Get the Most from Microsoft Dynamics in 2016: Partner Predictions and Advice in the New Year

So, what can Microsoft Dynamics customers expect in 2016?

The company released its predictions for 2016 (and beyond), compiled from Microsoft's top researchers. Aside from a few nods to security, the predictions were light on business utility, heavy on idealism (e.g., the world will realize the potential for technology to avert the 6th mass extinction; cloud platform technologies will transform and empower patients' lives).

But of course, Dynamics users also live in the here-and-now and are looking to their Microsoft partners for real-world business answers. Experts from Sikich LLP, Arbela Technologies, and Real Dynamics told us about their predictions for 2016 and what they are advising clients.

Keep your eye on Power BI, and expect industry casualties

John Kleb, partner in the strategic technologies practice at Sikich LLP foresees a future in which Power BI is a front-of-mind application, both in Dynamics and in the productivity tools.

"Microsoft entered the BI user interface space officially with the launch of Power BI last July. The product had been around for about a year before that, but since the official release, millions of users have signed up worldwide. I expect Power BI to be as ubiquitous as Excel within three years. The Dynamics products are all incorporating Power BI into their coming releases. SQL Server 2016, Office 365, Excel 2016, Power BI and SharePoint are all joining forces around business analytics."

The pace of new releases of Power BI, in addition to its freemium model will put pressure on some existing BI vendors, Kleb believes. It also could reshape the relationship ...