3 steps to the Cloud for Microsoft Dynamics GP Customers
If you are a Microsoft Dynamics GP customer and you haven’t moved to the cloud yet, odds are it is on your mind to start planning for the cloud. Microsoft has designed the newest versions of Dynamics GP with the cloud in mind, and with a simple 3 step process it might be easier than you think to upgrade to the cloud and get the latest Dynamics GP release.
Here are a few benefits of a cloud upgrade for Microsoft Dynamics GP customers:
Improved mobility, security and scalability over an on-premise deployment.
Your hosting provider maintains the software so updates and upgrades are including in monthly pricing.
Scale your system without growing your IT staff as GP is managed by your provider.
Never lose money on a user license again with the convenience of monthly subscription pricing
Customers with lapsed Dynamics GP maintenance plans can eliminate back-fees by upgrading to the cloud so they can add modules and new users.
Despite the benefits of the cloud, any big change to an organization creates fears around cost, compliance and interruption to the flow of business. The following three step process will make the move to the cloud seamless and minimize interruption to business while saving money for Dynamics GP customers. The following three steps will help you on your way to launching a Microsoft Dynamics GP cloud solution.
Step 1: Determine current and future requirements
Determine the upgrade path and what ISV solutions you are currently using
Determine if the right mix of modules are being used and if additional functionality is needed
Determine types of users needed (Full vs Limited, vs Self-service)
Determine your company’s regulatory requirements (SOX, HIPPA, FDA, etc.)
Choose a hosting environment (cloud, multi-tenant hosting or dedicated hosting)
Determine your disaster recovery requirements and propose a plan that meets your needs
Provide a pricing quote that best matches your needs today with flexibility for growth
Validate all your requirements in a comprehensive contract
Work with your partner to help determine the right mix of modules and ISV or add-on solutions that might be needed.
Step 2: Work with your Dynamics Partner to determine timing or TEST and LIVE dates:
Validate timing of TEST and LIVE migrations
Obtain copies of your existing database and load it to cloud servers for testing. Simple migrations can be performed over a weekend or week-night with no downtime to the customer. More complicated migrations require a two-step migration in which you continue to use your existing system during the TEST phase.
Two-step migrations, especially those converting from one version to another will require the Dynamics partner to assist with data conversion, validation and training on new features and functionality. Scheduling is done at your convenience typically with little or no down time.
Turn your system over to your partner for configuration and setup of any new modules or functionality
Test and validate the installation of all products with your Dynamics Partner
Step 3: Getting your users connected and finalize monitoring of services
Connect your users to the cloud (any device any printer) and validate all applications
Finalize all integrations (Office applications Word, Excel, Outlook) and connecting to all external applications
Set up all monitoring of servers and services
Invoke your backup plans and test restore-plan dates
Keeping in mind seasonality, reporting requirements and compliance requirements, timing your cloud upgrade path is critical to ensure that your Dynamics GP Cloud solution is up and running in a timely manner in order to reduce friction and gain the fastest time to value.
Whether your company is a large enterprise or a small mom-and-pop, the 3 steps to the cloud for Microsoft Dynamics GP users listed above will help existing Dynamics GP customers be successful on their path to a Microsoft Dynamics GP cloud system.
With more than 20 years of experience implementing Microsoft Dynamics GP with 15-plus years hosting ERP in the cloud, RoseASP has perfected the Dynamics cloud experience for our customers. We offer each of our customers a unique timing requirement for transition. For implantation emergencies our team can deliver a go-live date within 24 hours when necessary, and even the most detailed planned deployments with heavy compliance requirements can be achieved in 90 days or less.