Microsoft today revealed advancements to the architecture of the next version of Microsoft Dynamics AX, code-named Microsoft Dynamics AX "6." "Building on the proven strengths of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009, Microsoft Dynamics AX '6' brings rich functionality, advanced architecture and the full power of the Microsoft stack to the business application developer," said Hal Howard, corporate vice president, Microsoft Dynamics ERP Research and Development. "As we introduce these powerful new innovations, we maintain our focus on simplicity by streamlining application deployment, maintenance and upgradability."

Significant new innovations in Microsoft Dynamics AX "6" include the following:

- A model-driven, layered architecture that accelerates software development, requiring less coding than building from scratch and easing maintenance and upgradability.

- Pre-built interoperability with the Microsoft Application Platform, including Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 and Visual Studio 2010, and other Microsoft technologies such as Microsoft Office 2010 and Microsoft SharePoint 2010. This allows developers to spend less time on technical integration and compatibility, and increases the breadth of developer resources available to ISVs.

- A unified ERP solution with pre-built capabilities for five industries and 38 countries, providing a rich foundation that allows ISVs to rapidly expand their solutions to new verticals and geographies.

Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 is generally available today. A Community Technical Preview of Microsoft Dynamics AX "6" is planned for February, and general availability is planned for the third quarter of 2011, Microsoft said.