Microsoft Intelligent Cloud Transforms Your GP Data!

Microsoft Dynamics GP is a staple in the accounting and ERP space. Great Plains has been around since 1981 and was acquired by Microsoft in the year 2000. After the acquisition, the software boomed and businesses now have years upon years of data stored on their GP servers. This makes many a bit leery of switching accounting systems let alone moving all of their data to the cloud. A lot of people are perfectly happy paying a ton for extra IT help, emergency recovery systems, and hardware replacement. Microsoft, however, has different ideas.

Intelligent Cloud

Development of the intelligent cloud has been somewhat of a revolution for Microsoft. The intelligent cloud can do many things, but most important to accountants is what it does with your GP data. You can now upload all that data to the cloud to pull reports and create dashboards by harnessing the power Dynamics 365 Business Central, the latest in Microsoft accounting software.

The release of Dynamics GP 2018 R2 added “Intelligent Edge” functionality which is essential for communication with the Intelligent Cloud. This feature creates a bridge for on-premises systems like GP, SL, and NAV to communicate with the cloud and move data to programs like Power BI, Flow, and Dynamics Business Central. Now, this won’t allow you to move data back to GP, but it’s a start.

Your Data, Unlocked

The documentation from Microsoft clearly states “When the connection is made, we securely replicate your on-premises data to the intelligent cloud. You simply decide which companies you want to replicate (all if you choose), and then, within the main pages of your on-premises solution, we’ll deliver back actionable analysis and content.”. The upside to this, however, is that they are making Dynamics Business Central licenses for GP users pretty affordable.

Dynamics Business Central lets you manage your financials, automate and secure your supply chain, sell smarter and improve customer service, keep projects on time and under budget, and optimize your operations. You get an all-in-one business management solution that’s easy to use and adapt, helping you connect your business and make smarter decisions. With seamless Office 365 integration, you can send emails and notices without leaving your ERP system.

This looks to be a great start for those who want to dip their toes in the cloud but aren’t sure if they want to fully commit yet. Getting a taste of the power and versatility that the new platform has should be enough to sway even the most hardened on-premises GP user. You can get a free 30-day trial of Business Central to demo the software before you commit.

As always, Alta Vista Technology would love to be part of your cloud plan. Give us a call at 855.913.3228 or shoot us an email at info@altavistatech.com. We take pride in being part of your solution.