Before upgrading to CSU Core Dynamics 365 Commerce

In October 2023, Microsoft made a bold decision to discontinue RetailSDK in favor of the much-anticipated CommerceSDK. This update simplified the upgrading process, provided seamless connection with tools such as Git and Azure DevOps, and allowed for autonomous extension development. What genuinely distinguishes CommerceSDK is its use of .NET Core, which replaces the previous .NET Framework.

CommerceSDK provides immediate API improvements out of the box and enables developers to take advantage of .NET Core's sophisticated features for future enhancements. However, for users of the Legacy CSU developed on the .NET Framework, there is a solution on the horizon: CSU Core!

?? CSU Core - Using Dynamics 365 Commerce to its Full Potential!

Compatibility Unleashed: Existing Retail SDK and older .NET Framework extensions require a CSU Core passport. Migration to the Commerce SDK is essential for realizing the full potential of this powerful combination. .NET

Standard 2.0: Your Gateway to the Future! Develop extensions that use at least .NET Standard 2.0 to ensure compatibility across several platforms and devices.

Dotting the I's and crossing the t's with .NET 6. : Since the revolutionary version 10.0.36, .NET 6 has taken center stage as the recommended framework. It's time to upgrade and enjoy the latest and finest.

Migration at Your Pace: Not ready to take the plunge? Have no fear! The "disable CSU Core" checkbox on LCS gives you control over the tempo of your transition.

?? What does this mean for you? CSU Core is more than just an upgrade; it represents a leap into a future where commerce and efficiency coexist. As we continue on this path, we invite you to experiment and stay tuned for future releases that promise to transform your Dynamics 365 Commerce experience.

We introduce CSU Core, the next step in Dynamics 365 Commerce. To assist you in delving deeper into this new discovery, we are pleased to share additional resources that provide thorough insights and information. ?? For Deeper Understanding: Explore the Dynamics 365 Commerce documentation on CSU Core. CSU Core Documentation

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Navigating the CSU Core Upgrade: A Comprehensive Guide

We break down the necessary steps for updating to Dynamics 365 Commerce's high-performance platform, CSU Core. These methods enable a smooth evolution, regardless of whether you're using CommerceSDK now or are switching from RetailSDK.

1)???? Upgrade to CommerceSDK/Validate CommerceSDK

Easily update your Commerce SDK to ensure a flawless retail experience. Microsoft's POS extension solutions have been simplified and now only include the POS extension code. To migrate your RetailSDK extensions and verify your CommerceSDK solution, refer to following crucial steps:

• Upgrade to.Net 6: Get things started by moving your Commerce Runtime (CRT) project over to the.Net 6 framework. It was advised to use.NetStandard 2.0 prior to version 10.0.36.
• Update Retail Server Extension (RS): Verify that the API controller class from the IController interface is used by the Retail Server Extension (RS).
• Update Every Reference DLL: Verify that the .Net Standard 2.0 (.Net Core) was used in the construction of each reference DLL. Try to make things work with .Net
• GitHub Package Samples: Look through the Microsoft D365 GitHub repository to find sample packages, particularly for the Store Commerce App and Scale Unit. A good place to start is with the scale unit.
• Merge for Efficiency: To maximize efficiency, combine the CRT extensions project and the Retail Server (RS). Additionally, the offline "Retail Proxy" project is run by this combined business.
• Change to Public Feed: Start moving your packages toward becoming public feed packages, bearing in mind that these will not contain workflow classes or services.

?Note: Use these steps to check if your CommerceSDK solution is created correctly. Ensure all DLLs used do not refer to the .Net framework for a smooth upgrade to CSU Core.

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2.) Ensuring your CommerceSDK solution is ready for CSU Core

To verify the compatibility of extensions deployed to your scale unit with .NET Standard 2.0/.NET 6 hosted CSU, utilize the health check endpoint. Append "/healthcheck?testname=extensions" to the Base URL of your CSU. This prompts the CSU to execute a series of tests validating various aspects of the extensions' compatibility. It will show in red any assemblies that you might have issues in. Some of these issues will prevent you from using CSU Core. (See example below)

?If the Target Framework test fails and doesn’t have enough information to determine which assembly is non-compliant, you will need to edit config files to add display information. The file is “web.config”, however, if you are running a .Net 6 CSU already, edit the file “Microsoft.Dynamics.Retail.RetailServer.AspNetCore.dll.config".

• Add the key "HealthCheck.Extensions.ShowAssemblyFiles" with the value "true" within the app settings section of the file, ensuring you do not duplicate it with different values.

After adding this key, the result should be something that has more information in the “Data” column:

(Provided by Microsoft)?

Some types of issues do not prevent you from using CSU Core, however, are recommended to be fixed since they are a liability. For example, “Obsolete extensions (IRequestTrigger)” is one such example.? See the further reading section for more details.?

The below tests are mandatory to pass so the CSU is considered eligible to be hosted in .NET 6, also known as CSU Core:

a)????? Target framework (extensions)

b)???? Target framework (dependencies)

c)????? Controllers

d)???? Controllers (Invalid route prefix)

e)???? Obsolete extensions (ICommerceController)

?After all the assemblies are in the correct framework and don’t have any issues, the test should appear completely green. (See example below)

3) Upgrading To CSU Core

?If you are eligible for .NET 6 extension, then you can convert the CSU host type on your own without filing a support request.

Starting approximately mid-Nov 2023, LCS provides the capability to choose how to host the CSU - by using .NET Framework or .NET 6. To access that feature, leverage the link?Update?in your LCS page where you manage CSUs, once you click it you will see a popup with the new section highlighted below.

If you are eligible for the CSU Core / .NET 6 upgrade, you can independently switch the CSU host type without needing to request support.

Steps to Upgrade:

?a)?On LCS, on the Tier2+ Environment you wish to upgrade to CSU Core, enter the “Commerce deployment & setup” page.

b)?Press the “Update” button and leave the “Disable CSU Core” unchecked. (See image below)

• This will update the CSU to CSU if all requirements have been fulfilled.

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To be eligible you need the following requirements to be met:

• The CSU version is newer than 10.0.26 and has not reached the End of the Service
• The extension was compiled targeting .NET 6 or .Net Standard 2.0 (compatible with .Net 6)
• The health-checks Extension tester tool didn’t report required tests?as failed. (See previous point)

?Explore Further with These Informative Links:

-??????? https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics365/commerce/dev-itpro/retail-sdk/migrate-commerce-sdk

-??????? https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics365/commerce/dev-itpro/retail-server-icontroller-extension

-??????? https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics365/commerce/dev-itpro/csu-core

-??????? https://community.dynamics.com/blogs/post/?postid=a8ddb5ce-0b4a-40e5-9462-96dd4f5e998d#Switching+CSU+host+type

-??????? https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics365/commerce/dev-itpro/setup-local-dev-env

-??????? https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics365/commerce/dev-itpro/retail-store-scale-unit-configuration-installation#configure-a-new-commerce-scale-unit

-??????? https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/commerce-scale-unit-csu-core-srinath-sundaresan/

-??????? https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics365/commerce/dev-itpro/retail-server-icontroller-extension

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??Looking for even more thorough information and hands-on experience with CSU Core?

For more personalized insights, detailed guidance, or any support you may need, feel free to contact us. Our team is here to assist you on your journey towards embracing the full potential of Dynamics 365 Commerce and CSU Core.

Take the next step in transforming your retail operations. Let's build success together!