Custom Software Development

SAP is huge; AX is not. But that does not take away the value which Dynamics AX brings to the fore. Here is a critical comparison between the two battling giants in the ERP world.

Enterprise Resource Planning solutions are in great demand in various organizations to streamline their business processes. But to choose between the best of ERP solutions is very difficult. Here are some reasons why Microsoft Dynamics AX has an upper edge of SAP in terms of features and functionalities.

Flexibility of options
One of the various reasons why MS Dynamics AX beats SAP is because SAP implementation is extremely cumbersome and extremely inflexible. Dynamics AX is extremely flexible in this regards. This might not mean much for many people but businesses realize the value her. This also affects the future decisions of business growth. SAP implementation would necessitate company’s goals to be aligned with SAP's thoughts even in the future since the investment here is humungous. It is very difficult for business owners to embrace SAP and then implement by its rigid rules rather than work according to the goals. Dynamics AX allows for fulfilling custom needs of an organization where the system can be tailored to the goals of the organization.

The Overall Product Stack and Familiarity Factor
The product stack of Microsoft is extremely popular and right from servers, workstations, and even its Office software is found in most organizations. The familiarity works in the favor of Microsoft since most custom applications are designed by Microsoft too. Databases like SQL server are MS products too. Thus choosing an ERP solution from the Microsoft stables is beneficial in the long run.. Currently Dynamics AX The latest Microsoft Dynamics AX version is well connected to other Microsoft products which are tightly integrated with AX. One can work through SharePoint, Excel Services and yet access HR data from AX. Microsoft runs the overall network, as well as the workstations, whereas SAP is a standalone ERP solution.

Future Growth
Microsoft is at the top of the IT industry with its diverse offerings and hence they have a set roadmap for each of their products. The Microsoft Dynamics AX product roadmap is astounding to say the least.

The SAP roadmap in contrast is less than visionary. They are barely releasing a host of web services that are again based on rigid business logic. The entire Microsoft product suite is expected to offer SOA benefits by 2012-2013 and it would definitely change the way one views Excel sheets and MS Access databases and AX data. SharePoint would render control on access though in a decentralized way.