In the field of ERP systems, we observe a continous development of new functionalities, integration possibilities are being added all the time and new technologies are being implemented. At the same time, research shows that “Eight out of ten enterprises (80%) admit that they have modified their ERP system in a moderate or significant way to adapt it to the unique business requirements of their companies” (source: https://www.computerworld.pl). Therefore, the ERP system upgrade process is usually expensive and long-lasting. Microsoft has announced a new solution to this problem, the reconciliation of these two seemingly contradictory aims: to allow clients to keep modifications made for their needs and at the same time to provide new functionalities “on a regular basis”. Microsoft has just announced further steps in this direction. Earlier this year, the company committed to delivering major Ms Dynamics 365 F&O updates twice a year to ensure predictability around new opportunities and allow a clear plan to its customers and partners. This is to reduce the cost of upgrades, provide all users with access to the latest features, improve performance and offer better support.
Here are some of the key points provided on Microsoft blog, in a post by Mo Osborne, Vice President and Operational Director of Microsoft Business Applications Engineering:
-All Microsoft Dynamics 365 applications will now target two major updates per year in April and October. They will offer new features and functionalities of the program. As Mo Osborne explains: “These updates will be compatible with previous versions, so your applications and customizations will continue to work after the upgrade. New features with serious, disruptive navigation changes in the user interface are disabled by default. This means that administrators will be able to first test the inclusion these functions to organize them.”
-Regular performance updates and improved program reliability will continue to be implemented throughout the year. Microsoft distributes updates over time and closely monitors its processes in the event of any problems.
– Microsoft offers access to the Dynamics 365 service upgrade before being deployed to production. Beginning with the update in April 2019, you will be able to approve major updates in the test environment before running the program. “If you encounter any problems while testing the update, Microsoft will work closely to support you and solve your problems in a timely manner to ensure the continuity of your organization,” says Mo Osborne.
We would like to remind you that the most important publications with information about upgrades will be published on the Microsoft blog, which started running from the first publication this spring (Spring release update). This is being continued as a standard practice, as Mo Osborne announced. The new blog serves as a reference point for customers who can look for additional details.
Information about upcoming updates will be released a few months before each major update to help companies plan implementation of new opportunities. Information on the release of the autumn update 2018 will be published on July 23 at the Summit of Business Applications Summit in Seattle.