TFS Online - Creating and Connecting to TFS Online with AX2012

 

 

Hi There,
 
I hope everyone is having a great weekend so far, and that you are ready for a great post about TFS Online and how to connect to it.
 
Before continuing with the step-by-step directions on how to connect to TFS Online, I wanted to share a few links that I think will of interest to you if you are looking to go with this option in your Microsoft Dynamics AX implementation. In addition, really soon I'll post my view on branching and what might work best for a big implementation. Also, I'll be posting information on how to use the Scrum template. This is creating features, backlog items, sprints, associating sprints with backlog items, and these with features, etc.
 
 
What is visual studio online?
 
Visual Studio Online Pricing
 
With the above out of the way, let's jump into creating a new visual studio online project, and connecting to an instance of AX2012R3. In the following steps I'm assuming you already have a Visual Studio Online account, and that you have your repository and branching implemented (although I will cover this topics very, very soon).
 

• Go to https://YOURPROJECTNAME.visualstudio.com/DefaultCollection

• Go to control panel, and click DefaultCollection. Once there go to administration tasks and choose the option create new team project as shown below.

 

 

• Give your project a name and choose a process template. In my case I chose an Scrum template. For more information on process templates go to this link.

         
 

• Once you create your new Visual Studio Online project, you should see the following.

• At this step is where you would have to create your branches, and local server (or workstations) repositories. The following is a quick guide to branching, simple but very effective, click this link to open it.

• After your branching and repositories are good to go open a development work space in AX2012R3 (or earlier), and go to Version Control / Version Control Parameters

• Under General fill out the following information:

a.     Version Control Status = Enable

b.    Version Control System = Team Foundation Server

c.     Repository Folder = [Choose a local repository]

d.    Mark the two check boxes (as shown below)

 
 

• Under Team Foundation Server fill out the following information

a.     Team Foundation Server URL = https://YOUR-PROJECT-NAME.visualstudio.com/DefaultCollection

b.    Team Foundation Project Name = YOUR PROJECT NAME

c.     Branch Folder = YOUR BRANCH (i.e. Development, QA, UNT, etc)

 

 

 

• If you are using the Visual Studio 2010 SP1, you'll be fine. If not you'll get the following error

 

• To resolve this, please follow the steps:

a.     Go to http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/confirmation.aspx?id=29082

b.    Download and install the KB2662296

• Once you have installed the above KB, restart your AOS and open AX2012R3 again. You'll see the following screen, which means that after signing in, you are ready to start enjoying the benefits of TFS online.

 

 
 
 
This is all for now. Remember to check my blog for updates on how to use (in my own way that is) the ALM features that TFS online offers.

Have a great week ...