Defining a new generation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) today revealed significant advancements to the architecture of the next version of Microsoft Dynamics AX, code-named Microsoft Dynamics AX “6,” that will enable independent software vendors (ISVs) to bring solutions to market faster, and at the same time lower product life-cycle investments and expand market opportunity.

“Building on the proven strengths of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009, Microsoft Dynamics AX ‘6’ brings rich functionality, advanced architecture and the full power of the Microsoft stack to the business application developer,” said Hal Howard, corporate vice president, Microsoft Dynamics ERP Research and Development. “As we introduce these powerful new innovations, we maintain our focus on simplicity by streamlining application deployment, maintenance and upgradability.”

Significant new innovations in Microsoft Dynamics AX “6” include the following:
    •    A unique model-driven, layered architecture that accelerates software development, requiring less coding than building from scratch and easing maintenance and upgradability. This allows developers to build high-value functionality quicker and better.
    •    Pre-built interoperability with the Microsoft Application Platform, including Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 and Visual Studio 2010, and other Microsoft technologies such as Microsoft Office 2010 and Microsoft SharePoint 2010. This allows developers to spend less time on technical integration and compatibility, and increases the breadth of developer resources available to ISVs.
    •    A unified ERP solution with pre-built capabilities for five industries and 38 countries, providing a rich foundation that allows ISVs to rapidly expand their solutions to new verticals and geographies.

More than 100 ISVs around the world have been working with Microsoft Dynamics AX “6” in a variety of early adopter programs over the past six months. Many of these ISVs are already building their vertically focused next-generation products on Microsoft Dynamics AX.

“We’re looking to the future with Microsoft Dynamics AX ‘6’ and are confident that its robust and scalable foundation can be counted on to help our business grow,” said Bob Hadingham, platform director at LexisNexis UK. “We have been very impressed with how quickly and easily we have been able to extend our offerings for law firms and expand our international market opportunities, by being able to focus our R&D efforts on application development for our core expertise, instead of investing in platform development.”

“Many of the ISVs we are working with have their own end-to-end vertical solutions, often built on aging legacy platforms. The combination of the next-generation architecture of Microsoft Dynamics AX and Microsoft’s partner programs creates a long-term sustainable business opportunity for these ISVs,” said Doug Kennedy, vice president, Microsoft Dynamics Partners. “We are already seeing strong momentum for the solution with ISVs.”

Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 is generally available today. A Community Technical Preview of Microsoft Dynamics AX “6” is planned for February, and general availability is planned for the third quarter of 2011.