When choosing an ERP solution, businesses must consider the various features and integration possibilities offered. It’s equally critical to consider if the system’s deployment will correspond with the organization’s unique structure, as well as its security and financial demands.
In recent years, ERP producers have incorporated ongoing technological advancements into their products to offer a range of deployment options to meet organizations’ varying needs. Microsoft offers several Dynamics 365 Business Central deployment options, demonstrating their commitment to enabling organizations to conduct business in precisely the manner they want to. It has expanded on its existing products to offer options for every possible business scenario. As a result, organizations can direct their resources more effectively and, by extension, manage their offices more efficiently.
For businesses considering implementing Business Central, it’s essential to understand the various options available — as well as the benefits offered by each. Learn more in the following Dynamics 365 deployment guide.
1. Dynamics 365 Business Central SaaS
Software as a Service — or SaaS — has grown in popularity in recent years. At its most basic, the model provides customers with access to software via a web browser. The application itself is hosted by the provider at its data center, and customers purchase the service on a subscription basis.
In the Business Central SaaS model, users access the application on a pay-as-you-go subscription. Microsoft supplies the servers, manages the infrastructure and automatically handles all software updates. This setup eliminates the need for businesses to invest in costly hardware and greatly reduces the burden on their IT departments. The SaaS model offers anywhere, anytime access, which can be useful for businesses with multiple locations or whose employees frequently travel.
In the SaaS deployment model, additional functionality or changes to the system can be made using extensions. These extensions sit outside the core software code, allowing you to extend the system’s functionality without modifying the core code.
2. Dynamics 365 Business Central Hosted
With the ongoing success of Microsoft Azure hosting, a growing number of businesses elect to host their ERP solutions remotely. Opting for Dynamics 365 Business Central cloud eliminates the need to invest in hardware. This change results in lower costs associated with the implementation and maintenance of the ERP. In addition, since technical support is provided, businesses don’t have to overburden their IT departments when updates are released.
At the same time, a hosted solution offers more potential for customization than the SaaS solution. Also, like the SaaS model, the hosted solution gives users the flexibility to access the ERP regardless of their location.
3. Dynamics 365 Business Central on Premises
For organizations that don’t want to move to the cloud, Microsoft has included a traditional on-premise solution. It requires an investment in the hardware itself and an onsite IT team with the expertise to implement and maintain the system.
For the Business Central on-premise solution, perpetual licenses are available — meaning the user owns the software. In addition, there’s a subscription option based on the number of users per month.
4. Dynamics 365 Hybrid
For organizations that can’t decide between Microsoft Dynamics 365 on premise vs. online, there’s the hybrid model. Businesses can deploy the solution — which combines features from the cloud and the on-premise options — at their location or off-site, depending on their needs. It requires the same hardware, infrastructure and IT resources as the on-premise version.
The hybrid model is a highly customizable solution that offers Azure users the ability to bring the ERP’s functionality into an on-premise system. As such, organizations’ applications and visualization tools can be created and used within their solutions. In addition, the model offers the same ease of access as the online solution.
In short, the hybrid model maintains the elements that define Business Central products while offering more flexibility and choice. Additionally, companies that use GP, NAV or SL can also connect to the cloud via Business Central.
Business Central Delivers for Your Organization
With these four deployment options, Microsoft has expanded on its existing product line to create solutions geared toward the needs of a wide range of organizations across every industry. Regardless of your size or structure, Business Central is set to deliver for your organization. Contact Clients First Business Solutions to learn more and get started.
