8 Excellent Reasons to Upgrade from Dynamics AX to Dynamics 365

The days of painfully long product life cycles, where nothing drastically changes for 3 or 4 years, are over. As we move more and more into a cloud-based world, Dynamics 365 is a game-changer for Microsoft customers.

But with some potentially large roadblocks, like time and cost of implementations, we have the 8 excellent reasons to help convince you to upgrade from AX to Dynamics 365

1.  The end has come!

OK, this is somewhat dramatic.

However, if you were on Dynamics AX 2009 or 2012 RTM and R2, mainstream support has ended as of April 2018.

While extended support for both AX 2009 and 2012 will still be available until 2021, as time progresses you will find it harder and harder to get quick and skilled support for outdated and aging versions.

2.  You have the choice to cloud or not to cloud

Every business is unique, so it makes sense that Microsoft would continue to offer an on-premise solution as well as the option to migrate to the cloud. Working with a trusted technology partner will help determine which option is best for you.

3.  There’s better technical support

The number of cybersecurity attacks has been increasing, with new horror stories of companies falling victim due to outdated software.

The great news is that with the annual Microsoft maintenance payment, you get access to hotfixes as they’re released and means it’s easier to stay up to date!

4.  There are more people in the know

As each new version is released, it’s only natural that a consultant’s knowledge of the previous versions begins to fade. There is a deep chasm of difference between AX 4.0 and Dynamics 365, from the user experience to technology and functionality.

5.  You can add functionality with the click of a button

This could be a slight simplification… although compared to modifying Dynamics AX, it’s incredibly easy. With literally hundreds of Microsoft Partners adding their solutions to Microsoft AppSource you can find the functionality that you’re missing.

6.  You can kick your servers to the curb

Say goodbye to your aging servers and let Microsoft manage everything.

They give you a range of options to suit your budget including pay as you go. With regular updates and access to the system from anywhere, it gives you a lot more manoeuvrability.

7.  Speaking of upgrades…

While AX was an easy system to upgrade, if your system is heavily modified with non-standard processes you will find upgrading next to impossible. You will be staring down the barrel of a re-implementation. However, this would be an excellent opportunity to explore the latest platform… Microsoft Dynamics 365.

8.  Easier to scale

There will always be natural or predictable peaks and troughs within your business. The Azure platform, on which Dynamics 365 is built, lets you scale up and down as required.