Microsoft has always had a well-deserved reputation for building and championing communities around their platforms and software. Nowhere is this more apparent than in their investment in the Microsoft’s Dynamics ERP software and likewise, its community. While Microsoft organizes their own events and conferences, another vital resource are the grassroots organizations built up around their Dynamics core product line, hosting their own separate conferences and user groups.
User groups, originating in the days of mainframe computing, are clubs/organizations dedicated to helping members understand and use the software to its fullest potential. For Dynamics AX users, the Dynamics AX User Group (AXUG) is the premier organization.
What are the benefits of membership in the AXUG? What advantages does it hold over traditional Microsoft training and conferences?
What the AXUG Offers
Where Microsoft’s own conferences often focus extensively on the Dynamics industry at large, including what future versions have in store, the AXUG is focused more on the day-to-day use of Dynamics AX. At its heart, the AXUG is an organization of professionals who rely on AX to run their businesses and, as a result, share tips, tricks and best practices on how to use AX more effectively.
Additionally, AXUG members enjoy access to webinars, in-person meetings and the AXUG Academy, all designed to help members understand and make the best use of AX. There are even virtual classrooms led by instructors that teach everything from basic usage to more advanced topics.
The AXUG also offers Partner Memberships, which can help companies establish themselves as AX experts through presentations, articles and online engagement, opening up a whole new world of possibilities.
AXUG Conferences
Another benefit to having an AXUG membership is the two conferences the AXUG sponsors: AXUG Focus and AXUG Summit.
As its name suggests, AXUG Focus focuses on particular industries and how AX can be used to empower them. For example, this year’s conference, AXUG Focus 2015, “is a premier opportunity for Microsoft Dynamics AX® users to gain a deeper understanding of their investment, industry, and role.”
In contrast, Summit offers a more generalized learning environment, with an emphasis on networking. The Dynamics Summit even includes all the flavors of Dynamics, from GP to AX to SL, all under one roof. The organizers of the conference describe it as “the only Microsoft Dynamics user conferences designed and led by users, for users – and every attendee is focused on Dynamics solutions, so you can learn how they’ve overcome the same challenges you face every day. The conferences feature interactive learning at its best – you’ll engage in lively group discussions and give-and-take, and return home with practical ideas you can implement right away.”
If your company is serious about getting the most out of Microsoft Dynamics AX, AXUG membership should be a top priority. The extensive training, networking, conferences, tips, tricks and best practices alone can make the cost of membership well worth it. For companies looking to establish themselves as experts and branch into the world of consulting, AXUG membership offers a clear path.
About the Author:Curt Finch is the CEO of Journyx, a Certified Microsoft Partner. Journyx maximizes the value of Microsoft Dynamics by adding enterprise time tracking. Journyx Accountlink for Microsoft Dynamics allows companies to quickly implement a complete time tracking solution using existing business data in Dynamics. Connect with Curt on Google+.
About Journyx
A Certified Microsoft Partner, Journyx enterprise time and expense tracking software is an add-on that integrates with Microsoft Dynamics GP as well as Project Accounting. Learn more at http://journyx.com/dynamics.
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