Microsoft Business SolutionsAxapta

Technology White Paper

Published: May 2004

Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 1 Microsoft Axapta Object Server (AOS)............................................................................................... 2 Two-Tier Architecture ..................................................................................................................... 2 AOS and Three-Tier Architecture................................................................................................... 2 Advantages of Using Three-Tier Architecture................................................................................ 3 Remote clients............................................................................................................................. 3 Performance and Hardware ........................................................................................................ 3 Opportunity for scaling ................................................................................................................ 4 Security........................................................................................................................................ 4 Limitations ................................................................................................................................... 4 Business Advantages of using AOS .............................................................................................. 4 Microsoft Axapta Enterprise Portal ..................................................................................................... 5 What is Microsoft Axapta Enterprise Portal? ................................................................................. 5 Advantages .................................................................................................................................... 6 Out of the Box.............................................................................................................................. 6 One Application ........................................................................................................................... 6 Security........................................................................................................................................ 6 Development suite....................................................................................................................... 6 Multiple devices ........................................................................................................................... 6 Features ......................................................................................................................................... 6 Style sheet editor......................................................................................................................... 6 Weblets........................................................................................................................................ 7 Web parts .................................................................................................................................... 7 Web panels.................................................................................................................................. 8 Limitations ...................................................................................................................................... 8 Business Advantages of Microsoft Axapta Enterprise Portal......................................................... 8 Microsoft Axapta Commerce Gateway............................................................................................... 8 What is Microsoft Axapta Commerce Gateway? ........................................................................... 8 When do we need this type of connection? ................................................................................... 9 The Hub and Spoke scenario...................................................................................................... 9 The Customer Vendor scenario .................................................................................................. 9 How does it work? .......................................................................................................................... 9 Advantages of Microsoft Axapta Commerce Gateway and Microsoft BizTalk Server ................... 9 System Requirements .................................................................................................................. 10 About Microsoft Business Solutions ................................................................................................. 10

Introduction
As a company grows, more demands are placed on its business applications. Business leaders and system administrators of growing companies need a solution that can support greater numbers of users and larger transaction volumes. In order to compete effectively, a companys business solution must connect not only business processes across different departments, but also customers, vendors, business partners and employees with the companys business logic and data. One of the best arguments for choosing Microsoft Business SolutionsAxapta is the solutions scalability and its ability to connect internal and remote users as well as external systems in a global environment. This document will further describe the scalability and many possibilities for advanced connectivity that are offered by Microsoft Axapta, specifically: Three-tier technology using Microsoft Axapta Application Object Server (AOS) Microsoft Axapta Enterprise Portal Microsoft Axapta Commerce Gateway This document will also describe the functionality, advantages and limitations that business partners and customers should be aware of, in order to plan and build the best solution for each customer. Each solution should be built according to the customers business needs, and should leave out unnecessary functionality in order to optimize the customers total cost of ownership (TCO). This document will also provide the technical knowledge needed for sales staff to build sales presentations based on these technologies.

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Microsoft Axapta Object Server (AOS)

Two-Tier Architecture
When implementing a Microsoft Axapta solution it is possible to choose a two-tier or three-tier architecture, or a even combination of both. Before taking a closer look at AOS technology, which is only used in a three-tier implementation, lets take a look at a two-tier implementation.

Fileserver

Database Server Oracle/MS SQL Clients

Two-tier architecture

The architecture of two-tier Microsoft Axapta solutions consists of a database server that contains the business data, and a file server that contains application files. Separate computers run the application itself. The application is executed only on these application computers. This two-tier architecture functions well, but requires high-capability computers for the users and a strong network as well. Therefore, the two-tier architecture may not be well-suited for remote users working from a fixed location with a weak network, or for mobile users working from different locations with different network capabilities.

AOS and Three-Tier Architecture

Microsoft AOS technology makes three-tier architecture possible. Below is a diagram of a simple three-tier solution that uses AOS.

Database Server Oracle/MS SQL

AOS Clients

Three-tier architecture

The difference between this installation and the two-tier solution shown above is that with three-tier architecture, part of the application is executed on the client and another part on the AOS. Therefore, all user interface-related processes are executed on the thin client computers operated by the users, and all business logic is executed on the server. For example, when a user decides to update a journal, the menus used for selecting this process are executed on the client, but the journal update process itself is executed on the server. This means that it isnt necessary to send all the data from the database through the AOS to the client to be updated, and then back again through the system to the servers.

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Advantages of Using Three-Tier Architecture

Three-tier Microsoft Axapta solutions can significantly lower TCO. There are other advantages, as well, such as less traffic and load on the network overall, better distribution of load on individual computers, and improved security. Remote clients Because Microsoft Axapta two-tier installations need a strong network, the two-tier architecture is not ideal for remote users, unless terminal server solutions are used. Two-tier solutions can reduce the capacity needed for the network but can often result in higher TCO, compared to three-tier solutions. The other advantage of using three-tier architecture in this context can be seen from the figure underneath:

Traffic

AOS Client

terminal server client

Time
Caption?

The figure shows that a solution using terminal server client will face constant strain on the network capacity over time, and each additional user will move the terminal server client curve upwards until the capacity of the network is exhausted. The AOS client, on the other hand, can cause less strain on the network because this client only uses network resources when performing some action in Microsoft Axapta. Such a network can use the same bandwidth as much as three times more efficiently. Finally, unlike the terminal server client, the three-tier Microsoft Axapta client can integrate with other applications on the local computer. Performance and Hardware Because three-tier architecture causes part of the application to be executed on the client and another part on the AOS, the client computers do not need to be as powerful as those required by a two-tier solution. But Microsoft Axapta does not require system implementers or administrators to choose between building a two or three-tier solution. Microsoft Axapta can be implemented as a combination of both architectures if desired. If powerful computers are available on the client side, they can be configured as rich clients instead of thin clients. The difference between the rich client and the thin client is that the rich client connects directly to the database used by Microsoft Axapta. Like the thin client, the rich client is also connected to the AOS, but unlike the thin client, the rich client executes both user interface commands and business logic. This way, some of the workload is distributed from the AOS to the rich client computers.

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Benchmark test results can be compared for more details about system response times on a given hardware architecture for different numbers of Microsoft Axapta users. Benchmark test results will be released throughout 2004. Opportunity for scaling Microsoft Axapta supports clustering. Clustering means that as the numbers of clients are increased to the point where the AOS is about to become a bottleneck in the solution, additional AOSs can be installed to increase the available bandwidth. Installing additional AOSs is simple, and does not require the Microsoft Axapta solution to be shut down during the installation process. When using clustered AOSs, a load-balancing process helps ensure that each time a user logs on, the user will be connected to the server with the smallest number of connected clients. Clustering also reduces the chance of a total system failure. Server redundancy helps ensure that if one of the AOSs should fail, users can continue working using one of the remaining active servers. It is important to note that the functionality described above is standard Microsoft Axapta functionality, and does not require any additional software. Microsoft Axapta is designed so that customers can add client computers in different locations whenever they need to expand their number of users. Using the Web-deployed client functionality, it is possible to download Microsoft Axapta client software from any location, using a computer with an Internet connection and a browser. Once downloaded, the client software can be installed, and then the computer or computers can be connected with the AOS just like any other new user. Security In a thin client three-tier solution, the AOSs can also shield the Microsoft Axapta database from security threats, because thin clients connect with the database only through the AOS. They do not connect directly with the database as would be the case with rich clients, or with a two-tier solution. Microsoft Axapta permits data to be encrypted two ways. The first method uses Virtual Private Network (VPN), while the second method uses the Microsoft Axapta AOCP protocolan internal cryptography mechanism that is an integral part of the solution and is available at no extra cost. Both these methods use 128bit encryption. However, VPN is more advanced than the AOCP protocol. It is also possible to integrate AOS with Microsoft Active Directory, which allows companies with security policies that require Microsoft Active Directory to take advantage of AOS. Limitations When implementing Microsoft Axapta with connectivity to remote clients, it is important to ensure that latency in the network is less than 100 milliseconds. When AOS technology is integrated with Active Directory, AOSs cannot be clustered as described above.

Business Advantages of using AOS

Headquarters and subsidiary offices can use the same solution, which can lead to lower TCO. There is no replication of data when using AOS in a geographically distributed company, which keeps data up-to-date and leads to improved data integrity. Companies using AOS have the option to use three-tier or a mix of two-tier and three-tier architectures, which lets them make the best use of their existing hardware.

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Microsoft Axapta Enterprise Portal

What is Microsoft Axapta Enterprise Portal?
Instead of using a Microsoft Axapta Windows client to access the solution, users can log on using a normal internet browser such as Microsoft Explorer 5 or later. In this way, users can access the data and business logic in Microsoft Axapta from either inside the company facilities or from a remote location. Access is controlled through the standard Microsoft Axapta security setup, and the data and functionality will be presented as a Web application using Web menus, reports and forms. Because a Web-based user interface is involved, the user experience provided by these elements will not be as rich as the user experience found in the Microsoft Axapta Windows client. But the Web-based user interface can provide a simpler and more guided way of navigating through Microsoft Axapta for less trained users. The functionality presented by Microsoft Axapta Enterprise Portal is grouped into different roles. Each role is basically a bundle of data and functionality each user needs to access in order to do his or her job. Users can be internal employees or external people such as vendors or customers. Microsoft Axapta makes available a number of roles that can be used out of the box, modified, or used as templates for new roles. Roles are designed for casual users of the system, and therefore the user interface is more guided and simpler that in the Microsoft Axapta Windows client. By giving all stakeholders 24-hour, 7-days-a-week access to the system, a company can use Microsoft Axapta Enterprise Portal to create tighter relationships with customers and vendors, and improve information flow within the company, especially with remote employees.

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Advantages
With Microsoft Axapta Enterprise Portal, employees can keep their own data up-to-date, which can reduce transaction costs and paperwork. Sales staff can input sales orders online and check on item availability no matter where they are located, and customers can create purchase orders without the assistance of sales support staff. Microsoft Axapta Enterprise Portal also provides many critical technological advantages. Out of the Box The Microsoft Axapta base package contains everything a company needs to develop and deploy Microsoft Axapta Enterprise Portal. All users need to access the portal is a computer with on-line access, and a Microsoft Windows operating system that includes Internet information services and Component services One Application Regardless of whether a user is accessing Microsoft Axapta as a normal client or a Web user, the solution uses only one business logic. If administrators want to apply new functionality or change existing functionality, the changes will be applied instantly across the system, and will affect all users with access to the affected functionality regardless of which type of users they are. This can reduce the time and cost for upgrades, customization, and configuration. Security All Microsoft Axapta users are attached to one or more user groups. Users are granted access to data and functionality in the system through these groups, and the same security settings apply to both Microsoft Axapta Windows client users and Web users. External Web users will normally access Microsoft Axapta through a firewall. Development suite The same development suite is used for developing Web applications as well as the rest of the Microsoft Axapta application. Experienced Microsoft Axapta developers will not need to be reeducated when learning how to create Web applications. For example, creating Web forms is similar to the procedure for creating forms for the Microsoft Axapta Windows client.

Multiple devices Microsoft Axapta Web applications use an internet browser as the user interface. These browsers can run on different devices, such as network-connected computers and mobile devices such as PDAs.

Features
Style sheet editor Administrators can use the integral Microsoft Axapta style sheet editor to design the style sheets used in their Web applications. Style sheets control details such as fonts and colors used on Web

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pages, and drastically simplify Web site maintenance. Changes in a style sheet automatically and instantly change every Web page controlled by that style sheet. Weblets Weblets are used to display Microsoft Axapta objects in Web applications, so that users can access Microsoft Axapta data and functionality through Web forms and Web reports. It is possible for administrators to develop new weblets to present new functionalities.

Web parts Besides using weblets as described above, administrators can also use Web parts. A Web part is a special type of weblet, which can be used to display information and functionality from external sources and services. Displaying weather forecasts and stock quotes.

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Web panels A Web panel can be described as a container. When designing a Web application, Web parts and other items used to access business data from Microsoft Axapta can be collected into Web panels. Web panels can be hidden or revealed to individual user groups through the standard security setup.

Limitations
Because Web users and Microsoft Axapta Windows clients may be accessing the same application at the same time, it is possible that the system may suffer from slow response times if the hardware has not been sized with the total number of Web and Microsoft Axapta Windows client users taken properly into account.

Business Advantages of Microsoft Axapta Enterprise Portal

Companies using Microsoft Axapta Enterprise Portal can develop closer relationships with the companies they do business with. Microsoft Axapta Web clients use the same business logic as the Microsoft Axapta Windows clients, leading to lower maintenance and upgrade costs, since the business logic is only maintained in one location. Microsoft Axapta Web applications are developed with the same tools as the rest of the Microsoft Axapta solution, so developers only need to be trained on one set of tools and techniques. Microsoft Axapta Enterprise Portal provides out-of-the-box opportunities for e-business. Microsoft Axapta Enterprise Portal provides the opportunity to give employees access to relevant business data without specialized Microsoft Axapta training or installing Microsoft Axapta clients.

Microsoft Axapta Commerce Gateway

What is Microsoft Axapta Commerce Gateway?
So far in this document we have seen how Microsoft Axapta can be scaled by using AOS to increase the number of users. By using Microsoft Axapta as a Web application we can allow
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external users to access our system. With Microsoft Axapta Commerce Gateway, it is possible to connect Microsoft Axapta directly with other systems.

When do we need this type of connection?

There are many different ways that Microsoft Axapta can connect with the integrated business applications of external companies. We will examine two common scenarios in detail: The Hub and Spoke scenario In this scenario we have a mother company (the hub) and several daughter companies (the spokes). Due to the difference in the size of the companies, the mother company has a tier-1 ERP system, while the daughter companies use Microsoft Axapta. The mother companys accounting division always needs to be able to see the consolidated account for the whole or parts of the corporation using their own ERP system. Microsoft Axapta Commerce Gateway can easily be used to build a reliable, automated link between the centralized tier-1 ERP system and the Microsoft Axapta installations in the daughter companies. The Customer Vendor scenario In this scenario we have two companies Vendor (V) and Customer (C), where V supplies goods to C. Each company has their own integrated business application. Instead of using telephone, fax or other manual methods for C to order goods from V, company V wishes to connect their business applications directly with company Cs inventory and purchasing systems. That way, goods can be ordered automatically when the inventory of company C reaches a low-stock level. An automated system like this accelerates the speed of business, and lets both companies make transactions faster, with less administrative resources and a reduced chance of errors. Microsoft Axapta Commerce Gateway is built to support B2B scenarios such as this one, and it can be extended to support a wide variety of other business processes as well.

How does it work?

Microsoft Axapta Commerce Gateway connects Microsoft Axapta with Microsoft BizTalk Server, using eXtensible Markup Language (XML). XML is a language used to describe other languages by using descriptive tags to identify what the data in a given piece of information is intended to be (for example, retail tax, an invoice or a financial transaction). Unlike HTML, XML tags are theoretically unlimited in terms of what they describe and how. Using this language, data can be mapped between virtually any two data formats (including formats such as EDIFACT, SAP IDOC and flat files).

Microsoft BizTalk Server is a data and business process integration server. It exchanges documents in specific formats, executes business processes and contains tools for document and server management.

Advantages of Microsoft Axapta Commerce Gateway and Microsoft BizTalk Server

Fast data exchange. Information is sent or received as an XML document directly to or from another system

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Reduced transaction costs, since no human interaction is involved in process No opportunity for human errors Improved security All aspects of the communication between both parties can be handled automatically Business partners can use different document formats, and still communicate with each other

System Requirements
To receive the advantages of Microsoft Axapta Commerce Gateway described above, it is necessary to use Microsoft BizTalk Server.

About Microsoft Business Solutions

Microsoft Business Solutions, a division of Microsoft, offers a wide range of integrated, end-to-end business applications and services designed to help small, midmarket and corporate businesses become more connected with customers, employees, partners and suppliers. Microsoft Business Solutions' applications optimize strategic business processes across financial management, analytics, human resources management, project management, customer relationship management, field service management, supply chain management, e-commerce, manufacturing and retail management. The applications are designed to provide insight to help customers achieve business success. More information about Microsoft Business Solutions can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/BusinessSolutions/

The information contained in this document represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation on the issues discussed as of the date of publication. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information presented after the date of publication. This white paper is for informational purposes only. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IN THIS DOCUMENT. Complying with all applicable copyright laws is the responsibility of the user. Without limiting the rights under copyright, no part of this document may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), or for any purpose, without the express written permission of Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft may have patents, patent applications, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property rights covering subject matter in this document. Except as expressly provided in any written license agreement from Microsoft, the furnishing of this document does not give you any license to these patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property. 2003 Microsoft Business Solutions ApS, Denmark. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Great Plains, and Axapta, are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation, Great Plains Software, Inc or Microsoft Business Solutions ApS or their affiliates in the United States and/or other countries. Great Plains Software, Inc. and Microsoft Business Solutions ApS are subsidiaries of Microsoft Corporation. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. The example companies, organizations, products, domain names, email addresses, logos, people and events depicted herein are fictitious. No association with any real company, organization, product, domain name, e-mail address, logo, person, or event is intended or should be inferred.

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