Top 3 Reasons to Move from Microsoft GP to the Cloud Today

If you're still operating Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains) on-premise, you probably value the control and security that comes with hosting your data in-house. Knowing exactly where your information resides and having a dedicated team on-site for support gives you a sense of confidence in your operations.

While you may want to stick with Dynamics GP, there's a better (and more sustainable) path forward. While hosting Great Plains on-premise has its merits, the advantages of transitioning to cloud hosting like Dynamics Business Central far outweigh the benefits of staying put. Here are the top reasons to move your Microsoft GP to the cloud before experiencing negative impacts of Microsoft's sunsetting of the ERP platform.

Benefits of Migrating Dynamics GP to the cloud

#1: Reduced Overall Costs

Shifting Microsoft GP to cloud-based platforms like Dynamics Business Central brings about a multitude of transformations for businesses, with one of the most impactful being the financial benefits of this transition. Opting for a cloud-based solution means you no longer have to consistently shell out money for upgrades, updates, and security patches. Even if you currently possess on-premise equipment, the hefty costs linked to necessary maintenance are wiped out with a cloud-based alternative. While it's common knowledge that maintaining an in-house IT department comes with significant expenses, embracing a cloud-based solution shifts the focus away from tending to aging servers, allowing bandwidth to be allocated to more pressing tasks.

Furthermore, cloud hosting ensures that businesses stay up to date on crucial aspects such as security, enhanced features, seamless interaction with cloud-centric networks, preempting unexpected system failures, and overall reliability. All these essential components are safeguarded in a cost-efficient manner when transitioning to the cloud. Embrace scalability with cloud solutions as you unlock the potential to effortlessly support business growth without the need for costly alterations to your existing IT infrastructure.

#2: Better Backup and Security

This benefit has a dual impact. Firstly, in an effort to cut costs, many companies may choose to delay or avoid investing in critical system updates and upgrades. However, this decision can significantly heighten security risks and potentially lead to a situation far more expensive than the incremental cost of necessary upgrades. By transitioning to the cloud, the expenses of hardware and software upgrades are included at a much more affordable rate compared to on-premise hosting.

Secondly, when businesses migrate Dynamics GP to the cloud, their critical data is backed up more frequently and securely. Cloud-hosted backups of essential data systems are conducted more regularly than in-house systems, safeguarding sensitive information in top-of-the-line data centers owned and operated by Microsoft. Furthermore, with a cloud-hosted solution, you can rest assured knowing that multiple redundancies are in place to protect your data. While you may feel confident in the security of your on-site data, having quick access to your information from the cloud in the event of system attacks or natural disasters provides invaluable peace of mind.

#3: Software-as-a-service (SaaS) Perks

Cloud-based ERP operates on a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, allowing you to seamlessly receive upgrades and enhancements as soon as they are released, rather than waiting for large service packs to access important updates. This advantage not only unlocks the potential for SaaS capabilities to integrate with various applications and tools, but also extends operational efficiencies beyond what your current on-premise solution can offer. Moreover, if you prioritize flexibility and mobility in your operations, these advancements are easily accessible from any location worldwide, at any given time, and can be implemented faster than traditional on-premise upgrades. Embracing SaaS tailored for the cloud has the power to revolutionize the way you conduct business.

Make the Move Today

We understand that every business decision is a difficult one. And with the news that Dynamics GP is sunsetting, you have big choices to make. Whether you're wanting to stick with Dynamics GP or migrate, we have the tools (including Dynamics Business Central) you need to be successful. 

As your software solutions partner, Centre Technologies is dedicated to being a value-added partner for your organization. Whether you’re convinced to make the switch to the cloud or want more information, we’re here for you. Contact us and see what a cloud-hosted ERP solution can offer you.