IF, WHEN and HOW does Dynamics GP Cloud Hosting Make Sense for Your Business?
In the past, Microsoft Dynamics GP was typically implemented on-premise due to a lack of any other cost-effective and secure options. Today more and more Dynamics GP customers are not only considering IF they will move to the cloud but asking WHEN and HOW. The latest version of Dynamics GP was engineered especially for the cloud and upgrading can be easy with the right Dynamics GP partner and transition plan.
Here are the 3 questions to ask and some insight we’ve learned from our experience in helping our Dynamics GP customers move to the Cloud
IF I should move to the Cloud?
The reasons more and more Dynamics GP businesses are moving to the cloud is because of two main benefits.
- Monthly subscription pricing can save a significant amount of money over the old software licensing model, where you would purchase a per-user license and then pay a yearly enhancement fee.
- The Dynamics GP hosting provider maintains all the software, so your in-house IT Staff can be free of the burden of updates and upgrades, which are including in monthly subscriptions.
WHEN is the right time to move to the Cloud?
Almost nobody welcomes change, regardless of the benefits. One of the most common and understandable concerns expressed by Dynamics GP customers is how making the move to the cloud might impact workflow. It’s important to make sure the process is well thought out and managed. Make sure you partner with a Gold Certified Partner, such as Accountnet, for Microsoft Dynamics GP to help you every step of the way.
HOW do I move to the Cloud?
At Accountnet, we help with every phase of the move to the cloud, beginning with helping our clients identify and document requirements:
- Assess whether you currently have the right set of modules, whether they are being used, and if there is additional functionality you need immediately (or in future).
- Determine any regulatory requirements (for example, HIPPA, SOX) for your industry. Note any seasonal reporting as this may affect your decision around timing around rolling out a new system.
- We help our client determine which hosting solution is best for your company (i.e., cloud, multi-tenant hosting or dedicated hosting environment). Make sure to talk about disaster recovery requirements when considering any hosting provider.
- Identify types of users within the organization and how they will be accessing the system.
Our experienced Dynamics GP consultants help you configure the core system and any new modules. Once the initial system is set up, they will upload copies of your existing databases to the cloud servers for testing (migrations can usually be performed overnight or on a weekend with little to no downtime). Final integrations with any Microsoft Office products (like Excel and Outlook) or external applications can be completed and validated.
Contact us at Accountnet today if you’re ready to take the next step toward the Cloud with Microsoft Dynamics GP or call 212-Dynamics
About Accountnet
Accountnet routinely helps clients find the right business solutions for their company. Whether you are already a Microsoft Dynamics GP or Microsoft Dynamics SL customer, or want to explore how these accounting systems can help you run and grow your small to mid-sized business, we are here to help.
Our Accountnet implementation experts offer a needs assessment service that will help you determine your business’s unique requirements and find the right accounting and BI reporting solution for you. We are a Gold Certified Partner for Microsoft Dynamics, and can help you determine whether Microsoft Dynamics GP or Microsoft Dynamics SL, paired with powerful BI reporting tools, might benefit your operation in the cloud or on your servers—the choice is yours.
At Accountnet, we have helped hundreds of companies take the step towards the cloud. Our experienced and dedicated team of consultants offer a free phone consultation and a no-obligation review of your software to help you determine the right solution for your company.
Drop us a note or give us a call at 212-244-9009 to get started.
Another version of this article was posted on Accountnet's blog: Microsoft Dynamics GP: Is the Cloud Easier Than You Think?
Photo courtesy of freedigitalimages.net by pannawat
