Microsoft Dynamics 365: Understand the Transition to the Cloud
- Your on-premises Dynamics CRM or AX needs updating or replacing, and you’re not sure whether to upgrade or transition to the cloud with the new Microsoft Dynamics 365 platform. You’re also uncertain about what the cost might be or if there are savings to be had with a transition to the cloud for your enterprise resource planning system.
- The new license model, Apps vs. Plans and Dual Use Rights in the cloud, includes confusing terminology and licensing rules that don’t seem to make sense. This makes it difficult to purchase proper licensing that aligns with your current on-premises setup and to maximize your choices in transition licenses.
- There are different licensing programs for Dynamics 365 in the cloud. You need to decide on the most cost effective program for your company, for now and for the future.
- Microsoft is constantly pressuring you to move to the cloud, but you don’t understand the why. You're uncertain if there's real value in such a strategic move right now, or if should you wait awhile.
Our Advice
Critical Insight
- Focus on what’s best for you. Do a thorough current state assessment of your hardware and software needs and consider what will be required in the near future (one to four years).
- Educate yourself. You should have a good understanding of your options from staying on-premises vs. an interim hybrid model vs. a lift and shift to the cloud.
- Consider the overall picture. There might not be hard cost savings to be realized in the near term, given the potential increase in licensing costs over a CapEx to OpEx savings.
Impact and Result
- Understanding the best time to transition, from a licensing perspective, could save you significant dollars over the next one to four years.
- Planning and effectively mapping your current licenses to the new cloud user model will maximize your current investment into the cloud and fully leverage all available Microsoft incentives in the process.
- Gaining the knowledge required to make the most informed transition decision, based on best timing, most appropriate licensing program, and maximized cost savings in the near term.
- Engaging effectively with Microsoft and a competent Dynamics partner for deployment or licensing needs.
Microsoft Dynamics 365: Understand the Transition to the Cloud Research & Tools
Start here – read the Executive Brief
Read our concise Executive Brief to find out why you should learn about Microsoft Dynamics 365 user-based cloud licensing, review Info-Tech’s methodology, and understand the four ways we can support you in completing this project.Besides the small introduction, subscribers and consulting clients within this management domain have access to:
- Microsoft Dynamics 365: Understand the Transition to the Cloud – Phases 1-4
1. Timing
Review to confirm if you are eligible for Microsoft cloud transition discounts and what is your best time to move to the cloud.
- Microsoft Dynamics 365: Understand the Transition to the Cloud – Phase 1: Timing
- Microsoft License Agreement Summary Tool
- Existing CRM-AX License Summary Worksheet
2. Licensing
Begin with a review to understand user-based cloud licensing, then move to mapping your existing licenses to the cloud users and plans.
- Microsoft Dynamics 365: Understand the Transition to the Cloud – Phase 2: Licensing
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 On-Premises License Transition Mapping Tool
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 User License Assignment Tool
- Microsoft Licensing Programs Brief Overview
3. Cost review
Use your cloud mapping activity as well your eligible discounts to estimate your cloud transition licensing costs.
- Microsoft Dynamics 365: Understand the Transition to the Cloud – Phase 3: Cost Review
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Cost Estimator
4. Analyze and decide
Start by summarizing your choice license program, decide on the ideal time, then move on to total cost review.
- Microsoft Dynamics 365: Understand the Transition to the Cloud – Phase 4: Analyze and Decide
Workshop: Microsoft Dynamics 365: Understand the Transition to the Cloud
Workshops offer an easy way to accelerate your project. If you are unable to do the project yourself, and a Guided Implementation isn't enough, we offer low-cost delivery of our project workshops. We take you through every phase of your project and ensure that you have a roadmap in place to complete your project successfully.
1 Understand What You Own and What You Can Transition to the Cloud
The Purpose
Understand what you own and what you can transition to the cloud.
Learn which new cloud user licenses to transition.
Key Benefits Achieved
All your licenses in one summary.
Eligible transition discounts.
Mapping of on-premises to cloud users.
Activities
1.1 Validate your discount availability.
1.2 Summarize agreements.
1.3 Itemize your current license ownership.
1.4 Review your timing options.
1.5 Map your on-premises licenses to the cloud-based, user-based model.
Outputs
Current agreement summary
On-premises to cloud user mapping summary
Understanding of cloud app and plan features
2 Transition License Cost Estimate and Additional Costs
The Purpose
Estimate cloud license costs and other associated expenses.
Summarize and decide on the best timing, users, and program.
Key Benefits Achieved
Good cost estimate of equivalent cloud user-based licenses.
Understanding of when and how to move your on-premises licensing to the new Dynamics 365 cloud model.
Activities
2.1 Estimate cloud user license costs.
2.2 Calculate additional costs related to license transitions.
2.3 Review all activities.
2.4 Summarize and analyze your decision.
Outputs
Cloud user licensing cost modeling
Summary of total costs
Validation of costs and transition choices
An informed decision on your Dyn365 timing, licensing, and costs