2015 is here, so here at Conspicuous, we thought now would be a good time to take a look back at the last 12 months of Microsoft Dynamics. Whether you’re a UK Dynamics Partner or UK Dynamics End User, hopefully this retrospective helps clarify the major events, product launches and news stories from the last year. Here’s the last 12 months in the world of Microsoft Dynamics.

Dynamics AX 2012 R3 released

Made generally available on 1st May, AX 2013 R3 brought a number of new features to its popular enterprise level ERP tools:

• Omni-channel shopping with improved retail capabilities
• Budget-planning features e.g. budget allocation via changing market conditions, and new forecasting tools
• Integrated supply chain management for streamlining
• Improved management of E-Procurement: request for proposal, request for information and better ways to make decisions

QuantiQ acquired Tectura

Tectura Corporation Tectura was purchased and acquired by QuantiQ:

• QuantiQ has commenced a rebrand and initiative to streamline processes across its operations
• Tectura’s Microsoft Dynamics AX and NAV End Users will facilitate QuantiQ’s growth and adoption of Dynamics technology
• Tectura UK, previously acquired Aston NaviTeam, is a leading Dynamics Partner, with around 100 full-time Dynamics professionals

Microsoft gave its Dynamics exams the chop

• From 13th August, Dynamics GP, NAV, SL, RMS and C5 will see its exam requirements end
• Microsoft Dynamics Partners and End Users will be required to develop in a mobile-first, cloud-first world
• Some suggest this could have far-reaching consequences for Dynamics Partners, End-Users, and even for Microsoft itself

Dynamics NAV 2015 is released

October saw the release of Microsoft’s newest version of its small-medium business ERP software: Dynamics NAV:

• Optimised for Microsoft’s mobile-first, cloud-first approach with cloud deployment and responsive design
• Facilitates electronic payment
• Makes invoicing trivial
• Unveiled at Directions EMEA Conference in Poznan, Poland
• 1099 people attended the event

Convergence EMEA Conference happened

Between 4th-6th November, Barcelona played host to Convergence EMEA Conference: Europe’s premier Microsoft business conference. We learnt:

• The internet as we used to know it is over, and the Internet of Things is taking its place
• The passive web is over, and that the internet is learning about us through futuristic machine learning and analytics techniques
• AX 2012 R3 CU8 would launch later in November and include smart, rule-based optimization techniques

Dynamics CRM 2015 is released

Pre-release materials for CRM 2015 appeared mid-November with the final release launching on December 2nd. CRM 15:

• Improves integration with sales and marketing
• Implements branching logic into Guided Processes facilitating repeatable processes
• Makes CRM more aesthetically pleasing while streamlining processes
• Is generally available in 44 languages, in 130 global markets

Huge push for mobile-first, cloud-first

• Overall, the theme that crosses 2014 is “mobile all the time”
• Implemented by a push for Dynamics solutions on iOS and Android

There’s our review of Microsoft Dynamics for 2014. If you’re a Microsoft Dynamics Partner or End User and you want to be part of next year’s news, get in touch. We’ll help you to improve your skills and find that next opportunity.