Hosting Microsoft Dynamics GP on Azure: Is It Right for You? 

Written by Gabrielle Manganiello

The shift towards cloud-based solutions is undeniable, especially as technology continues to advance and businesses strive to remain up to date. While many businesses may want to embrace innovation, we still find several that are hesitant to implement an entirely new ERP system, such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC). Although Microsoft has not announced the ‘end of life’ for Microsoft Great Plains (GP), there’s a push towards cloud-based technology solutions. Hosting GP inside of Azure may be a great starting path to help you embrace this innovation.  

What is Azure? 

The Azure Cloud Platform is a comprehensive suite of products and services that empowers businesses to build, deploy, and manage applications and services through a vast global network of data centers managed by Microsoft. It is a flexible and cost-effective approach for all industries.  

What are some of the benefits of hosting GP inside of Azure? 

Scalability and Flexibility: 

One of the advantages of Azure Cloud is its scalability and flexibility. While traditional on-premises solutions often struggle to accommodate fluctuating workloads and evolving business needs, you have the power to scale resources up or down on-demand. This ensures optimal performance and cost-efficiency. Whether you’re experiencing seasonal spikes in demand or planning for long-term growth, Azure offers the ability to adapt to your requirements seamlessly. 

Enhanced Security and Compliance: 

As security concerns are at the forefront of every organization’s mind, Microsoft Azure provides the infrastructure you need to run Microsoft Dynamics GP on a dependable, secure, and scalable cloud platform. With built-in threat detection, encryption, and regular compliance audits, Azure ensures that your Dynamics GP data remains secure and compliant with industry standards and regulations. 

Improved Accessibility and Collaboration: 

While on-premise deployments necessitate local infrastructure and are typically accessed via the organization’s local network or remote access methods, Azure-hosted deployments offer greater accessibility. The appropriate setup and configuration allow users to access Dynamics GP from anywhere with an internet connection, using web browsers or remote desktop connections. 

Cost Savings and Predictability: 

Traditional on-premises deployments often incur significant upfront hardware and infrastructure costs, along with ongoing maintenance expenses. Azure’s pay-as-you-go pricing model eliminates the need for substantial capital expenditures, allowing you to allocate resources more efficiently. Additionally, Azure provides transparent billing and cost management tools, giving you greater visibility and control over your IT spending. By migrating Dynamics GP to Azure, you can achieve cost savings while enjoying predictable monthly expenses. 

Hosting Dynamics GP on Azure not only addresses critical requirements such as scalability, security, accessibility, and cost-efficiency but also signifies a proactive embrace of innovation. It’s important to recognize that the Dynamics GP deployed in Microsoft Azure mirrors the familiar version deployed in your own office or data center, ensuring consistency and ease of use. Furthermore, the flexibility to configure infrastructure services according to the specific needs of your Dynamics GP deployment allows for tailored solutions that maximize performance and efficiency. With Azure’s extensive suite of products and services, businesses in every sector can harness the cloud’s transformative capabilities to streamline operations, foster collaboration, and enhance growth in today’s digital landscape. 

 

To learn more about hosting Microsoft Dynamics GP on Azure, click here.

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