Getting started with associated technologies

Applies To: Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 R3, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 R2, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Feature Pack, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012

Getting started with associated technologies

To implement and administer the Microsoft Dynamics AX solution will require that you understand Microsoft infrastructure software such as Windows Server, Microsoft SQL Server, and Microsoft SharePoint 2010 products. An efficient and optimized information technology infrastructure is required for Microsoft Dynamics AX. This topic lists online resources that you can use to learn about best practices for IT infrastructure deployment and management.

For up-to-date hardware and software requirements for Microsoft Dynamics AX, download Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 System Requirements from the Microsoft Download Center.

Infrastructure Planning and Design (IPD)

The IPD guide series provides architectural guidance for Microsoft infrastructure products. These guides help clarify and streamline design processes for Microsoft infrastructure technologies. Each guide addresses a unique infrastructure technology or scenario.

For more information, see Introduction to the Infrastructure Planning and Design Series.

Microsoft Solution Accelerators

Microsoft Solution Accelerators are tools and guidance that help you solve your deployment, planning, and operational IT problems. They are free and fully supported.

For more information, see Solution Accelerators home page.

Infrastructure Optimization Model

The Infrastructure Optimization Model provides a maturity framework for IT infrastructure that is useful for benchmarking technical capability and business value. The vision of infrastructure optimization is to build an efficient, secure, and optimized information technology (IT) infrastructure and services in a logical sequence.

To begin, understand the maturity levels and then determine your maturity level, when compared to model. When this level is established, the next step is to use the model to plan your progress toward the target level that is needed for maximum business benefit.

For more information, see Resource Guide Overview.

Microsoft Operations Framework (MOF)

Microsoft Operations Framework (MOF) delivers practical guidance for everyday IT practices and activities. MOF helps users establish and implement reliable, cost-effective IT services.

For more information, see Microsoft Operations Framework.

Associated technologies

You must be familiar with Microsoft infrastructure software to deploy Microsoft Dynamics AX components successfully. This section lists some of the prerequisite technical knowledge.

Operating systems

Microsoft Dynamics AX client requires a Windows client or server operating system. Microsoft Dynamics AX server components require a server operating system.

Internet Information Services (IIS)

Enterprise Portal for Microsoft Dynamics AX, web services on Internet Information Services (IIS), and the Microsoft Dynamics AX Help server require IIS.

Microsoft SharePoint 2010 technology

Enterprise Portal requires either Microsoft SharePoint Foundation 2010 or Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010

Microsoft .NET Framework

.NET Framework is required to install Microsoft Dynamics AX. The Microsoft Dynamics AX application uses many libraries from .NET Framework such as Windows Presentation Foundation, Windows Workflow Foundation, and Windows Communication Foundation.

SQL Server administration

Reporting and analytics

Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services is the primary reporting platform for Microsoft Dynamics AX. The default, predefined reports that are provided with Microsoft Dynamics AX run on the Reporting Services platform.

Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services provides online analytical processing (OLAP) functionality for Microsoft Dynamics AX. You can use Analysis Services to design, create, and manage cubes that contain detailed and aggregated data from multiple data sources.

Highly available systems

You must consider the availability of your infrastructure and applications carefully. Apply the concepts of availability, disaster recovery planning, load-balancing, and failover clustering to deploy Microsoft Dynamics AX components.

Performance tuning and optimization

Security

See also

Prerequisite skills and knowledge