Do you have an on-premise installation of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or Dynamics NAV? There has never been a better time to move Business Central to the Cloud.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central has been available as a cloud solution since 2018. Before that, it was only available as an on-premise, locally installed solution, and we find that there are still a lot of Business Central users out there that have an on-premise Business Central installation, or even its predecessor, Microsoft Dynamics NAV.
Microsoft stopped selling local installations of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central on February 1, 2023. This means that you can no longer purchase new on-premise licenses for Business Central.
If you already have an on-premise license, you will continue to be able to use it and receive support for it until the end of its support lifecycle. However, the support lifecycle of all these Business Central installations will end in the next few years. Dynamics NAV support ended in January 2023, so no versions of this software are now supported by Microsoft.
Bridge to the Cloud 2
In February 2023, Microsoft launched a new promotion called Bridge to the Cloud 2. This programme is intended to encourage Microsoft Dynamics users with on-premise installations to migrate to one of the Microsoft Dynamics 365 online services.
To encourage users to make the move, Microsoft are offering a 40% discount when buying through an eligible partner such as Synergy Technology. This means there has never been a better time to move Business Central to the Cloud.
You can learn more about this promotion here: Microsoft Dynamics Bridge to the Cloud 2 Promotion.
The Direction of Travel
Microsoft has been moving away from on-premise, locally installed software for some time now, and this is the latest step in that process. The company believes that the cloud is the future of business software, and that it offers several advantages over on-premise solutions, such as scalability, security, and ease of use.
Why Move Business Central to the Cloud?
Moving your Dynamics NAV/Business Central system to a cloud environment comes with a number of benefits:
Enhanced Security
Microsoft continue to invest a huge amount of time and money in keeping Business central online secure for all companies that use it. With its continuous upgrade rollouts, you will always be on the most secure version. Also, Cloud-based solutions are typically more secure than on-premise solutions, as they are hosted in secure data centres and are protected by multiple layers of security.
Centralised Location
Having your business environment hosted on a centralised Microsoft system gives you greater scope for integration with other Microsoft products, like Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Power BI, but also allows you access to any number of Apps that can be used to enhance your solution.
Updates
As previously mentioned, Microsoft roll out updates on a monthly basis, with two major updates a year. Your solution will always have access to the latest features and security updates without the need to pay an upgrade cost.
Remove the headache of software maintenance duties like backups, updates, and patches, allowing IT employees to focus on strategic planning and other high-priority work.
Cost
Working with Business central online removes the need for on premise servers and infrastructure, which can be expensive to purchase, maintain and renew. With Synergy Technology, your licensing and support costs are rolled into one monthly cost, meaning you can manage and predict your outgoings easily.
Scalability and Flexibility
As your business grows, your Business Central environment can grow with it. This means you will never have to worry about running out of space for your critical business data.
In addition to this, your solution is accessible from anywhere, at any time, from any device, enhancing teamwork and boosting productivity. This enables remote employees to share information in real time and allows for easier and more efficient collaboration.
When is the Right Time to Move Business Central to the Cloud?
Whether your business on an older version of Dynamics NAV/Business Central or a different solution it is critical you can get the support you need to maintain and run your business effectively.
Microsoft support for on-premise solutions will not last forever and it’s important to know when your solution will become end of life. When this happens you will no longer have access to updates to your solution that may be required to keep your systems secure.
Update Schedule for Dynamics 365 Business Central
Can You Move Business Central to the Cloud?
Moving from on-premise to a cloud solution provides different challenges for different organisations and no one upgrade is ever the same. With that in mind, there are a few key areas that will dictate whether your system is suitable to be moved to the cloud.
Customisations
How many modifications you have had to your solution will directly impact the ability and cost of upgrading to Business Central online. The fewer modifications your system has had made to it, the easier the process will be. Most modifications can be transferred to an online implementation, but as this may take extra configuration or development, it will add time to the project.
Version Number
With every major update, Microsoft introduce new features into the Business Central solution. With older versions you may be missing out on functionality that could help improve your business processes. Currently, you can move Business Central to the Cloud from the earlier versions 14 to 21. If you are currently on a version of Dynamics NAV, you must upgrade to Business Central on-premise, and then switch to Business Central online. We would be happy to explain this process to you in more detail.
Database Size
The size of your database can directly impact your ability to upgrade to an online environment. Microsoft limit the size a database can be; however, they also provide functionality to compress your data to help with this process. It also enables the business to review your business data. Is your historical data still needed, or can it be archived?
The Client
Are you ready for the Web Client? With Business Central online, your users will access the system using a web client or device app. Moving you away from the windows client you are used to. Like any organisational change, understanding and adapting to this new way of working can come with some internal resistance and will need to be carefully managed.
Ready to Move Business Central to the Cloud?
If you feel now is the right time for you to move Business Central to the Cloud, contact us now for a chat with one of our Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central experts. Whether you are already a Synergy Technology customer, or if you are looking for a new partner for your cloud journey, Synergy Technology will be happy to help.
Synergy Technology is an official partner of Microsoft and we can offer Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central solutions across the UK. To learn more about anything in this news article, or to book a call with one of our Microsoft Dynamics 365 specialists, please contact the Synergy team today. You can call us on or send us an email via our contact page at any time and we will be delighted to assist you.
