In 2018, Microsoft decided to change the name of the ERP system from Dynamics NAV (Navision) to Dynamics Business Central. This change occurred as part of a rebranding process that marked, among other things, the new product’s orientation towards the Cloud. Microsoft knew even then that the future would be in the Cloud, and the present only confirms this fact.
Microsoft has launched (and continues to launch) versions of Business Central available both on-premises (on the client’s server) and in the Cloud. Initially, choosing one of the options was more about the specifics of each client, and each option had its advantages and disadvantages. However, lately, the benefits of choosing the Cloud version are significantly greater. If you already have an on-premises version of Business Central (or Dynamics NAV) implemented, you will certainly consider migrating to the Cloud version provided by Microsoft as quickly as possible. Below, we will present the most important benefits of working with Business Central in the Cloud.
Savings on IT Infrastructure
This is perhaps the most important benefit, as there is no longer a need for your own IT infrastructure. You no longer need to buy servers, UPS units, backup hard drives; the platform runs on Microsoft’s servers, and maintenance and upgrades are always handled by Microsoft specialists. There is no need for IT personnel for maintenance, and given the current shortage of IT specialists in the market, this can only be good news.
Performance and Easy Access to Data
In the Microsoft Cloud version, the cloud servers hosting the product are managed and constantly updated by Microsoft, so Business Central runs on servers with the latest hardware technologies. There is no longer a need for a specific version of Windows on the workstation, as you can work from any device (tablet, phone) and any operating system.
Always Working on the Latest Version
Every six months Microsoft releases a major version of the program and a minor version every month. These versions are automatically updated in the database, giving users access to all new functionalities as they appear. It is possible to upgrade to a new version on Business Central on-premises as well, but the process is significantly more cumbersome and not without risks.
Integration with Any Microsoft Solution
The Cloud version of the product is integrated with other Microsoft solutions: Dynamics 365 Sales, Microsoft Office, Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate, Power Virtual Agents, etc. Through data connectors, you can communicate with all applications in the Microsoft universe, thereby extending the system’s capabilities.
Flexibility in Use
Payment for access to the product is based on the number of users, meaning that usage can be tailored to the company’s needs. If fewer users are needed at a certain time, it’s not a problem; you will pay less. And if the number of users needs to increase, the system is perfectly scalable, with no hardware restrictions limiting growth.
Guarantee of Continuity and Security
Microsoft takes data security and privacy very seriously. We have all heard of companies that had to pay hackers because their data was encrypted (ransomware). Sometimes, they didn’t even recover their data.
This has never happened in the Microsoft Cloud. Authentication is done through the Microsoft Office account, where two-factor authentication is active (such as additional approval from the phone, for example), and the data stored in the Cloud is encrypted by Microsoft and almost impossible for anyone else to decrypt.
Ultimately Lower Usage Costs
All these benefits ultimately reflect in significantly lower usage costs. If you already have an implementation of Dynamics NAV or Business Central on-premises, you should also consider that during this period (until the end of 2024), the “Bridge to Cloud 2” promotion is ongoing, through which Microsoft offers clients migrating from the on-premises version to the Cloud a 40% discount on the list price of user licenses.
Considering that this discount is unlikely to be available in the coming years, our recommendation is to start the migration process to the Cloud this year. For a Cloud migration offer, you can contact the sales department at sales@elian-solutions.ro.
Elian Solutions is part of the Bittnet Group, active for over 15 years as an implementer of the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central ERP system. With a team of over 70 employees and a portfolio of over 250 clients, Elian Solutions is one of the key Microsoft partners for ERP systems.
