The Dynamics AX components and architecture

The key to planning an effective design is to understand the architecture and components of Dynamics AX. A clear understanding of the architecture will help you decide on the different components that you will need in your implementation and the hardware required for all the components. The following diagram from the Microsoft TechNet System architecture page shows the high-level logical view and various components of Microsoft Dynamics AX system architecture:

Databases

There are three types of databases in Dynamics AX and are explained as follows:

• Business database: This is the transaction database for Dynamics AX.

• Model database: This database stores the application elements. These elements include standard code and customizations.

• Other databases: These are the content and configuration database for SharePoint, Enterprise search databases, reporting services, and analysis services (OLAP cubes) databases for Business Intelligence (BI) and reporting...