Bridge to Cloud 2: The Cost of Migrating from an On-Premises Dynamics ERP

The kinds of businesses that are investing in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) technology range from small-scale companies to massive multinational enterprises. Unsurprisingly, the ability to leverage an agile and flexible business tool that can unify data, streamline operations, boost efficiency, and drive informed decision-making is attractive across the board. 

But the most important characteristic all these organizations have in common is a big goal: to embrace agility through the modernization of their business practices. And for many, especially smaller and mid-sized businesses, moving the needle in that direction requires an ERP system.

More and more often, those ERP investments are being made in cloud-based solutions like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.

In fact, according to Bloomberg Intelligence, cloud ERP is likely to become the next biggest growth driver in SaaS, with the cloud ERP market expected to reach up to $101.1 billion by 2025. 

But despite this massive interest in cloud technologies, only half of companies have currently successfully migrated (or made the decision to migrate) away from on-premise solutions so far. Some worry about the complexity or cost of a transition. Others simply don’t have the expertise or resources to understand where to start.

A dominating market leader in cloud ERP solutions, Microsoft has stepped up with a promotion to make cloud migration as simple and cost-effective as ever: Bridge to Cloud 2.

Microsoft’s Bridge to Cloud 2 Promotion: A 40% Discount for Cloud Migration

In September 2021, Microsoft launched its first iteration of the Bridge to the Cloud promotion, in hopes of supporting existing small and mid-sized business customers committed to moving to the cloud at an attractive price point. 

Customers running Dynamics NAV, Dynamics GP, Dynamics SL, or Business Central on-premises were made eligible for discounted cloud licenses via the Microsoft partner network. Initially, many made the switch. But over time, a need to fine-tune the program and expand eligibility led to the launch of Bridge to Cloud 2.

In January 2023, Microsoft announced the opening of the signup period of their Bridge to the Cloud 2 promotion. It now pertains to all on-premises licenses and products in the Dynamics portfolio, including Dynamics AX, Dynamics 365 for Operations, and Dynamics CRM.

Now through December 31, 2024, if you’re an existing Dynamics on-premises customer and you’re committed to migrating to the cloud, you can migrate—during a 3-year term—to a functionally similar cloud product at a 40% discount on the standard price. This means moving, for example, from Dynamics GP or NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central online, or from Dynamics CRM to Dynamics 365 for Sales and Marketing, at a fraction of the typical cost to do so. Monthly payment or annual payment options are available, but enrollment cannot be canceled and the three-year term is non-renewable.

Some of the key benefits highlighted by the Microsoft Dynamics community include the ability for eligible companies to continue using their current system during their one-way transition to the cloud with:

• No-cost additional users
• Dual usage rights
• Flexible billing options
• Dual access rights

Before standard pricing rates apply once again, you can take advantage of the Bridge to the Cloud 2 promotion period and leverage Microsoft’s strategic plan to move you to the cloud.

The Benefits of Embracing Cloud Solutions like Business Central

Compared to the increased dependability of the Azure cloud and the Dynamics 365 solutions built on it, managing your business systems with an on-premises deployment is less agile and can put your company at a greater risk of business disruption, or threats like ransomware, phishing, and hacking. It may be tempting to continue doing business the way you always have. But there are better ways and smarter technologies available to make modernizing your internal processes simple and hassle-free.

Although historically speaking, ERP has trailed other application-software areas in its cloud migration, many of the once-concerning hurdles, risks, and unknowns can now be left in the past. This means that for the 48% of companies still running on-prem ERP solutions, the path toward the future is finally clear.

Making the Most of Dynamics 365 Business Central

If you’re a business looking to modernize and future-proof how you do business while taking advantage of the latest Microsoft Dynamics 365 cloud technology, consider acting during Microsoft’s Bridge to Cloud 2 promotional term. It could mean reduced risk, more agility, and an accelerated path toward growth and profitability for your business. 

To broaden your understanding of the history of ERP and industry trends, dive into our short eBook on Composable ERP.