The new version of Dynamics NAV, called Dynamics 365 Business Central On-Premises has been launched!

Starting from October, Microsoft has made available a new version of Dynamics NAV, which from now on will be named  Dynamics 365 Business Central On-Premises. Dynamics 365 Business Central is actually a version of Dynamics NAV for Cloud only, and till recently it did not have all the functionalities  existing in Dynamics NAV.

But from now on the two products will have the same functionalities, and with Dynamics 365 Business Central On-Premises Dynamics NAV steps into a new era. Anyway, what bring new this version?

User interface modernized, accesible through Web client

Web client has been available for Dynamics NAV’s users since previous versions, but in this version it is a true alternative to Windows client. The Web client has a new design and provides various capabilities, such the possibility to copy into the system records directly from Excel sheets, or an advanced search feature called “Tell Me”, which suggests in a structured way possible actions, appropiate with what is searched for. In fact, till 2020, Microsoft wants to replace entirely the Windows client with Web client.

Intelligent Cloud Insights

Though we are  speaking of a on-premises version, it is possible, by connecting to cloud services, to access features based on machine learning such: forecasts regarding cash-flow based on payments history or actions suggestion for replenishing the inventory, or warning about bad debtors.

Hybrid deployment scenarios and cloud migration

Since Dynamics NAV and Dynamics 365 Business Central have now the same source code, transition from first to the second can be made easily, if the customer wants. There is an option for the customer to use on-premises version but with data synchronized in cloud, in order to benefit of all the services available in cloud (business intelligence, machine learning etc.)

Yet, for the migration to be made as seamless as possible, customizations have to be  made through extensions, in the new development environment, called Visual Studio Code. For earlier versions of  Dynamics NAV, migration will be possible only through conversion of customizations into extensions.

Access anywhere

Now users can access the new version of Dynamics NAV from any device (laptop, desktop, tablet or smartphone) having the same user experience which allows them to be efficient, no matter where they are located and what type of device they are using.