On January 1, 2026, our partner Microsoft officially launched its “Bridge to Cloud 3” (BTC3) promotion. Bridge to cloud 3 is the latest version of its structured programs designed to help existing Dynamics on-premise customers transition smoothly to the cloud.
For organisations running legacy on-premise software such as Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Dynamics CRM Great Plains (GP), AX, or SL, this promotion offers a compelling mix of financial advantage and practical flexibility, making it easier to transition to the Dynamics 365 cloud platform at a pace that suits the business. BTC3 effectively turns cloud adoption from a disruptive leap into a managed, commercially attractive journey. Let’s look at what BTC3 offers, and how it differs from previous offers:
What Is Bridge to Cloud 3 (BTC3)?
Bridge to Cloud 3 is structured as a three year, non cancellable offer that delivers a 30% discount on most Dynamics 365 online licences when these are purchased through a partner-led New Commerce Experience (NCE) subscription. BTC3 is aimed at organisations that already own Dynamics on premises perpetual licences and are now ready to move into the cloud versions of those solutions, for example:
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
- Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management
- Dynamics 365 Sales, Customer Service, or Field Service
Promotion Highlights
| Category | Details |
| Discount | 30% off standard commercial list price. |
| Term | 3-year fixed term non-cancellable term. |
| Enrolment Window | 1st January 2026 – 31st December 2027. |
| Eligible Customers | Dynamics on-premise perpetual licence holders (purchased before 1st Sept 2024). |
| Eligible Channels | Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) – NCE Partner-led only. |
| Renewal After Term | Renewals at standard price post-promotion. |
| Dual Access Rights | Continue using and upgrading your on-promise systems during migration. |
| Dual Use Rights | Run equivalent on-premise versions while on the cloud license. |
| EP Extension | Enhancement Plan renewal at £0 cost during the promotional term. |
Key Benefits for Customers
1. Substantial Cost Savings
With a 30% discount on cloud licences across a three-year term, BTC3 enables organisations to plan and budget with far greater confidence. This stable pricing structure supports a full migration journey without placing unnecessary pressure on cash flow.
2. Continued On-Premise Flexibility
Customers keep their Dual Access Rights, so they can carry on working with their existing on premises systems, including applying updates, adding functionality and performing upgrades, while rolling out Dynamics 365 online. This parallel running approach helps to minimise operational risk during the move to the cloud.
3. Free Enhancement Plan Renewal
Customers will have their Enhancement Plan renewals extended at no cost for up to three years, which means they continue to benefit from support and updates on their current solution while they transition. This protects the existing investment during the migration period.
4. 50% Saving on On-Premise Users (Transitional Phase)
Up to 31st December 2027, organisations participating in BTC3 can buy extra on-premise user licences at half the usual price, helping teams that need short term increases in capacity as they work through their migration plan.
5. Zero-Cost User Licences (for Business Central Migrations)
For businesses moving from concurrent user models, such as Dynamics NAV or Dynamics GP, into Business Central Online, Microsoft can provide up to two years of user licences at £0, subject to eligibility based on the value of the Enhancement Plan. This significantly lowers the initial barrier to adopting Business Central in the cloud.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for BTC3:
- A customer must have purchased their Dynamics on premises perpetual licences before 1st September 2024.
- They also need either an active Enhancement Plan or, where this has lapsed, must settle any outstanding fees, which are limited to a maximum of three years, or one year for certain older NAV, AX or GP versions.
- Dynamics 365 online licences must then be procured through a partner-led New Commerce Experience (NCE) subscription in the CSP channel.
- The annualised value of those CSP subscriptions, calculated after the BTC3 discount but before any partner margin, has to match or exceed the organisation’s current annual Enhancement Plan renewal amount.
- The current level of CSP spend must be maintained for the full three year duration of the promotion.
The Bigger Picture: Why is Microsoft Doing This?
Microsoft’s Bridge to Cloud programmes are more than short term offers; they are designed as long term migration accelerators for Dynamics customers moving to the cloud-first era.
By steadily reducing reliance on on-premise platforms, Microsoft’s goal is to transition the entire Dynamics ecosystem into a cloud native, AI enabled environment that delivers:
- Unified data management spanning all core business processes.
- AI powered insights using services such as Copilot and the Power Platform.
- Scalability, with Azure-backed infrastructure.
- Ongoing feature innovation through automatic, incremental cloud updates rather than periodic manual upgrades.
Action Plan for Customers
- Verify Eligibility: Check that your existing Dynamics on-premises licences meet the criteria for the promotion.
- Work Out EP Value: Calculate your current Enhancement Plan spend so you can establish your Minimum CSP Value.
- Define Migration Roadmap: Bring business and IT stakeholders together around a clear, phased migration schedule.
- Engage a CSP Specialist: Collaborate with an accredited Microsoft cloud partner such as Synergy Technology, to structure your BTC3 enrolment and ensure both EP and CSP obligations are met.
- Leverage Dual Access: Keep running your on-premises solution while progressively moving workloads and users to Dynamics 365 online.
Next Steps: Get in Touch
With the right partner guidance, BTC3 can transform what was once a complex migration into a strategic leap forward. At Synergy Technology, we have years of experience of migrating our customers from legacy on-premise platforms to Dynamics 365 in the cloud. If you would like to speak to one of our experts, call us on 0345456 0050 or send us a message through our contact page.
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