis Rosenberg (NAVUG)
Sekisui Ta Industries LLC - Philip Wong (AXUG)
DynLogic LLC - Teresa Severt (GPUG)
RS Medical - Kim Buchanan (CRMUG)

Also, we congratulate the winners of the 120GB Zune, Microsoft’s multi-media player that holds up to 30,000 songs, 25,000 pictures or 375 hours of video!

Ruben Haritoonian, Nissin Foods USA (NAVUG)
Rodney Huynh, Helmerich & Payne International Drilling (AXUG)
Rhonda Hamilton, Sta-Home Health Care (GPUG)
Sandeep Tamma, Genomic Health (CRMUG)

Thanks again everyone, and we'll see you at next year's event!

Convergence 2009 Europe Registration is Now Open

2009-09-01T21:24:00Z

The waiting is over you can now register for the Convergence 2009 Europe.

Learn how to enhance your Microsoft investment now and in the future, and gain a stronger sense of community through interactions with industry leaders, Microsoft team members, partners and other customers. Register today for this premier Microsoft Dynamics event. Register Now!

Independent Gathering of Microsoft Dynamics GP Partners set for September 12 - 14 in Chicago!

2009-08-14T13:22:00Z

Training and Continued Education Tops Agenda!

Microsoft Dynamics partners from throughout North America will converge in Chicago this September for GP Partner Connections 2009, one of the largest independent gathering of its kind.

Implementation Professionals, Consultants, and Technical Sales Engineers specializing in Microsoft Dynamics GP, have joined forces to form a new partner network that will help establish better lines of communication and improve the overall competency for GP Partner organizations. GP Partner Connections is an independent group established with the mission to share knowledge and best practices within the overall partner community in an effort to "raise the tide" of competency across the channel.

The group's emergence led to the Connections Conference. This conference is unique because it is produced exclusively by and for partners of Microsoft Dynamics GP. The conference offers a wide range of education and professional training programs in a cost-effective package. Participants will walk away with tangible knowledge and insight to make them more productive for their clients' implementations to help increase each partner's profitability. For its inaugural year, the Conference will occur in conjunction with the Microsoft Dynamics GP User Group Summit, providing the greatest opportunity for partners attending the Summit to get involved in the GP Partner Connections Conference. Visit the Connections Conference information pages to see the specific educational sessions offered.

Invest a few days in September to join in this exceptional professional development conference and come back recharged with fresh ideas and proven ways to support your clients.

Visit Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner Connections for more information and to register.

ISV partners are also welcome to attend. If you are interested in marketing to this group, please send an email to Sponsorship.

Independent Gathering of Microsoft Dynamics AX, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, and Microsoft Dynamics NAV Users Set for September 14-18

2009-08-14T13:16:00Z

Professional Development to Re-energize Your Key Company Personnel!

Few companies have avoided cost-reductions and unfortunate staff cuts during these trying economic times. Yet performance demands on you and your team has never been higher. Are you getting the most out of your Microsoft Dynamics implementation and the key users who make it all work?

Professional development opportunities provided by the independent user group dedicated to Microsoft Dynamics AX or Microsoft Dynamics NAV or Microsoft Dynamics GP or Microsoft Dynamics CRM is a great way to boost morale and instill effectiveness in your organization.

Relative to other industry-specific conferences, AXUG Summit or GPUG Summit or CRMUG Summit or NAVUG Forum is a less expensive option to re-energize the Microsoft Dynamics users in your company. By investing in a couple of days dedicated to learning best practices from other users (as well as leading industry experts), you'll ensure that personal career development for key staff stays on track, and productivity and efficiency leaps forward.

It's no surprise that prior AXUG Summit or GPUG Summit or CRMUG Summit or NAVUG Forum attendees consistently rate their conference experience as a pinnacle event that recharges the implementation of their Microsoft Dynamics system. Small investment. Huge ROI. Don't miss it!

Microsoft Teams Attending the UG Summits

AXUG Summit	CRMUG Summit	NAVUG Forum	GPUG Summit
Microsoft Dynamics Community Team	Microsoft Dynamics Community Team	Microsoft Dynamics Community Team	Microsoft Dynamics Community Team
Microsoft Dynamics Customer Reference Team	Microsoft Dynamics Customer Reference Team	Microsoft Dynamics Customer Reference Team	Microsoft Dynamics Customer reference Team
User Experience	CRM User Experience	NAV User Experience	User Experience
AX Support Engineers	CRM Support Engineers	NAV Support Engineers	GP Support Engineers
AX Product Marketing	CRM Product Marketing	NAV Product Marketing	US Product Marketing
AX R&D	CRM ISV Evangelism	NAV Product Management	GP R&D
	CRM Technical Specialists	NAV Technical Specialists	GP Program Management
	CRM Field Engineers	Nav Research & Development
	Sure Step

Visit http://axug.com/ or http://gpug.com/ or http://crmug.com/ or http://navug.com/ for more information and to register. Take a few minutes to go out and look at the break-out session topics and training sessions offered. We are sure there will be pertinent subjects to your current setting.

Convergence 2009 Europe Coming to a City Near You

2009-08-04T17:29:00Z

The locations and dates are now finalized and we’re excited to get the proverbial show on the road! Convergence 2009 Europe, the premier Microsoft Dynamics customer event, will be held in four different locations, giving customers choices and options for when and where they’d like to participate. Bringing customers, partners, Microsoft team members and industry experts together to share ideas and knowledge, this roadshow limits your time out-of-office and maximizes your networking potential.

Convergence Overview
Convergence is the premier, targeted Microsoft Dynamics event where you can experience the strength of your local Microsoft Dynamics community. Now more than ever, Convergence offers an easy-to-attend, cost-effective opportunity for you to explore Microsoft Dynamics and the full range of Microsoft product offerings to learn how you can improve your business applications infrastructure, enhance your productivity and ultimately improve your bottom line.

In 2009, Convergence will take place in four convenient locations in Europe, beginning on 27 October and ending on 5 November 2009.

27 October – Novotel London West, London
29 October – Austria Center, Vienna
3 November – Sheraton Frankfurt Hotel & Towers, Frankfurt Airport
5 November – Engels Conference Center, Rotterdam

This is your opportunity to participate in an exceptional program including a variety of speakers, detailed product demonstrations and educational learning sessions. You will learn how to enhance your Microsoft investment now and in the future, and gain a stronger sense of community through interacting with industry leaders, Microsoft team members, partners and other customers.

Questions? Contact the Convergence team.
Want to learn more about Convergence 2009 Europe Click Here.

Why Attend
This year, we’re bringing Convergence to you! With four convenient locations and four different dates to choose from, Convergence 2009 Europe is designed to take less time out of your busy schedule and to make it easier for you to attend. Convergence 2009 will deliver relevant information that applies to your Microsoft Dynamics solution in a more intimate setting than previous events.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to come together with industry experts and your peers to share ideas and knowledge that you can use to optimize your business. We’ve developed an action-packed agenda, including product breakout sessions that will give you first-hand information on how you can get the most out of your Microsoft Dynamics solution.

The reasons to attend Convergence 2009 Europe are numerous, but here’s a snapshot of the top five:

1.Learn how to utilize the full capabilities of your existing Microsoft Dynamics solution.
2.It’s in your local area, making it easier and cost-effective to attend.
3.Get up-to-date information on the latest Microsoft products and technologies at the table top expo.
4.Learn Microsoft’s strategy and future plans for Microsoft Dynamics.
5.Network with your peers, industry experts and Microsoft representatives.
Questions? Contact the Convergence team.
Want to learn more about Convergence 2009 Europe Click Here.

Become a Microsoft Dynamics® Customer Reference

2009-07-30T21:21:00Z

The Microsoft Dynamics® Customer Reference Program highlights the real-life results of customers successfully using Microsoft Dynamics solutions and shares them in a variety of ways across the industry and the broader marketplace. You can participate in as many or as few activities as you wish, depending upon the level of involvement in which you are interested. Engagements include activities such as case studies, press and/or analyst interviews, event speaking, webcasts, and customer-to-customer calls, to name just a few.

What is the Microsoft Dynamics Customer Reference Program?
We have a dedicated team which will manage the process and streamline communication. We understand your time is valuable, which is why we allow you to pick and choose the reference types in which you would like to participate. We also do our best to match reference requests to our existing customer expertise. And you can opt out of the program at any time by sending an e-mail to DynaRef@microsoft.com.

Benefit to you?
By taking part in the Microsoft Dynamics Customer Reference Program, your business can benefit from increased exposure to diverse audiences and help influence organizations around the world. You’ll have an opportunity to:

• Promote Your Company. Being a Microsoft reference is an opportunity to increase awareness of your company and extend your existing PR, Marketing, and advertising efforts.
• Build Industry Networks. Share best practices with other organizations facing similar business challenges.
• Enjoy a Closer Relationship with Microsoft. Increase your visibility throughout Microsoft and beyond.

Nominating is easy and free!
Just simply provide the following information: Partner Contact, Customer Contact, Dynamics Solution and Industry to DynaRef@microsoft.com. A Microsoft Customer Reference professional will contact you very soon after you e-mail.

Thank You,

Longer Support Timelines for Key Microsoft Dynamics® Service Packs

2009-07-23T22:19:00Z

In response to customer feedback and as part of Microsoft’s continuous efforts to provide world-class support for its products, the company is updating the Microsoft Support Lifecycle policy for service packs for key Microsoft Dynamics products.

Microsoft is extending the service pack support policy for Microsoft Dynamics SL, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Microsoft Dynamics AX, and Microsoft Dynamics CRM to 24 months of support for a previous service pack, when a new service pack is released. Previously, when a new service pack was released for these products, Microsoft provided 12 months of support for the previous service pack.

Additional Support. Greater Flexibility. More Cost Savings.

Microsoft is committed to providing its customers and partners with product support that maximizes their investments in Microsoft technology and delivers the most value to their business. This policy update is a reflection of this commitment. The longer support timelines for these service packs gives Microsoft Dynamics customers and partners the flexibility to optimize their IT infrastructure and plan their product upgrades based on their businesses’ timelines. It also enables them to better manage their support costs during these challenging economic times.

Support Extended by 12 Months for Currently Supported Service Packs

This update applies to all the service packs that are currently supported (as of June 8, 2009), for the above-listed Microsoft Dynamics products. As per this change, the expiration dates for the currently supported service packs, listed below, will now be extended by another 12 months.

To view all the details Click Here.

Microsoft Dynamics Offers Clear Future for Sage Customers and Partners

2009-07-23T14:34:00Z

Ongoing investment and long-term stability make Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions a beacon in the storm.

REDMOND, Wash. — July 21, 2009 — Microsoft Corp. today invites customers and partners concerned with the stability of the Sage Software Inc. channel to consider available alternatives from Microsoft, including Microsoft Dynamics enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions. On July 6, MIS Group, Sage’s largest partner in 2007 and 2008, suddenly closed its doors.

“Microsoft Dynamics offers innovative products and strong return on investment, which is exactly what customers and partners are looking for — especially when questions have arisen about Sage’s ability to deliver ongoing innovation and investment in its ERP portfolio and remain competitive in this marketplace,” said Crispin Read, general manager for Microsoft Dynamics ERP.”

Migration Program for Sage Customers

Microsoft is helping companies move more easily from outdated business applications to Microsoft’s modern ERP solutions, through a set of competitively focused offerings in the United States. Since May 2009, qualified partners have been able to extend to their customers an offer to move to a Microsoft Dynamics ERP solution with a 50 percent discount on licensing and receive a rebate equal to 25 percent of the suggested retail price of the Microsoft Dynamics solution (up to a maximum of $25,000) to help offset the costs of switching from Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200. This offer continues to be available today for qualified Sage customers.

CTS Cement Manufacturing Corp. is a manufacturer with more than $55 million in annual revenue; it chose Microsoft Dynamics ERP over Sage MAS 90 to improve its bottom line. “We needed a system that would align with the third-party solutions that are out there so that we can take advantage of those add-ons rather than having to build them from the ground up,” said Fred McKay, chief financial officer for CTS Cement. “Microsoft Dynamics ERP gives us the flexibility to do things that our MAS 90 package couldn’t do. It has a lot of potential that we can tap into as we continue to grow.”

Read said, “At Microsoft, we passionately believe customers deserve software that will make their lives easier and help make them more productive every day. The ERP midmarket includes hundreds of accounting and ERP applications from vendors with uncertain product road maps and little or no ongoing investment. I am delighted each time a customer migrates to Microsoft Dynamics ERP.”

Microsoft Offers Safe Harbor to Sage Partners

Doug Kennedy, vice president of the Microsoft Dynamics Partners team, is actively recruiting new resellers and ISV partners to further expand the Microsoft Dynamics ERP channel. “In times of economic turbulence, customers have high expectations of their ERP providers, demanding innovation, investment and long-term financial stability,” Kennedy said. “There has never been a better time to join the Microsoft Dynamics community.”

The Microsoft Dynamics partner ecosystem is unique and an integral part of the Microsoft Dynamics business, with thousands of partners that range from well-known systems integrators to companies that serve the needs of microverticals. Microsoft Dynamics is 100 percent focused on selling through partners and consequently has deep focus on partners’ success and profitability. Further, Microsoft is distinctive in its ability to invest in R&D, both in core ERP and customer relationship management (CRM) products, as well as in the more than $9 billion of R&D investment taking place across Microsoft in areas such as Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft SharePoint Server and Microsoft Office.

“Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions allow us to offer a deeper product line to our clients. Many of the features that come standard with Microsoft Dynamics ERP are third-party add-ons with other systems, and those innovations have allowed us to grow our business by increasing our ability to work with a broader base of larger-sized clients,” said Bob Scott, executive vice president of Business Accounting Systems at Nims & Associates. “Furthermore, integration with technology like Microsoft SQL Server, SQL Server Reporting Services and Microsoft SharePoint ensures that our customers’ software investment will be able to scale up with their businesses as they grow.”

Sage customers and partners — or current customers and partners of any outdated ERP solutions — who are concerned about the viability of their vendor or partner or the investment being made in their business application are invited to contact Microsoft and discuss their options. More information is available at http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/rightnow/ or by calling (888) 477-7989.

About Microsoft Dynamics

Microsoft Dynamics is a line of financial, customer relationship and supply chain management solutions that helps businesses work more effectively. Delivered through a network of channel partners providing specialized services, these integrated, adaptable business management solutions work like and with familiar Microsoft software to streamline processes across an entire business.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Welcome Microsoft Dynamics Community’s Newest Content Provider MSDynamicsworld.com

2009-06-26T14:42:00Z

We’re happy to announce that starting June 30th 2009, MSDynamicsWorld.com will be providing one full article to the Microsoft Dynamics Community Website per week.

In addition to their existing blog within the Community Web site, MSDynamicsWorld.com will provide the Dynamics Community with one full article per week which focuses on one Microsoft Dynamics product - AX, NAV, GP and CRM. The article will appear each Tuesday in the Non-Technical Blog section of the relevant product community and will offer real-world benefit to Community members using the products. So be on the lookout for the lastest article every Tuesday.

About MSDynamicsWorld.com
MSDynamicsWorld.com is committed to publishing the highest quality content for Microsoft Dynamics users, prospective customers, partners, independent software vendors, and consultants around the globe. Our content includes news, analysis, and opinion, as well as white papers, case studies and add-on information.

As always, the Microsoft Dynamics Community team strives to bring our members fresh, relevant content, and we encourage your feedback regarding these new articles or any other aspect of the Community Web site. Please send your suggestions to: dlcommed@microsoft.com

Virtual Convergence: Now Available in Both Public and Subscription-Only Portals

2009-06-22T19:54:00Z

Virtual Convergence is now a reality! This online experience, developed by our own Microsoft web development teams, is designed to extend the Convergence benefits beyond the onsite event. Utilizing an intuitive Silverlight interface, this immersive 3D experience helps deliver even greater information to both our Convergence attendees—and to the world at large.

Our inaugural 2009 experience offers everyone the opportunity to view our keynote presentation, “The Power of Possibilities” with Kirill Tatarinov, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Business Solutions, along with the keynote presentation with Kevin Schofield, General Manager, Microsoft Research. In addition, learn more about the present state and the future direction of our core Microsoft Business Solutions in each of the product-focused General Sessions, which are also available for viewing. The spotlight on our valued Microsoft partnerships continues to shine as each of the exhibitors and sponsors at Convergence 2009 now host a booth within the virtual expo, featuring valuable product and contact information.

Convergence 2009 attendees, along with those that choose to subscribe to the Virtual Convergence experience, gain the added benefit to have full access to Windows Media files of all of the information-packed concurrent sessions that were held during the live event. This opportunity to gain knowledge-at-your-fingertips leverages your conference investment exponentially – and allows non-Convergence attendees the possibility to increase their business intelligence and subsequent efficiency through these workshop sessions.

To experience it for yourself, visit Virtual Convergence. For more information on Virtual Convergence, visit the Convergence website.

Kirill Tatarinov to present two keynote sessions at WorldWide Partner Conference 2009

2009-06-15T22:31:00Z

Kirill Tatarinov, Corporate VP, Microsoft Business Solutions, will present two keynote sessions during the Worldwide Partner Conference which takes place July 13-16 in New Orleans. His keynote sessions are scheduled for 2:00-3:00 pm Monday, July 13, and 11:30am-12:30pm Tuesday, July 14.

The keynote will cover:

Microsoft Dynamics – The Power of Possibilities

Business solutions are top of mind for organizations looking to reduce costs, improve operational inefficiencies and improve productivity in a challenging economic landscape. When it comes to delivering value needed to drive business forward Microsoft Dynamics partners are the best in the business – delivering innovative ERP and CRM Solutions based on the Microsoft Dynamics product line. The Microsoft Dynamics channel is currently undergoing an exciting transformation with significant investments toward helping partners be more successful in addressing a $60B market opportunity. Attend this session to learn about opportunities to participate the best of breed partner program, and discover the power of possibilities with Microsoft Dynamics.

Learn more about the conference and Microsoft Dynamics breakout sessions at the WPC Web site.

Coming May 31: New features within the Microsoft Dynamics Community

2009-05-20T18:44:00Z

The Microsoft Dynamics Community Team has been busy adding new features designed to help maximize your Microsoft Dynamics Community experience. Following is a sneak peak of what’s in store.

New Features:

The following features will be available to all Community members:

Microsoft Dynamics Online Connect
The first thing you will notice is the new Microsoft Dynamics Online Connect gadget that appears on the right hand side of all the Community home pages. This new gadget provides you with the latest news, articles, blog posts, product training, E-Learning and product support. If you are on a current Microsoft Dynamics service plan the content will be customized for you based on your CustomerSource or PartnerSource profile after signing in to the Community Web site
Customizable Business Card
You will be able to customize the style of your Business Card. Put your creativity to work by uploading your company logo, customizing the color and layout of your community business card. The business card is a great way to introduce yourself to other Community members and stay in touch with people you meet through the Community or at events you attend.
MVP badge

Our Microsoft Dynamics MVPs (Most Valuable Professionals) provide a vast amount of product knowledge to the Community. We have created a MVP badge icon so you can instantly recognize when an MVP has responded to a forum question.

Additional Features for members on a Current Microsoft Dynamics Service Plan:

In addition to the above mentioned features, the following features will be available to Community members with a current service plan in place. If you have questions about your existing service plan or are interested in learning more about the available service plans, please contact your Microsoft Dynamics Partner or mbsservo@microsoft.com.

Company Organization Page
You can now custom build a company home page which represents your organization, and it will be searchable by all search engines. With your new organization page, you can also upload your company logo and display members of your organization who have a profile set up in the Microsoft Dynamics Community. Members of your organization that are not registered in CustomerSource can request that your organization’s admin add them to CustomerSource. To learn how to set up your company organization page Click Here.
Community Registration
Community Registration will become quicker and easier. When you are setting up a profile within the Community and you are using your Live ID which is associated to your company’s CustomerSource or PartnerSource account, your profile information will automatically be entered for you.
Internet Lead Capture (ILC)
The Internet Lead Capture capability will allow you to create a custom lead capture page, which we host for you. You can then use the URL of that page on your own web pages, e-mail communications, and the contact us url in your organization profile. This gives potential customers and Community members the ability to contact your business by filling out a short questionnaire. They simply fill out the fields that you’ve customized, and once they have completed the questionnaire, the information will be exported to a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and your lead capture will show on your Community Networking home page as a lead.

If you have questions about your existing service plan or are interested in learning more about the available service plans, please contact your Microsoft Dynamics Partner or mbsservo@microsoft.com.

As always, we’re interested in your feedback on these new features and enhancements. Please contact us at dlcommed@microsoft.com with your comments or questions. Your input helps us to provide functionality and content that’s valuable to you and others in the Community.

Thank you for your continued participation in the Microsoft Dynamics Community and all related tools and functionality it offers.

Sincerely

The Microsoft Dynamics Community Team

Improvements to CustomerSource Search (Full Story)

2009-05-04T21:11:00Z

We’ve heard you loud and clear: Finding things in CustomerSource has not always been easy. Starting Monday, May 4th, we’ll make phase 1 of our new search available in CustomerSource.

Starting Monday, May 4th, we’ll make phase 1 of our new search available in CustomerSource. This is one of many features we’ll be adding over the coming months, and is largely due to you continued feedback, and the support and investment from Microsoft Dynamics leadership.

Things to keep in mind when using the new search:

File types: Searching for a file type (.doc, .pdf, .xls or .ppt) does not function currently. We’re working to update that functionality and make it available soon.
Support content: The week of May 4th, we’ll be updating support, migrations and download content so it will appear properly in the new search. In that time, some support content may not appear in search unless you choose to search by ‘All Languages’ using the Language filter in your search preferences.

CustomerSource is one of the essential assets you use to do business with Microsoft and as the needs of our customers have grown, so has the size and complexity of CustomerSource. As a result, it’s been increasingly difficult to find the things you need to do business. After all, there are over 400,000 documents across CustomerSource, Knowledgebase and eLearning, in over 22 languages. From hearing your concerns in technical support, from the Dynamics field, at conferences like Convergence, the evidence was clear that we needed to improve the discoverability of content greatly.

To begin using the new search, simply enter a term in the Search field in the top-left area of any CustomerSource page, or click the Advanced Search hyperlink that appears in the same location. Some of the key capabilities you’ll notice include:

Improved relevance: We’ve implemented Microsoft Search Server 2008, which uses new and innovative search algorithms to take basic keywords you enter and yield the most relevant results.
Search by language: You can choose to search for only documents in English or in any of over 22 languages supported across the site. By default, we’ve set the search is set to find English articles; however, you can change this at any time and save that as a search preference for the site.
Search preferences: You can save the search preferences that most closely tie to your role, product specialization, country or language. For example, if you use Dynamics AX in Germany, you can filter your results to only show content for Dynamics AX that’s written in German. You can also save your search preferences to automatically filter search results to the content that’s most important to how you work with Dynamics.
Search across multiple areas: The new search will by default return results from the four key areas you work with the most: CustomerSource, eLearning and Knowledgebase. Previously, you had to use multiple searches in these different areas to see the right kind of content. With the new search, you can see all the results together across these areas. You can even choose to select to search only one of these areas (for instance, only search the Knowledgebase).
Editor’s Choice: Where applicable, you’ll see an Editor’s Choice at the top of search results. In cases where you enter a common search term, the Editor’s Choice will provide you with some of the most common areas where you’ll typically find information you’re looking for.
Related searches: As more and more users try search, we’ll show the most common search terms that other users are searching for, and display that based on the keywords you enter.

In addition to Search Phase 1, we have a series of upcoming changes designed to help improve the relevance and discoverability of information in CustomerSource. Here are a few of the changes we’ll make over the course of the next several months:

Search Final Release: We’re targeting August of 2009 to deliver Phase II of search. We’ll use the time between now and August to gather feedback for the new search and derive additional changes / improvements where we can.
The new customizable My Page: You’ll be able to customize your homepage with the various areas of content that are most important to you, and receive daily updated headlines across marketing, support, training and operations, in the language and country that you do business in.
Updated global CustomerSource sites: Starting in November of 2009, we’ll begin deploying updated sites for Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, LATAM, Spain, United States, and United Kingdom. The enhancements include:

New site designs will improve the layout and navigation of our sites, using feedback directly from our users
New RSS capabilities will let you subscribe to content most important to you, and be notified of important updates via email, mobile device or any standard RSS viewer you choose.

We’d love to get your feedback on phase I of the new search. Please contact us at mbsexp@microsoft.com with any feedback or questions you have. Your input will help us adjust the search for things like relevancy, key topics we should highlight, or consider other sources of content you may use that we don’t include in search today (such as MS.com or MSDN).

Thank you for your continued use of CustomerSource and all the related tools and functionality offered within it. Please continue to be an advocate for an improved experience and let us know at every opportunity the things we can do better.

Currently on a service plan and wondering how you can get access to CustomerSource. Click here to learn how you can get access today.

Sincerely,

The Dynamics Community Team

Welcome our new content partner

2009-05-01T20:23:00Z

Starting May 1, we are featuring new articles on retail, finance and customer service provided by OnWindows.com. OnWindows.com offers a single source of news, information and resources about Microsoft technologies in the enterprise. Visit their Web site for a wealth of information on how Microsoft and its partners are helping businesses like yours.

We hope you enjoy the new content, and we welcome your feedback anytime.

Microsoft Dynamics Community Team

Free CustomerSource Webcast & Demo of CustomerSource

2009-04-13T19:53:00Z

Would you like to see what CustomerSource can do you for you? Microsoft Dynamics CustomerSource is a password-protected site for customers using Microsoft Dynamics products, provided as a benefit of a service plan. Use it to search the Knowledge Base, download updates, view online training, and find other information resources virtually 24 hours a day. To learn more about how CustomerSource can help you save your business money view the online webcast recording presented by Arlin Fisher, Senior Product Manager –Microsoft Corporation. (Duration: 60 min)
Webcast Agenda:

Self-help tools
Product updates and downloads
Training and support services
Business news
Community information

If you are a looking for a quick tour of CustomerSource, you can view our online demo.
CustomerSource is one of the many benefits of a service plan. Click here to learn more about how you can improve your bottom line.

Introducing the newest forum to the Microsoft Dynamics Community: Microsoft Dynamics Related Job Openings

2009-04-13T14:10:00Z

The forum provides an opportunity to communicate current job openings within your company. Please feel free to start a new forum posting containing the appropriate job information, requirements and contact information.
Forum is located @ https://community.dynamics.com/forums/241.aspx

The Community has Reached 20,000+ Members

2009-02-17T17:38:00Z

February 17 this year, the Microsoft Dynamics Community welcomed its 20,000^th member, exceeding a milestone once thought unreachable. In less than a year we have had over 10,000 members join. The Microsoft Dynamics Community Team would like to thank all members who have joined and contributed to the site. The success of the site is a result of the contributions of active members like you who participate in ongoing discussions and share their knowledge with others, making the Community stronger each day. We are working hard to make improvements on the site. This is your site so please let us know if you have any ideas or suggestions on how we can make the Community better and easier to use.

Let your voice be heard at Convergence 2009 New Orleans

The Microsoft Dynamics Communities, including CustomerSource and User Groups, invites you to the Community Lounge while networking with peers. Visit the Lounge to learn about how you can Connect with Peers, Share Best Practices, and Grow Your Business! No matter what your role- finance, IT, customer service or sales and marketing - Communities offers you role-tailored information, best practices, training, support and the ability to connect with other professionals like you to help keep you, your solution and your people working at top speed. Check out Convergence 2009 New Orleans or https://mbs.microsoft.com/customersource.

Thanks,
Nick Hoban
Community Web Support Coordinator
Microsoft

Convergence 2009 – March 10-13, 2009 | New Orleans, LA

2009-02-06T21:04:00Z

Discover the Power of Possibilities at Convergence and gain your competitive edge.

In today’s difficult economic environment, there has never been more value in attending Convergence. This year is geared toward helping you leverage your Microsoft Dynamics solutions to increase visibility into operations and maximize efficiencies. You will gain exposure into new technologies, better understand your current business management software, and gather insights you need to unleash your current solution’s full capabilities. Attend Convergence and learn how to:

Easily analyze your financial data and respond to changing business conditions.
Effectively forecast and manage your cash flow and compliance with clear understanding of reporting and process automation capabilities.
Access your comprehensive client information and stay connected to the needs of your customers.
Leverage your implementation with related applications like SQL Server and the Microsoft Office products which are an integral part of an integrated Microsoft Dynamics business solution
Improve fiscal responsibility and the delivery of public services.
Boost efficiencies and improve accountability with accurate financial tracking and reporting

Click here to learn more about Convergence New Orleans and how to get registered!

Microsoft Dynamics Convergence Attendee Sales Offer

2009-02-06T20:56:00Z

Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics SL, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, and Microsoft Dynamics AX customers who attend Convergence 2009 are eligible to receive up to 20% discount.

Customers are eligible when:

Acquiring additional users
Acquiring additional modules/granules
Transitioning to a Microsoft Dynamics product edition or Licensing Model (LMT)
Upgrading to a higher level of support plan

Terms & Conditions

Offer available from March 10, 2009 through May 21, 2009.
Offer available only to Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics SL, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, and Microsoft Dynamics AX customers who attend Convergence 2009 and purchased their Microsoft Dynamics solution more than 120 days prior to March 10, 2009.
Offer only applies to license purchases including additional users and/or modules from the Microsoft Dynamics Price list (including CRM users bought from the Dynamics pricelist), migration fees associated with moving from the Standard Edition to Professional Edition, the transition fees associated with transitioning from Module Based Pricing to Business Ready Licensing and support upgrade fees for upgrading to either Business Ready Advantage or Business Ready Advantage Plus plan only.
Offer only available in the U.S. and Canada.
Offer can be combined with the Loyalty offer if an applicable license purchase is made.
Offer can only be applied to one PO per customer (company).
Regular enhancement fees apply for all products acquired. Offer cannot be used towards enhancement renewals.
Offer cannot be used towards Microsoft Dynamics CRM users acquired through Volume Licensing.
Existing customers must be current on their service plan to be eligible for this offer – this offer does not apply to lapsed customers.
Offer available only through participating resellers. Reseller prices may vary.
Promotion code: NA-Q3-09-33.

Click here to learn more about Convergence New Orleans and how to get registered!

Convergence News - Early Bird Extended & Sessions Available

2009-01-19T19:53:00Z

In case you've not heard or seen there have been a few exciting announcements recently about the upcoming Convergence 2009 New Orleans event.

First, Early Registration discount date has been extended to January 21, 2009. Save $300 by registering early, secure your favorite hotels while that are still available and take advantage of better airline rates.

Second, the session catalog (containing 225 sessions) is now live on the Convergence marketing site.

And last, but not least, the Convergence Customer Excellence Awards recognize, honor and celebrate customers who have achieved outstanding success with their Microsoft solutions as well as Microsoft partners' solutions. Customer Excellence Award nominations are now being accepted through January 20, 2009.

If you've not been to Convergence before this is a phenomenoal opportunity on so many levels.

Gain insights into your Microsoft Dynamics business and learn strategies business potential for the coming year.
Meet with other decision makers, Microsoft employees, and industry experts to gain knowledge, gather business insights, and increase your understanding of Microsoft Dynamics business management solutions.
In today’s difficult economic environment, there has never been more value in attending Convergence. This year is geared toward helping you leverage your Microsoft Dynamics solutions to increase visibility into operations and maximize efficiencies.
Get exposure to new technologies, to better understand your current business management software, and will have the insights you need to unleash your solution’s
full capabilities.
Learn how to more effectively use Microsoft Dynamics solutions to easily analyze financial data and respond to changing business conditions.
Gain clearer understanding of reporting and process automation capabilities to more effectively forecast and manage cash flow and compliance.
Learn how Microsoft Dynamics solutions can give your advisors and representatives access to comprehensive client information and insight.
Discover new ways Microsoft Dynamics can help improve fiscal responsibility and the delivery of public services.
Use accurate financial tracking and reporting to boost efficiencies and improve accountability.

We hope to see you in New Orleans!

Convergence Copenhagen Video

2009-01-13T21:50:00Z

This is part of a series of videos of we filmed while at Convergence EMEA 2008 in Copenhagen. For our final videos, we took the Keynote Master of Cermonies, Chris Rowe, on the floor of Convergence to ask a attendees a few questions. We asked about the economic climate, Convergence, and even a light-hearted question about our Danish hosts.

We hope you enjoy this video and want to hear from the Community about your thoughts on Convergence. Please leave a comment.

Also, don't forget to register for Convergence New Orleans - March 10-13!

The Dynamics Community Team

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View Video
Format: wmv
Duration: 9:18

Video Conversations with Partners - John Kleb

2009-01-13T21:14:00Z

Welcome back from vacation from the Dynamics Community team! This podcast is part of an ongoing series of videos we filmed while at Convergence EMEA 2008 in Copenhagen.

For this video, we sat down with John Kleb of Sikich (a Dynamics Inner Circle partner) to talk about Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009. We talked about how partners are preparing their customers for the new Role Tailored UI, feedback from customers to the beta program, and the buzz about the launch.

We hope you enjoy this video and want to hear from the Community about your thoughts on Microsoft Dynamics NAV. Please leave a comment.

The Dynamics Community Team

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Topics in this video:

Dynamics NAV
Role Tailored

View Video
Format: wmv
Duration: 7:48

Video Conversations with MVPs - Michael Höhne

2008-12-10T21:44:00Z

This is part of a series of videos of Microsoft Dynamics MVPs we filmed while at Convergence EMEA 2008 in Copenhagen. We sat down with Michael Höhne (Dynamics Community and Microsoft MVP profiles) from Germany to talk about his experience with Microsoft Dynamics CRM. We talked about CRM development, getting started with CRM, and data display/reporting.

We hope you enjoy this video and want to hear from the Community about your thoughts on Microsoft Dynamics CRM. Please leave a comment.

The Dynamics Community Team

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Topics in this video:

Dynamics CRM
Development with Dynamics CRM

View Video
Format: wmv
Duration: 9:23

Video Conversations with MVPs - Kamil Sacek

2008-12-10T21:29:00Z

This is part of a series of videos of Microsoft Dynamics MVPs we filmed while at Convergence EMEA 2008 in Copenhagen. We sat down with Kamil Sacek (Dynamics Community and Microsoft MVP profiles) from The Czech Republic to talk about his experience with Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009. We talked about the beta program, changes with te product, and data entry.

We hope you enjoy this video and want to hear from the Community about your thoughts on Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009. Please leave a comment.

The Dynamics Community Team

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Topics in this video:

Dynamics NAV 2009 beta program
Data entry

View Video
Format: wmv
Duration: 5:45