Dynamics 365 Business Central imminently sitting in the cloud

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is set to launch in the cloud only on 2nd April 2018 and will enable customers to upgrade from their basic accounting software systems to an all-in-one comprehensive business solution.

Business Central will offer your company incredible value with integration to other cloud services including Office 365 and can even be customised for specific industry needs with Microsoft Flow, Power BI and PowerApps. It brings with it the full power of Dynamics NAV directly to the cloud. This leads us to ponder the adage of how cloud compares to on-premise…

The undoubted rise in cloud software adaptation

In Microsoft’s second quarter of its 2018 financial results, their overall server and cloud services revenue grew 18% over the course of a year. Microsoft also recently highlighted that 80% of businesses are embracing the cloud so it’s clear where Microsoft’s focus lies. Nevertheless, at the end of the current roadmap ‘Dynamics 365 Business Central’ will be available both in the cloud and on-premise. This will follow, Dynamics NAV being renamed and Business Central coming together with it at the end of the year.

The ability to work remotely on the cloud means that adoptive businesses are securing the continuity of their company. All over the world, there are businesses that suffer from theft, fire, floods, snow, ice or a technology outage. With cloud software, your staff can work remotely from any location. With all your documents, files and data hosted in the cloud, a user will be able to access their work anytime if they match the relevant security measures.

Cloud software is easily accessible 

Cloud ERP is priced under a monthly or annual subscription basis, with additional fees added for training, updates and support. Some businesses will prefer this, as their new cloud system represents a new overhead operating cost they continue to pay as a subscription.

Dynamics 365 Business Central has a simple licensing model, which allows you to choose between Essential at £52.79/$70 per user per month or Premium at £75.40/$100 per user per month. It takes very low investment to get up and running which gives you the prime opportunity to use Essential and decide if you require Premium. If you make the switch everyone in your company will have access to it.

Alternatively, the future on-premise solution will require one big upfront capital investment and you will need to pay any associated IT costs. However, the true value of on-premise is evident with the ease of customisation and the definitive control of your data.

Staying safe and secure is imperative both on-premise and in the cloud

Security is usually the number one priority for any business aiming to delve into the world of ERP. You daren’t dream of the day where: employee information, client lists, and company financials are placed under potential risk. Any reputable cloud vendor will have strict safety measures in place to ensure that data remains safe and secure.

The majority of cloud systems have fantastic mobile access, which allows your employees to work whilst on the move in any place or at any time. On the other hand, a lot of on-premise solutions don’t support mobile which eliminates the possibility of leaving all your business data in the local coffee shop.

Business Central is destined to help unify businesses and boost efficiencies and workflows across the globe. The software will help companies to have actionable insights that are delivered by Microsoft’s leading intelligent technologies. Additionally, Business Central won’t have a short shelf-life, as it can adapt in real-time with a flexible platform that can be suited to match business needs regardless of whether it is hosted on-premise or in the cloud.