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On November 1, 2016, Microsoft released their new cloud-based business application platform, Dynamics 365. This new platform combines the capabilities of CRM and ERP systems in a new app-driven format. This updated format allows companies to choose software components based on their specific business needs. Organizations may choose from apps such as Finance, Sales, Customer Service, Field Services, and Operations, and license them a-la-carte or as a bundle.

Enterprise vs Business Edition and A-la-carte vs Bundle

There are two editions of Dynamics 365 to choose from:  Enterprise Edition (typically for organizations with more than 250 employees or complex business processes) and Business Edition (typically for organizations with fewer than 250 employees).

Microsoft has rebranded its Dynamics CRM Online offering as the Enterprise Edition's Dynamics 365 for Sales and Dynamics 365 for Customer Service (they are separate apps now). The Enterprise Sales and Customer Service apps compete directly with Salesforce and are significantly less expensive than Salesforce. Dynamics 365 for Operations is a new cloud-based offereing based on the on-premise Dynamics AX platform. This Operations app is priced and bundled differently than the other Enterprise Edition apps (see chart below).

The Business Edition's Dynamics 365 for Financials app is a new Microsoft offering targeted at businesses that are outgrowing Quickbooks. New Business Edition Dynamics 365 apps for Sales, Customer Service, and Marketing are planned for release in 2017.

Dynamics 365 apps may be purchased a la carte ($40/user per month in the Business Edition; $95/user per month in the Enterprise Edition) or as part of a bundled plan that includes all the apps ($50/user per month in the Business Edition and $115/user per month in the Enterprise Edition). As noted above, the Operations app is priced and bundled differently than the other Enterprise Edition apps (see chart below).  If you require more than one app, choosing a bundle will save you money. 

User Models

Each app also offers the ability to choose a licensing plan for light users and one for full users. Light user licenses are for those users who will consume information and complete small tasks within the apps. Full users are those who require the full functionality of the apps, whether they are standalone apps or as part of a bundled plan. This dual user model ensures that businesses are not paying a higher price for unneeded licenses. 

If you want to learn more about the Dynamics 365 business platform and determine if it's a good fit for your organization, please Contact DMC for a free Dynamics 365 consultation and quote. 

Learn More about DMC's Microsoft Dynamics 365 services.