Bridge to the Cloud 2 Promotion: Cut Costs by Upgrading to Dynamics 365
If your organization is considering upgrading to Dynamics 365, now is the perfect time to do it through the Bridge to the Cloud 2 promotion.
Microsoft recently announced a cost increase for Dynamics 365 licenses on October 1, 2024. While organizations already on the cloud have to take steps to prepare for these increases, it also presents a unique opportunity for organizations running on-premises solutions like Dynamics GP, NAV, or AX.
By taking advantage of the Bridge to the Cloud 2 promotion, you can accomplish two key things:
- You can upgrade to a cloud-based Microsoft solution, which opens you and your team up to many new tools, features, functionalities, and integrations you can use to help your business run more efficiently.
- You can take advantage of the promotion to save on licensing costs, which includes:
- A 40 percent discount on the licensing price
- The benefit of locking in the current pricing for three years, if you take advantage of the program before Oct. 1, 2024.
Important Note: The Bridge to the Cloud 2 promotion expires Dec. 31, 2024.
In this blog, we will dive into reasons why moving to the cloud is good for your business. The cost savings you gain from the Bridge to the Cloud 2 promotion are a nice addition to the many benefits your organization can take advantage of when you move to the cloud.
Here are seven key reasons why you should move to the cloud:
1. Enhanced Monitoring, Security, and Compliance
Transitioning to Dynamics 365 offers several key benefits, including:
- Active Directory Integration: Seamless integration with your existing O365 Active Directory.
- Microsoft maintained infrastructure: Microsoft handles the infrastructure, ensuring robust security and reliability.
- Security and threat management: Benefit from Microsoft's security monitoring and threat management.
- Scalability and consistent upgrades: Easily scale your operations and receive consistent upgrades without the hassle of manual updates.
- Eliminate redundancy: Streamline operations and reduce redundancy with cloud-based solutions.
2. Maintenance and Infrastructure Cost Savings
Operating bulky servers is risky in today's day and age for several reasons. They take up space in your office, they are at the mercy of power outages and can be expensive to maintain or replace. Moving to the cloud can significantly reduce these costs by:
- Providing visibility at the top: Gain better visibility into the hard costs of operating Dynamics CRM.
- Give you predictable costs: Enjoy more predictable costs over time, reducing financial uncertainty.
- Increase workforce efficiency: Free your workforce from maintenance tasks, allowing them to focus on more strategic activities.
At Stoneridge, we recommend that if you currently have physical servers, you should continue to operate on them to get the most value out of your investment. When their lifecycle ends, we encourage you to reach out and discuss your cloud options, if you are ready.
3. Predictable Updates
When you move to the cloud, you are always using the latest version of your software solution and have access to all new features and functionalities that come with that. This is beneficial for several reasons:
- Regular updates: Receive regularly scheduled updates to stay current with the latest features and improvements.
- Latest version: Always operate on the latest version of the software without the need for large, disruptive updates.
- No extra costs: Eliminate the need for costly and time-consuming upgrades.
4. Modern Experiences
Dynamics 365 solutions not only come with increased functionality, but they also offer a more modern and intuitive experience that makes it much easier for your team to operate. This includes:
- A familiar look and feel to your on-premises solution: While you will find the Dynamics 365 interface more intuitive and user-friendly, it will maintain a similar look and feel to what you currently have.
- Enhanced accessibility: Not only does the cloud allow you to integrate your ERP tools with everyday productivity applications, it gives you access to your CRM system on any device at any time.
- Common data service: You can benefit from a unified data service, simplifying data management and integration.
5. Enhanced, Modern Features and Functionalities
By upgrading to the cloud, you open you and your team up to many new features and applications that can help you work smarter, including:
- AI sales insights: Leverage artificial intelligence for deeper sales insights.
- Relationship assistant: Enhance relationship management with intelligent assistance.
- Role-based apps: Utilize role-based applications to streamline workflows and improve efficiency.
- Enhanced features: Benefit from features like email enhancements, business process flows, and embedded social functionality.
- Mobile and Outlook integration: Improved integration with mobile devices and Outlook for seamless operations.
6. Integrated Business Operations
Integrating your business operations with Dynamics 365 creates a unified system that benefits you in several ways:
- Professional services: Manage professional services with ease.
- Field Service and Sales: Enhance field service operations and sales processes.
- Marketing, Finance, and Operations: Streamline marketing, finance, and operations for better efficiency.
- Talent and retail management: Improve talent management and retail operations with integrated tools.
7. Streamlined Business Insights
Compiling and acting on comprehensive business insights is much easier in Dynamics 365:
- Machine learning: Use machine learning to gain deeper insights and improve decision-making.
- Artificial Intelligence: Implement AI to automate processes and enhance customer experiences.
- PowerBI and Azure: Utilize PowerBI and Azure for advanced analytics and data visualization.
- Power Apps: Develop custom apps to meet unique business needs with Power Apps.
Want to Learn More About the Bridge to the Cloud 2 Promotion and Upgrading to Dynamics 365?
Get in touch with Stoneridge Software! Our team of experts can help you get started with your upgrade by helping you come up with a plan to move your on-premises systems to the cloud. Likewise, our licensing team will help you take advantage of the Bridge to the Cloud 2 promotion, in addition to assisting you with other licensing needs you may have.
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