AX 2012: Automated build deployment process

Purpose:

The purpose of this document is to describe how we can deploy automated builds to different Dynamics AX pre-production environments so that newly developed features could be rolled-out for UAT. The document also illustrates how version controlling by TFS and data migration activities fit into the big picture.

Business requirement:

Ability to release, deploy automated builds to different Dynamics AX pre-production environments to roll-out newly developed features, bug fixes for testing.

Assumptions:

• Dynamics AX Management Utilities have been installed and configured.
• Build scripts have been installed and configured.

AX pre-production servers topology:

Process:

1. ISV model server (Optional)
   1. Only applicable when an ISV model needs to be updated in the next build.
   2. TFS Force sync.
   3. Export ISV model.
2. Build server
   1. Must have 2 AOS instances, build and deploy. Both must not be connected to TFS.
   2. Copy ISV model to file system.
   3. Uninstall existing ISV model from build instance.
   4. Uninstall existing ISV model from deploy instance.
   5. Install new ISV model to build instance.
   6. Install new ISV model to deploy instance.
   7. Restart AOS service of build instance.
   8. Restart AOS service of deploy instance.
   9. Perform full compile, full CIL, DB synchronization on build instance.
   10. Perform full compile, full CIL, DB synchronization on deploy instance.
   11. Run build command, buildax.ps1, on build instance.
       1. Output is CUS model file created on the file system.
   12. Run deploy command, deployax.ps1 on deploy instance.
       1. Output is modelstore file created on the file system.
3. ConsTest server
   1. Copy modelstore file to file system.
   2. Import modelstore file via powershell.
   3. Restart AOS service.
   4. Perform full compile, full CIL, DB synchronization.
4. Document newly developed features and bug fixes in release notes.
5. Email the notification and release notes to business stake holders.