Revisiting the Cloud: Why Hybrid Solutions for Microsoft Dynamics GP Ring True

Way back in November 2010 I wrote about the cloud with respect to ERP. At Convergence 2011, Microsoft showed off some work in progress on the next release of Dynamics GP, version 12. Specifically, they showed off web based forms and the opportunity for a hybrid deployment.

I confess to being thrilled by the prospect. I want a hybrid option much more than a pure cloud solution. In a hybrid deployment Dynamics GP can be deployed locally or in hosted environment. The application can be accessed with a local client, a terminal server/Citrix deployment or with the upcoming web interface.

I prefer the hybrid approach to a pure cloud option for a couple of reasons. First, companies that simply need remote access for a few locations don't have to radically change their existing solution. Second, it provides a wide range of server and client options giving companies an opportunity to exercise control in picking the best solution for their needs, abilities and risk tolerance. Finally, Microsoft has already shown that they can be very, very good at hybrid solutions.

Microsoft Exchange is a great example of a successful Microsoft hybrid solution. Exchange can be deployed locally or hosted. Exchange data can be accessed via Outlook as a client, the rich Outlook Web Application online or a host of mobile devices, regardless of how the server is deployed.

Similarly, I use One Note today with all of my notes hosted in the cloud on Windows Live SkyDrive. They sync with a local cache on each of my machines so I'm always up to date regardless of which computer I grab. Since there is a local cache, I've always got backup copies of ...