Dynamics GP & Windows 7.0 RC

I was doing a bit of experiment to know whether my GP system with a near perfect production environment would respond positively for an upgrade from Windows Vista Business to Windows 7.0.

It did respond without much issues. The following are the list of issues which I faced. Though the following are not related to GP, these may help anyone out there upgrading to Windows 7.0 RC.

1. UAC never worked. Since I upgraded my system from Windows Vista Business to Windows 7.0 RC (which is an "Ultimate" version), there was a very critical issue once the upgrade completed. UAC did not work at all. I came to know about this when I tried installing my NIS2009 after upgrade.

2. I had two versions of SQL Server, 2005 & 2008. I could not make 2005 work on Windows 7.0 due to several reasons. But I was able to start and work on SQL Server 2008, though it did warn me of a possible compatibility issue.

3. GP 10.0 with SP3 (10.00.1193) worked merrily. I did not face any issues starting GP after upgrade. But I must admit that I did not check all possible details, such as Modifier/VBA customization, importing or exporting packages, etc. But, in my opinion, it should not be an issue to carry out these operations.

4. MS Office 2007 did not have any issues, as I had the latest SP installed for it.

5. Visual Studio 2005 did have some issues and it was also duly warned before even I started the upgrade.

Eventually, I had to revert my system back to Windows Vista Business, as I could not do any further installations (Windows 7.0 UAC did not work for some damn reason).

So, what does that mean? Is is possible for me to upgrade to Windows 7.0 without any issues? Answer is simple: YES I CAN. The only possible mistake that I could have done, is to UPGRADE instead of a CLEAN INSTALL. It does make a difference, since there are many softwares which are written to be compatible with Windows Vista but are yet to recognize Windows 7.0. The problem with Windows Vista users now, is the Softwares which they are using are compatible with Windows Vista and it is not compatible with Windows XP, apparently. But Windows 7.0 is designed to accomodate all XP compatible softwares and drivers without much fuzz. There is no word about the Softwares and Drivers which are compatible only with Windows Vista and that, in my opinion, is the actual problem.

Anyways, once the final retail version is released, I hope we can have a better OS with much more compatibility for all previous versions of Windows.

VAIDY

When and how this "Just my 2 cents" originated?

This is certainly nothing to do with Dynamics GP. This one is just out of my curiosity.

I have seen this very common phrase in many articles and replies. I am sure, this could be something very common for people who use it, but there is certainly something towards this phrase.

Here is my query: When and how this "Just my 2 cents" originated? Is this a phrase that's from a very famous person? Or is this has got any strange story behind it? Or is it just another phrase?

Well, could be as simple as such, but it's not boring either to do some fun R&D, isn't it?

VAIDY

Payables Vs Receivables - History Transactions

I have been trying to know the basic reason behind why GP has this difference in the Payables and Receivables process.

In Payables, an Invoice will be moved to History as soon as it is posted and fully applied. But in Receivables, an Invoice will be moved to History only when we do a Paid Transaction Removal process.

WHY NOT Receivables also have the same process, wherein once we post and fully apply the document, it gets moved to History?

OR

WHY NOT Payables also have a "Paid Transaction Removal" process for its own documents that moves the Documents to History explicitly instead of what it does currently?

I would be grateful to know from various Consultants about WHY such a big process difference between these two modules? Is there any Accounting Based Reason for this? Or is it just the GP that contains this difference?

Any inputs would be great.

VAIDY

I am now "An MCBMS Professional in GP Financials"

It's was a long due from my side, honestly, to add the much needed Microsoft Certification in any of the Microsoft Dynamics GP. Something that I needed for me to add some value to my career.

So here it is. I am now A Microsoft Certified Business Management Solutions Professional in GP10.0 Financials.

There are two things that I would like to share with people who wish to take up Certifications:

1. Importance - Very much. It adds some color to both your profile and your career. It's not easy for all to pay and attend the examinations to complete one or more certifications. But once you do it, you are certainly a level up against other Consultants. The clients (and Prospects) often check two things in your entire profile; Your Experience and Your Certifications. Certainly people who have completed one or more relevant Certifications hold an upper hand over those who does not.

All said and done, this is precious only if we do it for testing our skills rather than clearing for the sake of it. Ideally, our true skills and expertise will be known only when we put ourselves to rigorous test. And that's what every Technology Major, like Microsoft, Oracle, Sun etc. does. So, take up the Certification and take it to your heart and mind to be sincere in learning something out of it than to just clear it.

2. Benefits - A lot. Firstly, you are a Certified Professional and that holds tremendous value to your career and profile. As I explained earlier, Clients and Prospects always value you based on your Experience and Credentials that include your certification(s). Secondly, you are more confident in taking up any task. It's not just that you have completed a certification, but you know the concepts. And that is possible, only if you have sincerely put in your efforts to learn something and complete the certification.

There are much more.

Bottomline: Sincerely take up certifications and complete it to add some color to your career and also to add some skills to your skillset. Take the certifications after gaining some experience, as it will help you to attend the examination confidently. You don't have to prepare for it. You just have to attend it.

I am grateful to many people, especially Sajeesh (my PM), who kept insisting me on completing this. Without his encouraging words, I would not have even thought of giving it a shot.

Dedication: My wife is instrumental in whatever I do in my life for the past 2 years. I dedicate this first certification to her.

Ofcourse, there is much more to achieve and this is just a start.

VAIDY