Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft's newest and best solution, has been released. Naturally, you'll have many questions about what it is, how it is an improvement on Dynamics CRM or Dynamics AX, and how much it will cost. This blog kicks off a deep-dive series where we discuss the benefits and dig down into some very special features in Dynamics 365.
Dynamics 365: What is it?
is a cloud-based solution that includes both CRM and ERP, as well as business intelligence and integration with productivity tools. It is based on apps (Applications) that you choose based on your needs and budget. It comes in two editions: Enterprise and Business.
Dynamics 365 Enterprise Edition combines Dynamics CRM with Dynamics AX, an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solution.
What does Microsoft Dynamics 365 include?
Dynamics 365 is truly revolutionary because it breaks down the silos between functional areas, incorporating both CRM and ERP into a single, cloud-based solution. Dynamics 365 apps include: Sales, Field Service, Customer Service, Project Service, Marketing, Financials and Operations. Microsoft has also introduced two tools for customizing Dynamics 365—PowerApps and Flow.
PowerApps is a fast, easy, no-code approach to creating mobile, task-specific apps for your specific needs. For instance, you can create a time and expense app that updates CRM from a mobile device.
Flow, the Microsoft version of IFTTT or Zapier, is a workflow engine that works with all apps and third-party applications.
What does Microsoft Dynamics 365 cost?
As with any business application, the cost for Dynamics 365 depends on how it is being used in your organization. However, here are the basics (these are standard list prices. Your Microsoft Dynamics Partner can give you a more comprehensive estimate).
Dynamics 365 Business Edition (generally for organizations with fewer than 250 users):
The price for Financials only is $40 per full user per month. The Business Edition Plan, which is coming soon, will include Sales, Marketing and Customer Service modules representing a lighter version of Dynamics CRM Online. This plan is $50.
Dynamics 365 Enterprise Edition (generally for organizations with 250+ users):
Enterprise Edition is available in two plans. Plan One, at $115 per user per month, includes Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Project Service, Field Services, PowerApps and Flow. It does not include Operations, the ERP app.
Plan Two, at $210 per month, includes all of the above plus Operations.
Microsoft also offers a light user license (Team license) for $10 per user per month. This license allows mostly read-only with limited ability to create activities and notes.
Dynamics 365 can be extended with apps that allow you to customize your solution. AppSource is Microsoft's version of the Apple App Store or Google play. You can research, evaluate, and purchase apps and extensions here.
Integration with Office 365
Because Dynamics 365 is within the same suite, it integrates seamlessly with Office 365. A new Outlook integration also adds new features and improvements.
We will diving deeper into Dynamics 365 over the coming months, but for now, we are excited that it delivers not only new features but improved capabilities that will help you digitally transform your organization.
To see Microsoft Dynamics 365 in action, . Watch for more blogs and webcasts as part of the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Deep Dive Series. To discuss an upgrade to Dynamics 365, .
