Microsoft Dynamics AX components [AX 2012]

Databases include the Microsoft Dynamics AX database, the model store, and the baseline database. The AOS connects to the Microsoft Dynamics AX database to process transactions. The AOS connects to the model store to display application elements such as forms and reports. The baseline database contains a model store that is used to upgrade X++ code to Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012. The baseline database is used to analyze application updates before they are applied.

Note
Beginning with Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 R2, the model store and the business data are stored in separate databases. In other versions of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, the model store and business data are stored in a single database.

For information about how to install the databases, see Install the Microsoft Dynamics AX databases.

Other Microsoft Dynamics AX components, such as Enterprise Portal and Reporting Services extensions, also include databases. The additional databases are created when you install those components and their prerequisites. They are not installed as part of the Microsoft Dynamics AX databases component.

Server components include AOS and the Microsoft Dynamics AX components that run on Internet Information Services (IIS). For information about how to install one of the server components, click the corresponding link in the following table.

Business intelligence components provide reporting and analytical functionality that you can use to view and interpret business data. Integration with Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services lets you create reports by using Reporting Services. Integration with Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services lets you use cubes for business intelligence and analytical reporting in Microsoft Dynamics AX. For information about how to install one of the business intelligence components, click the corresponding link in the following table.

Client components give users access to Microsoft Dynamics AX data and functionality. For information about how to install one of the client components, click the corresponding link in the following table.

Developer tools are used to customize Microsoft Dynamics AX. For example, you can create customizations or extensions to Enterprise Portal, or you can create advanced production reports for Microsoft Dynamics AX by using Reporting Services. For information about how to install one of the developer tools, click the corresponding link in the following table.

Integration components enable integration between Microsoft Dynamics AX and external applications. For information about how to install one of the integration components, click the corresponding link in the following table.

Component	More information
Web services on IIS	Install web services on IIS
.NET Business Connector	Install the .NET Business Connector Note .NET Business Connector is installed automatically when Microsoft Dynamics AX components that require it are installed.
Synchronization proxy for Microsoft Project Server	Install the synchronization proxy for Microsoft Project Server
Synchronization service for Microsoft Project Server	Install the synchronization service for Microsoft Project Server

Management utilities let you configure and manage Microsoft Dynamics AX components and artifacts, such as reports and web controls, from the metadata store.

For information about how to install management utilities, see Install management utilities.

Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail provides mid-market and large retailers a complete head office and point of sale (POS) solution. It can help retailers increase financial returns, improve service, manage growth, and streamline efficiencies. Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail consists of several components that are typically distributed across multiple computers and locations.

For more information about how to install retail components, see Install retail components.