Joining the Microsoft business application ecosystem – is it worth it?

Looking for new business software can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to something that will hopefully be an all-encompassing solution, like an ERP or CRM system. No matter what kind of system you’re in the market for, there are quite a few options out there, and for such a crucial backbone to everyday business processes, understandably no quick decisions can be made.

If you have never used Microsoft products before, let alone invested in a robust business application, you may not know where to begin looking for the right fit for your business needs. Shopping around within the Microsoft ecosystem can feel overwhelming, with so many different applications and all with vast functions, features, and capabilities.

Or maybe you’ve already dipped your toes into smaller-scale Microsoft products like business essentials Word, Excel, or Outlook, and you are considering adding a heavyweight app into your stack. If you’re looking to add productivity powerhouses like Dynamics 365 Business Central or CRM applications like Dynamics 365 Sales and Marketing into your toolbelt, read on for some of the benefits you can expect when you join the Microsoft business application ecosystem.

Scalable solutions

If you have a specific system or application in mind but aren’t sure how much or how little service you’ll need, you’re still in the right place. A major appeal of Microsoft business applications is that they are incredibly scalable, with flexible options for licensing and hosting. No matter if your business grows rapidly and adds users, or decides to downsize and remove users, it can all be easily done. Microsoft will be there at every step of the way with reliable, high-quality solutions.

Cloud hosting and security

Another bonus of Microsoft’s business apps is the ability to go completely cloud-based. With the Azure cloud, hosting is out of sight and out of mind (quite literally, as server rooms and on-premise hosting are slowly becoming a thing of the past—but, if you’re not ready to go completely cloud, many applications are able to be hosted on-premise), with robust built-in security features to boot. Not only are there major benefits to moving to a cloud-based ERP, embracing the cloud provides security enhancements from the time you sign in to the time you log out.

If you aren’t quite ready for a cloud-based ERP system, Microsoft still has you covered. Dynamics GP has an extended lifecycle, meaning it will be supported until 2028 (and potentially beyond). Learn more about that in a blog we wrote about GP’s extended service lifecycle and what that means in terms of support and service.

Unified app interface

Alleviate stress caused by switching between applications and software every day with access to key functions within one unified app interface (UI). Instead of using multiple software for accounting, marketing campaign management, sales and lead tracking, customer service management, and lead nurturing—to name a few—Microsoft apps expertly house multiple business functions within a single application interface. Plus, many apps stack on top of one another—like Dynamics 365 Marketing and Sales—to optimize processes and streamline workflows. Collaboration and real-time sharing with a Teams integration gives the ability for multiple users to access the app workspaces at once, teams can work more efficiently, cut out unnecessary downtime, and get more done.

Integration with other Microsoft apps

Speaking of integrations, Microsoft applications are built with teamwork in mind, so it’s easy to start with one app and add others to your stack. Basics like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook are able to integrate into business applications and vice versa – data from Business Central can be generated into a PowerPoint presentation, and sales invoices can be sent with an Outlook add-in. Not to mention cloud storage and in-app collaboration using Teams to keep everyone connected when it matters.

Using a CRM system can simplify a wide range of customer-centric activities, ranging from social media presence, email marketing, and customer service management contact record keeping, campaign execution, lead nurturing, and more. Integrating marketing materials into a CRM system is an all-in-one solution that allows users to toggle between functions, multitask, and zoom into minute customer details, all without ever losing sight of the big picture. Plus, sales and marketing teams can work harmoniously together to make the most out of joint efforts.

Customizable to business needs

Another merit to Microsoft’s business applications is that they are all fully functional and operational out-of-the-box, meaning that you don’t have to make major changes on the back end for these things to work for specific, unique business needs. Pre-loaded with a myriad of powerful functionalities and features, you could use as-is for years without feeling like you’re missing out on anything. But they’re also incredibly easy to upgrade and customize, and you don’t need to be a senior developer or coding expert to build customized configurations. There are plenty of ways to implement low- or no-code solutions into your application, with tons of pre-built extensions and add-ons available in AppSource.

In addition to customizing app functions, user access and security roles can be configured for users to have access to everything they need without unnecessary features cluttering the workspace. Plus, this alleviates stress over a situation where, say, a standard user might accidentally change a setting that reconfigures the app at a managerial level. People on the marketing team likely don’t need access to the same features that a financial controller would need, so users across all security roles can work with the ease of mind knowing that configurable settings keep everyone’s workspace free from the clutter of unnecessary modules, and sensitive information is kept under lock and key, only available to the right people.

Versatile across multiple industries

Microsoft business apps are a cut above the rest because of their well-rounded approach to addressing the needs of businesses of all sizes, with a dozen different industries that apps can be geared toward. Dynamics GP, NAV, Business Central, and CRM applications are incredibly versatile, so whether you work in retail, healthcare, manufacturing, government, or entertainment, your business application works exactly the way you need it to.

Retail businesses may deploy Dynamics 365 Marketing with a Power Platform integration for robust insights on customer journeys, inventory, planning, store management, and analytics – all with compelling data visualizations. Microsoft for healthcare can help organizations optimize operations with industry-specific configurations, all while maintaining privacy and security standards to protect sensitive health data. Manufacturing and distribution will notoriously not need the same functions as a healthcare organization – instead, increase operational efficiency by utilizing features for supply chain visibility, inventory and logistics management, and work smarter with Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities, cloud connectivity, and AI insights.

Maybe you’ve heard of the NFL’s use of Teams for unique live events to engage fans on gamedays, and you want in on the fun. The possibilities are endless when a bit of brainstorming, a little creativity, and world-class engagement tools are combined for media and entertainment organizations. Dynamics 365 Marketing allows you to create, manage, and distribute content in addition to measuring analytics and insights, all in one spot. Government and public agencies can use Microsoft business apps to continue to serve their constituents with digitized services, remote capabilities, and unique opportunities for virtual engagement, all with reliable security and privacy compliance configurations. Organizations of all sizes can empower their workforce and promote cross-agency collaboration with the use of Dynamics 365 and Microsoft 365 suites.

Cutting-edge industry advancements

At this point, Microsoft is synonymous with putting out high quality and constantly advancing technology with features that help everyday people with everyday tasks. Whether it’s exciting VR capabilities, durable and sleek computers, best-selling gaming consoles, and tried-and-true office software, Microsoft provides millions around the world with reliable solutions. It’s not hard to see why Microsoft’s business applications are a worthwhile investment in the long-term function of businesses of all sizes. Business Central and other Dynamics 365 applications are the right choice to drive your digital transformation, and not only that, but joining the Microsoft ecosystem means you also have access to a community knowledgeable partners, technical support, and vast documentation to aid you in your journey. Plus, new features are brought to apps regularly, and most upgrades are based on user feedback—meaning they provide real-life fixes for the people who use the apps most.

If you still need a bit more information, that’s okay too. Our team of knowledgeable consultants can answer your questions, help you find the right fit for your business needs, and even set up a free demo so you can see the powerful features of the Microsoft business apps up close and personal.