Microsoft Dynamics GP Development Tools

1. Microsoft Dynamics GP Development Tools Ask The Experts: Presenter: Mariano Gomez MIS, MCITP, PMP, MVP

2. Objectives • Introduction and overview • Utilizing Microsoft Dynamics GP Development Tools • Modifier with Microsoft® Visual Basic® for applications • Microsoft® Dexterity • Visual Studio Tools for Microsoft Dynamics® GP • Extender • Compare and contrast development tools

3. Where is San Andres Island? • At only 27 square km, the island of San Andres is one of the smallest islands in the Caribbean Sea • It belongs to Colombia, but was a former British territory up to the early 1700’s

4. I get to enjoy this…

5. Rules of Engagement • No question is silly • Ask about a project you are working on • Ask about a project your development team is working on • If we don’t know something we WILL get back to you • Come to our Deep Dive session on Tools!

6. Utilizing Microsoft Dynamics GP Development Tools • Modifier with Microsoft® Visual Basic® for Applications • Microsoft® Dexterity • Visual Studio Tools for Microsoft Dynamics® GP • Need to follow UI design standards

7. Understanding the Audience • Who has not worked with any of the UI customization tools? • Who has worked with Modifier & VBA? • Who has worked with Dexterity? • Who has worked with Visual Studio Tools? • Who has worked with Extender? • Who has worked with more than one tool? • Who has worked with more than one tool on a single project?

8. Q & A starts now, but first…

9. Hybrid Development • Historically, we used to promote Cross Dictionary Dexterity development as the leading edge of Microsoft Dynamics® GP development • Now, the way to go is Hybrid Development • Not just finding the best tool for the job, but finding the best tool for each part of the job • Even if it means using multiple tools for a solution

10. Dexterity • Developers’ tool • Same environment and language as the Microsoft Dynamics GP client is developed in • Can create seamless integrations • Can access tables and business logic (functions and procedures) • Can modify core Microsoft Dynamics windows only • Can develop cross-dictionary code

11. Visual Studio Tools • Developers’ tool • Allows .NET Developers to use C# or VB.NET to integrate with Microsoft Dynamics GP • Can create new forms with similar UI • Use Modifier to change existing forms • Can work from User Interface events • Can call most underlying business logic • Can access existing tables directly • Cannot work with existing reports

12. Modifier with VBA • Tool for Power Users, Partner Consultants, and sometimes Developers • Can automate the user interface • Can add additional business rules • Can modify windows in any product • Can reference system dialogs • Can work with reports • Limited access underlying business logic

13. Extender • Power Users’ or Partner Consultants’ Tool • Can add additional User Defined Fields to any window • Uses additional window • Cannot modify original window • From v10.0 SP4 onwards Extender can now create entire new forms • Uses complex data storage system

14. Compare and Contrast Tools • Use the best tool for the job • Different tools have different strengths and weaknesses • Don’t be afraid to use multiple tools • Hybrid solutions can achieve more • There is no wrong solution if it works

15. Links • Developing for Dynamics GP Blog (by David Musgrave & the Developer Support Team) • http://blogs.msdn.com/DevelopingForDynamicsGP/ • The Dynamics GP Blogster blog (by Mariano Gomez) • http://dynamicsgpblogster.blogspot.com/

16. Links • Microsoft Dynamics GP Developer Center • http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics/gp/default.aspx • Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 White Paper: Choosing a Development Tool • http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=a5b6c523-0add-48fd-9deb-2c0ef39b5673&displaylang=en

17. Links • Visual Studio Tools for Microsoft Dynamics GP • http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc543538.aspx

18. Conclusion • Questions and Answers • Contact Presenter Mariano Gomez, mgomez@IntellPartners.com