Microsoft Dynamics AX to 365 upgrade journeys, Part 10 – The ISV role

A podcast series about the journey from Microsoft Dynamics AX to Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations (D365FO) wouldn't be complete without examining the role that ISVs play. After all, the role of add-on solutions presents one of the key decision points in planning an upgrade or migration path from AX, whether it is an older version or the most recent build of AX 2012 R3. On this episode of the AX to D365FO Journeys podcast series, we have our a conversation with an ISV executives who has been carefully watching and operating in the realm of the D365FO upgrade and migration space. Glenn McPeak, CEO of Data Masons is an ERP and supply chain veteran who understands the impact of an ERP update. Microsoft's rollout of D365FO as a public cloud service (primarily) presents its own unique challenges for customers and the ISVs who serve them. Glenn talks about some of the ways that Data Masons, their partners, and their customers have been adapting to Microsoft's cloud-first approach, from both the technical and channel perspectives. Show Notes 5:00 – Why so much thinking is going into the D365FO journey and why ISVs are relevant 9:45 – Why the external ISV model is gaining popularity, as opposed to embedded. 13:30 – What role does Data Masons play alongside the D365FO partner on an engagement? 15:00 – What is the state of the integration framework today? 18:00 – Can customers and their partners manage safely around Microsoft's update policies? 20:00 – What are the tools that ISVs should be using to make the transition? 22:45 – What it means to be a part of a customer's go live in the context of Microsoft's FastTrack 25:45 – Is there a role for EDI in upgrades beyond the final state solution? 30:00 – Why are some companies choosing or feeling forced to wait on AX 2012 R3 or an earlier version? And why others feel the move to D365FO is the right choice. 35:30 – Is the D365FO a total departure from previous versions of AX? 38:30 – What will the new co-sell and co-market programs mean for ISVs? 41:30 – What is the mix of D365FO implementations between new customers and upgrade/migrations, and how is it changing?