Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations license
On 1st October 2019, Microsoft changed its approach to licenses and the way Dynamics 365 is priced. Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations is now divided into two separate applications: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management and Dynamics 365 Finance. Microsoft also re-branded and shortened some of the Dynamics 365 application names. They also introduced new app icons and a unified graphical identity across all Dynamics 365 apps.
The two main changes were the removal of the bundled plan (Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations applications that existed under the banner of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Unified Operations), and splitting up Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations into Dynamics 365 Finance and Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management.
These are pretty significant changes to Dynamics 365 licenses, pricing and branding, and begs the question, why has Microsoft shaken up these applications and how they are licensed?
One size does not fit all
Microsoft’s move aims to put the customer needs at the centre and has shifted centres from multi-application, one-size-fits-all Customer Unified Operations (UO), and Dynamics 365 Plans to focus on the licensing of individual applications that can be better tailored to individual user needs. This move certainly helps organisations to subscribe to the applications that align with their functional roles and scenarios, adding or removing applications as the company grows and changes over time. You can license the Dynamics 365 applications that you need when you need them.
What do the Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations license changes mean for you?
Existing customers grandfathering plan
If you have an existing license, you can continue to use the current price until your plan is up for renewal. However, when it comes to renewal, you will switch to the new price model at the best renewal price available. This will be an opportunity for you to re-evaluate your overall application needs and optimise them if necessary.
From 1 October 2019, under a grandfathering plan, existing Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations customers could extend existing licensing terms for 12 months, or following the expiry of their current Dynamics subscription term, whichever was longer.
We are working with customers to assist with renewal discussions and to ensure you have all you need and that you are only paying for what you use.
New customers
The change enables you to acquire the licensing for the individual tasks of your employees in the future. You can choose the applications that best fit your needs and only pay for what you use. This new pricing model may appear complex. However, we believe the new licensing and application split offers you the possibility to plan your Dynamics 365 business applications according to your needs and application use.
If you need help with your licensing landscape, our one-day Licensing Lab for Dynamics 365 Finance or Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management provides you with the answers and support to untangle your licensing landscape and create a plan for moving forward with Dynamics 365 Finance or Supply Chain Management.