Microsoft Dynamics NAV News & Tips
Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 R2 and SaaS Enablement
There was much anticipation and excitement within Microsoft and the reseller community when the Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 R2 product was released in mid-December. A couple of the obvious reasons were the new connector that facilitates integration of the NAV ERP system with MS-CRM and the integrated payment services functionality. Those are great enhancement, to be sure. However, there continues to be a buzz around some of the amazing technology architecture improvements, particularly as they apply to streaming the Dynamics NAV 2009 R2 client to remote users utilizing Microsoft’s App-v technology. If you want to drill into the App-v details, check out this Microsoft Application Virtualization Technical Overview.
In spite of the recent hiccup with Google’s gmail and the concerns about trusting critical data to an intangible cloud, the interest in cloud, or SaaS-based NAV deployments continues to garner interest. When you consider the potential flexibility and scalability associated with SaaS offerings, there is considerable allure to being able to more quickly ramp up a powerful Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 solution. And if it can be done in a way that minimizes initial cash outlay, then all the better.
The possibility of being able to run the NAV Role Tailored Client (RTC) over a WAN connection at a separate location from the server, and the ability to customize the roles for each user in the RTC, is quite powerful. No longer do you need the extra cost and complexity of Remote Desktop Protocol or VPN connections. Dynamics NAV 2009 R2, in conjunction with the App-v technology, can be launched from Starbucks while you are sitting down having your morning coffee. The Dynamics NAV application and the requisite data are streamed right to your laptop, even though the NAV application itself is not actually installed on your laptop. And if you have Microsoft Office applications on your laptop, then Dynamics NAV seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Excel 2010, for example.
Just think about it — employees never have to come to the office any longer and you can save tens of thousands of dollars by jettisoning all that unnecessary office space. Okay, perhaps we are getting a little carried away. But think of the possibilities and I am sure you will come up with some exciting ways to extend the reach of NAV within the four walls of your organization, as well as outside.
As SNL and Miley Cyrus are fond of saying, that’s pretty cool!
Please contact Mike Packard at Integrated Computer Systems Support at mikep@ics-support.com or 425-284-5426 for further details.
When you consider the potential flexibility and scalability associated with SaaS offerings, there is considerable allure to being able to more quickly ramp up a powerful Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 solution. And if it can be done in a way that minimizes initial cash outlay, then all the better.