morphX and layers in Axapta

The MorphX Development Suite is the integrated development environment (IDE) in
Microsoft Dynamics AX used to develop and customize both the Windows interface
and the Web interface. An IDE integrates development functions such as designing,
editing, compiling, and debugging within a common environment.
With MorphX, common operations such as building or modifying forms, menus, and
reports are done using drag-and-drop techniques with little or no coding.


System Application Layers (From Lowest to Highest)
The three innermost layers (SYS, GLS, and DIS) are used by Microsoft Dynamics AX:
• SYS − The innermost layer is the System or SYS layer. This is where the standard
Microsoft Dynamics AX application is implemented.
• GLS − Microsoft Dynamics AX Development offers improvements of functionality
with the release of a Hotfix. These Hotfixes are distributed in the GLS layer.
• DIS − Local Microsoft Dynamics AX offices are provided with a Distributor or DIS
layer for country-specific functionality.
The four outermost layers (BUS, VAR, CUS, and USR) are modified by developers or
end users:
• BUS − Business partners can develop and distribute vertical and horizontal
solutions to other partners and customers using the Business Solution or BUS layer.
Solutions in the BUS layer are protected by the same license code framework the
standard application uses. The BUS layer is reserved for the Add-on Solution
program and requires a signed agreement to use for development and distribution.
• VAR − Business partners access a separate layer, the Value Added Reseller or VAR
layer without business-related restrictions. This means that any developments can
be added to this layer. The business partner must keep a catalog of application
functionality and VAR configurations customers have implemented to update
installations correctly.
• CUS − Corporate enterprises and business partners can modify their installations
using the Customer or CUS layer. If a corporate enterprise has an internal IT
department with Microsoft Dynamics AX programming skills, use this layer to add
generic enterprise modifications. The Customer layer supports in-house development
without jeopardizing modifications made by the business partner. This means
application code made in the VAR layer cannot be changed.
• USR − The USR layer enables individual companies or companies in an enterprise
to use this layer to make customizations that are unique to the customers'
installation that includes reports by using the report wizard.

Patch Layers
In addition to the seven layers, each layer has a patch layer to help incorporate
updates into a current application. When a patch file is present, modified objects in
the patch file take precedence over regular objects and are used automatically.