Back from Convergence, here’s what techies and others have to say about Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010

By Marcia Nita Doron

One reason for the popularity of Convergence (the annual Microsoft customer event that attracts thousands of attendees) this year, is that Microsoft chose Convergence as the site for unveiling the new release of Dynamics GP.  The official name is GP 2010, which is a new naming convention for Microsoft’s business solutions that is more in keeping with the convention used for new releases of Office, SQL Server, SharePoint Server, etc. 

As folks trickled back from Atlanta, the reviews of Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 were all very enthusiastic.  Predictably, that which impressed the CFOs and Controllers was different than that which impressed the CIOs and CTOs.  Here’s what Altico Advisors’ Director of Professional Services (who strangely enough is also a CPA) found most compelling about the new release. 

“Among the many features added to GP 2010, I believe there are more than 200, here are a select few to focus on that will have a profound impact for both users and implementers alike. First, Microsoft has expanded the use of SQL Reporting Services (SRS) by developing multiple KPIs in SRS and making them available to a user on their home page. This will allow us to provide users with all of the key information they need, from right inside of GP. These same KPIs can now also be leveraged by those “information workers” who do not log into GP but would access this information through business portal or from directly from Outlook.  In a nutshell, this means that every member of the organization will have the same level of visibility into critical information.”

He continued, “The other key improvement is actually taking something away. In GP 10 (not to be confused with GP 2010, aka GP 11), Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) was required to utilize the workflow capabilities in Dynamics GP. Now, in GP 2010, Windows SharePoint Services (the version that is included with server operating system licenses) is the only requirement for workflow. Thus, workflow will now be available to clients who were unable to invest in the enterprise version and therefore could not take advantage of workflow capabilities in the past.”

The accounting folks came back talking about the cool “Cues.”  I wondered that meant, so I looked it up on PartnerSource.  Here’s the visual:

And here’s the Microsoft definition:  “A Cue is an icon that increases or decreases in height to indicate the number of records in a particular reminder category.”  I agree with the accounting folks.  Those Cues are cool (kind of cute, too). 

In summary, the conversations around GP 2010 create a palpable buzz in the room.   So, be sure to attend a Launch Event near you and see what the buzz is all about. 

By Altico Advisors, Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner for Manufacturing and Distribution serving New Hampshire (NH)

Related Posts

1. Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 (also known as Dynamics GP 11) Debuts At Convergence 2010
2. Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 Launch Event in Massachusetts
3. Four Reasons We’re Ready For Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010