ERP Security - Microsoft Dynamics AX Security
Microsoft Dynamics AX (formerly Microsoft Business Solutions−Axapta) ERP software can provide a high-level of security enhancements while still enabling you to provide staff with the information they need to manage business efficiently. This overview describes the types of security enhancements Microsoft Dynamics AX can provide, and how it can help with your company's overall security efforts.
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How Microsoft Dynamics AX helps you protect your data
Microsoft Dynamics AX Application Object Server (AOS) technology supports a long list of security measures. First, AOS can run in a 3-tier environment (see graphic). Although the 3-tier solution requires more server capacity than a 2-tier environment, it enables low client bandwidth and has fewer requirements for client machinery. A 3-tier solution offers a higher level of database security enhancements because there is no direct access to the database.
Security setup of a 3-tier environment
As the graphic illustrates, the 3-tier environment places the object server between the clients and the Microsoft SQL Server database. Unlike a 2-tier environment, users access the database through the AOS, and vital company information benefits from the security enhancements.
However, if a company chooses to lighten the burden on resources, it is possible to run AOS on a 2-tier environment. The data stream between the client and the server can be encrypted using VPN or AOCP, the Microsoft Dynamics AX software protocol. It is also possible to run a combination of 2-tier and 3-tier environments to take advantage of the efficiency benefits of both. For example, you can:
| • | Set up clients with different hardware capabilities (such as clock speed, network, and memory) |
| • | Allocate high bandwidth for newer computers |
| • | Enable older computers with less capability to run as thin clients with the AOS executing business logic for them |
| • | Enable multiple connections and other types of clients to access the database |
Security keys in Microsoft Dynamics AX help you manage information more efficiently
The security keys in Microsoft Dynamics AX give you an efficient way to control who has access to what features and data. Your administrator can create user groups that have permission to access specific functionality and data based on your company's business processes and needs.
The administrator then assigns users to the individual groups. The users in each group can only see the functions and data for which they have permission. In this way, users aren't distracted by anything that they can't use anyway, or by empty spaces on the screen.
The permissions can be set up with as much detail as you like. For example, you can specify that a certain user group only has access to see and work with customer account numbers from 1,000 to 2,000. Security keys are an efficient way to manage data because:
| • | You only have to set up and maintain security enhancements in one place, even for users who have Web access |
| • | No matter how much the system is customized, the user security-features setup retains its integrity |
| • | If you have multiple installations, you can simply copy the existing security-features setup from one system to another |
Deputy general director of Russia's largest telecommunications company, OJSC Rostelecom, Vadim Yurievich Izotv explains, "We can now deploy security policies and group policies centrally. This [helps to] ensure a common approach across the business, while reducing administration."
Solution maintains security features and works effectively with other Microsoft technologies
Microsoft Dynamics AX AOS technology maintains security enhancements and can work efficiently with a wide range of clients, including 2-tier and 3-tier Microsoft Windows operating system clients, Web browsers, XML, and COM-enabled clients (such as Microsoft Office Word and Microsoft Office Excel spreadsheet software).
You can also count on Microsoft Dynamics AX to maintain security enhancements and work efficiently with the newest Microsoft technologies. For example, The Society of Danish Engineers has created a portal based on Microsoft .NET technology, which gives their users security-enhanced access to the services of their online community.
"The tight integration between [Microsoft] Content Management Server and [Microsoft] Visual Studio .NET is a major benefit and will give the society the flexibility it needs to introduce new functionality," says Jesper Aaberg, Microsoft account manager.
