| Dimension | On-Premises | Business Central Online |
|---|---|---|
| Updates | Manual major-version upgrades | Automatic — two releases per year, zero downtime |
| Infrastructure | Customer-managed servers, backups, patching | Fully managed by Microsoft on Azure |
| AI & Copilot | Limited — most Copilot features are cloud-only | Full access to Copilot and AI capabilities |
| Integrations | Custom point-to-point connections | 5,000+ apps available via Microsoft AppSource |
| Support lifecycle | Tied to specific version end-of-support dates | Evergreen — always on the latest supported version |
| Developer ecosystem | Smaller pool, especially for legacy C/AL | Growing AL developer community worldwide |
| Cost model | Upfront licenses + ongoing infrastructure | Monthly subscription per user |
Services
Cloud Migration
Move from Dynamics NAV, GP, AX, SL, or on-premises to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Online. Microsoft incentive programs can reduce your migration costs.
Supported source systems
We Migrate From Any Dynamics Platform
Each system has a documented migration path to Business Central Online. We have completed migrations from all of the following.
Dynamics NAV
Navision
→ Business Central Online
Dynamics GP
Great Plains
→ Business Central Online
Dynamics AX
Axapta
→ Business Central Online
Dynamics SL
Solomon
→ Business Central Online
Business Central
On-Premises
→ Business Central Online
Cloud vs on-premises
What Changes When You Move to the Cloud
Business Central Online and On-Premises share the same application code. The differences are in how the platform is managed, updated, and extended.
Microsoft migration incentives
Programs That Reduce Migration Costs
Microsoft offers several incentive programs for customers moving from on-premises Dynamics to Business Central Online. As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, we help you identify eligibility and handle enrollment.
PROMOTIONAL PRICING
Bridge to the Cloud
Discounted cloud licensing for customers migrating from on-premises Dynamics with an active Enhancement Plan. Designed to keep software costs comparable to what you already pay.
Eligible: NAV, GP, AX, SL, Business Central On-Premises
Requirement: Active or recently lapsed Enhancement Plan
Benefit: Cloud subscription at comparable cost to current EP
Requirement: Active or recently lapsed Enhancement Plan
Benefit: Cloud subscription at comparable cost to current EP
IMPLEMENTATION FUNDING
Business Central Migration Voucher
Microsoft-funded voucher that covers a portion of implementation services. Available when implementation cost is the primary barrier to migration.
Eligible: NAV, GP, AX, SL, Business Central On-Premises
Target: Business Central Online
Benefit: Reduced implementation costs through Microsoft funding
Target: Business Central Online
Benefit: Reduced implementation costs through Microsoft funding
DEPLOYMENT SUPPORT
Deployment Voucher
Incentive funding to accelerate deployment of Dynamics 365 and Microsoft Power Platform, including AI process automation with Copilot Studio.
Scope: Dynamics 365 + Power Platform
Includes: AI process automation deployment
Benefit: Funded deployment acceleration
Includes: AI process automation deployment
Benefit: Funded deployment acceleration
ENTERPRISE
Strategic Investment Fund
For large-scale migrations, Microsoft co-invests to reduce cost barriers. Typically paired with a Copilot Studio deployment requirement within 90 days.
Scale: Enterprise and large corporate
Includes: AI agent deployment with Copilot Studio
Benefit: Significant co-investment from Microsoft
Includes: AI agent deployment with Copilot Studio
Benefit: Significant co-investment from Microsoft
GO-LIVE SUPPORT
Business Central Concierge
Microsoft-backed program providing expert guidance throughout implementation and go-live, including migration from on-premises systems.
Scope: Business Central Online implementations
Includes: Technical guidance, go-live support
Benefit: Microsoft expert oversight at no extra cost
Includes: Technical guidance, go-live support
Benefit: Microsoft expert oversight at no extra cost
PRE-SALES
ERP Envisioning & Immersion
Interactive workshops where your team experiences Business Central before committing. Map your current processes to the cloud solution in a hands-on environment.
Format: Partner-led interactive sessions
Audience: Decision makers and key users
Benefit: Evaluate before you commit
Audience: Decision makers and key users
Benefit: Evaluate before you commit
How we work
Migration Process
Every migration follows a structured six-phase approach. Timeline depends on data volume, customizations, and integrations — typically 4 to 16 weeks.
01
Assessment & Eligibility
We analyze your current system, data volume, customizations, and integrations. We identify which Microsoft incentive programs you qualify for.
02
Planning & Enrollment
Detailed migration plan with timeline, budget, and risk mitigation. We handle Microsoft program nominations and approvals on your behalf.
03
Data Migration & Configuration
Master data, open transactions, and historical data transferred to Business Central Online. Standard configuration aligned with your business processes.
04
Extension & Integration Build
Legacy customizations rebuilt as modern AL extensions. API integrations reconnected. AppSource apps replace custom code where possible.
05
Testing & Validation
End-to-end user acceptance testing. Data reconciliation against the source system. Performance validation and security review.
06
Go-Live & Hypercare
Cutover execution with rollback plan. Dedicated support during the first weeks. Business Central Concierge program activated for Microsoft-backed assistance.
Key Figures
Reference points from our migration projects and the Microsoft platform.
4–16w
Typical timeline
Lift-and-shift 4–8 weeks. Full re-implementation 8–16 weeks.
99.9%
Uptime SLA
Microsoft-guaranteed availability for Business Central Online.
2/yr
Major releases
Wave 1 (April) and Wave 2 (October), deployed automatically.
5,000+
AppSource apps
Third-party integrations available in the Microsoft marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
Which on-premises Dynamics systems can be migrated?
We migrate from all legacy Microsoft Dynamics platforms:
- Dynamics NAV — all versions from 3.x onwards
- Dynamics GP (Great Plains)
- Dynamics AX
- Dynamics SL (Solomon)
- Business Central On-Premises
All paths lead to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Online.
Are there Microsoft programs to reduce migration costs?
Yes. Microsoft offers several incentive programs:
- Bridge to Cloud (BTC3) — 30% discount on cloud licenses for 3 years
- Migration Vouchers — fund implementation services
- Deployment Vouchers — subsidise partner-led deployment
- BC Concierge program — guided migration support from Microsoft
We identify which programs you qualify for and handle enrolment.
How long does a migration take?
Timelines depend on the migration approach:
- Lift-and-shift — 4–8 weeks (data migration, minimal process change)
- Re-implementation with process optimisation — 8–16 weeks
Key factors: number of customisations, data volume, and integrations. We confirm a realistic timeline after a free assessment.
Will I lose my customizations?
No. Every legacy customisation is handled through one of three paths:
- Replace — match with a standard Business Central feature that now covers the requirement
- Rebuild — re-develop as a modern AL extension
- Adopt — substitute with a certified AppSource app
Most customers find they need fewer customisations in the cloud because the standard product has expanded significantly.
What about my historical data?
We migrate master data, open transactions, and as much historical data as needed. Business Central's cloud migration tools handle the transfer. Data that doesn't migrate can be archived for reference.
Do I need an active Enhancement Plan?
For Bridge to Cloud promotional pricing, your Enhancement Plan must be current or lapsed less than 30 days. For other programs like Migration Vouchers, different eligibility criteria apply. We assess all options during the initial consultation.
Is on-premises still a valid option?
Yes. Business Central On-Premises remains a supported deployment model for organizations with specific regulatory, data-residency, or infrastructure requirements. We help you evaluate both options objectively — see our detailed comparison at /microsoft/business-central/cloud-vs-on-premise.
Considering a migration?
We provide a free migration assessment — covering your current system, eligible incentive programs, timeline, and budget estimate.