Get a comprehensive, architectural exploration of Microsoft Dynamics AX 4.0 and learn how to envision, program, and maintain customized enterprise resource planning solutions. The book includes links to code samples on the Web. This book uses a true "inside" approach, describing architectural details to make relationships clear and development tasks easier. The first part of the book is aimed at consultants and developers who are new to Microsoft Dynamics AX but have backgrounds in business application development using traditional languages, frameworks, and tools. It describes the architecture and development environment and explains key application frameworks that developers need for their customization, extension, and integration projects. The second part of the book is a reference guide for developers who work with Microsoft Dynamics AX deployments, with information on developing new functionality and supporting users. It covers more complex development concepts such as advanced forms and reports, reflection over the application metadata, performance, upgrades, migration, and setup. This is the first book written by the Microsoft product group architects and the first to take developers deep inside Microsoft Dynamics AX. Designed for mid-size and larger companies, Microsoft Dynamics AX 4.0, the product formerly known as "Axapta," is a multilanguage, multicurrency ERP solution. Its core strengths are in manufacturing and e-business, and it includes strong functionality for the wholesale and services industries. Microsoft Dynamics AX 4.0 includes applications for financial management, customer relationship management, supply-chain management, human resource management, projectmanagement, and analytics. Because it integrates with widely familiar Microsoft products--such as Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft BizTalk Server, Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft Office, and Microsoft Windows--employees can work with the tools that they are already familiar with, which can lower training costs.