Companies nowadays are constantly seeking ways to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance productivity. Many organisations using on-premises ERP systems face challenges including high investment costs, limited accessibility, and difficulties in supporting remote work.
Migrating to the cloud presents a compelling solution to these issues, offering numerous benefits that can significantly improve business operations.
At Mercurius IT, we have vast experience in helping businesses transition to cloud-based solutions, ensuring they leverage the full potential of Dynamics 365 Business Central. Throughout this blog post, we will explore the top five benefits of migrating Dynamics 365 Business Central to the cloud.
Why choose cloud over on-premises
The decision to move from an on-premises solution to a cloud-based system is not one to be taken lightly. It involves considerations around cost, security, accessibility, and integration.
However, the cloud offers numerous advantages that can significantly enhance your business operations. Let’s delve into the specific benefits of migrating Dynamics 365 Business Central to the cloud.
1. Lower investment costs
One of the most significant benefits of migrating Dynamics 365 Business Central to the cloud is the reduction in investment costs. On-premises solutions require substantial upfront expenses for hardware, software licenses, and infrastructure maintenance. Additionally, businesses need to allocate budget for IT staff to maintain and support the system.
In contrast, cloud-based solutions operate on more flexible pricing models, allowing businesses to pay a predictable monthly or annual fee. This model eliminates the need for large capital expenditures and shifts the financial burden to operating expenses, making it easier for businesses to manage their budgets.
Furthermore, the cloud provider, such as Microsoft Azure, handles all hardware and infrastructure maintenance, reducing the need for in-house IT resources.
2. Always up to date
Keeping software up to date is critical for maintaining security, performance, and functionality. However, managing updates and upgrades for on-premises systems can be time-consuming and disruptive. Businesses often delay updates due to the complexity and potential downtime involved, leading to outdated systems that are vulnerable to security threats and lack new features.
Being cloud-based, Business Central ensures that your system is always up-to-date. Microsoft regularly rolls out updates and new features, which are applied to your cloud instance. This means you benefit from the latest innovations without the hassle of manual upgrades. Additionally, these updates are designed to be seamless, minimising disruptions to your operations.
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3. Increased accessibility & collaboration
In an era where remote work and flexible working arrangements are becoming the norm, having a system that supports accessibility and collaboration is crucial. On-premises deployments can be restrictive, requiring employees to be physically present in the office or use unreliable VPN connections to access the system. This limitation hampers productivity and collaboration, especially for teams that are geographically dispersed.
Migrating to Business Central to the cloud helps breaks down these barriers. Employees can access the system from anywhere with an internet connection, using any device, be it a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. This increased accessibility fosters collaboration, allowing team members to work together seamlessly, regardless of their location. At Mercurius IT, we have seen firsthand how cloud migration can transform businesses, enabling more agile and connected teams.
4. Integration to Microsoft ecosystem
One of the standout features of Dynamics 365 Business Central is its integration with the broader Microsoft ecosystem. When deployed in the cloud, this integration is even more powerful and seamless. Dynamics 365 Business Central can easily connect with other Microsoft products such as Office 365, Power BI, and Azure services.
This integration allows businesses to create a unified and efficient workflow. For example, you can manage emails, calendars, and documents within Office 365 while accessing real-time business insights through Power BI. Azure services provide additional scalability and performance enhancements. By leveraging the full Microsoft ecosystem, businesses can streamline processes, improve decision-making, and enhance overall productivity.
5. Improved security
Security is a paramount concern for any business, and on-premises deployments often struggle to keep up with the evolving threat landscape. Protecting data from cyber threats, ensuring compliance, and maintaining backups are all challenging tasks that require significant resources.
Cloud-based Dynamics 365 Business Central offers enhanced security features that are built into the platform. Microsoft invests heavily in cybersecurity, employing advanced technologies and a team of experts to safeguard data. Features such as data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security updates ensure that your business data is protected against unauthorised access and breaches.
Moreover, cloud providers like Microsoft comply with industry standards and regulations, ensuring that your business meets compliance requirements without the additional burden of managing it internally. At Mercurius IT, we understand the importance of security and help our clients implement best practices to protect their data in the cloud.
Get started with Business Central
Migrating Dynamics 365 Business Central to the cloud is a strategic move that can drive significant benefits for your business. Lower investment costs, automatic updates, increased accessibility, seamless integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, and improved security are compelling reasons to make the switch.
At Mercurius IT, we have extensive experience in helping businesses transition to cloud-based solutions. Our team of experts works closely with clients to ensure a smooth migration process, tailored to their specific needs. We provide end-to-end support, from planning and execution to ongoing maintenance and optimisation.
If you’re ready to take advantage of the benefits of cloud-based Dynamics 365 Business Central, contact Mercurius IT today. Let us help you unlock the full potential of your business with a solution that is designed to support your growth and success.
