What is Microsoft Dynamics 365?

If you sincerely want to transform your business to gain an unmatched winning competitive advantage, then it’s time to discover the power of the newly released Microsoft Dynamics 365.

It’s no secret that businesses who opt to implement the use of CRM systems can boost their revenue. Being able to quickly access the entire history of a customer at the click of a button can open up a slew of new sales opportunities. Implementing a CRM system can also makes it possible to segment contacts for marketing communication opportunities.

Say hello to the cloud-based Dynamics 365 that has been smartly designed to be a combination of ERP and CRM enterprise. It’s been styled to be the ultimate system in terms of flexibility and extensibility.

A hybrid of Microsoft Dynamics AX combined with Microsoft Dynamics CRM means this is the latest evolution in the Microsoft stable.

Something to keep in mind that by installing Dynamics 365, you won’t be saying goodbye to configuration. It’s going to introduce a good starting point for you. However, once you start to use it, you can see how it can transform your business processes for the better.

Dynamics 365 Has a “Common Data Model”

Integration and synchronisation of data between applications has been made easier than ever by Microsoft. They have used a common data model this time around knowing that it’s the master data and use a service called Microsoft Flow to move data to your applications to keep data synchronised across the applications. It makes it possible for the system to be able to operate with apps such as Microsoft Office 365, the Internet of Things, Power BI, Power Apps, Cortana Intelligence and much more.

A major benefit of this approach is that any company focused customisations can then be used by others. This increased repeatability means that there are lower costs as it takes less time and resources to customise when elements are reusable.

Dynamics 365 is in the Cloud

Microsoft has committed to using the cloud and it’s not a surprise that this product uses it. There is more opportunity for control, innovation and standardisation through using the cloud too.

There are two editions available

Dynamics 365 comes in two editions. There is the ‘Enterprise’ version which is a hybrid of Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Microsoft Dynamics AX. This is the version that is higher-powered and is recommended for organisations with more than 250 employees.

It’s six modules are:

  1. Operations – this module was known as Microsoft Dynamics AX. It contains the operations and financials of dynamics AX.
  2. Sales – the sales process functionality and lead management of Dynamics CRM.
  3. Marketing – Microsoft has partnered with Adobe Marketing Cloud for Dynamics 365, due for release in Spring 2017.
  4. Customer service – this module is CRM with new and legacy functionality and partnerships.
  5. Project service – perfect for professional services based business, this module supports resource scheduling, time recording and estimation of projects.
  6. Field service – delivers the mobility of the cloud with extra features that field agents or workers would find beneficial.

Where’s Microsoft Dynamics CRM gone?

For years, we’ve be saying that Microsoft Dynamics CRM is much more than CRM, it’s a Business Applications System, to remove the confusion, it’s been renamed to Dynamics 365, and the traditional CRM is called Sales.

Can I see Dynamics 365 in action?

You can set up a free 30 day trail today and select from the following components, all of which are powered by Dynamics 365 (formally known as Microsoft Dynamics CRM).

Dynamics 365, Business Edition

Suited to the smaller business with 10 to 250 employees, the ‘Business’ version is still running on the Cloud and comes with three modules.

Financials – based on Microsoft Dynamics NAV but without the manufacturing function.
Sales – optimised for SMB customers, this module is based on Dynamics CRM
Marketing – will be released in Spring 2017.

However, this is not a replacement for Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions.

Or not yet anyway.. Microsoft is apparently planning to enhance Dynamics, GP, NAV and SL, support and license them to new clients.

With Dynamics AX and Dynamics CRM combining to become Dynamics 365, that is probably the end of any mention of them by Microsoft.

However, GP,NAV and Sl will still be used as they have an extensive customer base and they also work particularly well with regards to an on premise market.

In summary, the release of a new Dynamics 365 product is exciting and we look forward to working with it and recommend it to our clients.


Zachery Walsh O'Brien

Written By: Zachery Walsh O'Brien

Zachery is a Web Developer with a great eye for front end web development. He has studied Graphic Design, received a Higher National Diploma in Visual Communications, and interned as a Graphic Designer upon leaving college in a digital design agency in Ireland. Zachery originally focused on WordPress web design but has now diversified his skillset towards a web development role being able to leverage many front end languages and frameworks.

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