Pricing the New Microsoft Dynamics AX: Multiple Subscriptions Levels Planned For Users, Devices

One of the major changes coming with the new Microsoft Dynamics AX will be the pricing model, which will rely on subscriptions to accommodate the cloud delivery model being rolled out initially this quarter.

But the product is not being offered at a single low per user per month price point, as one news outlet recently reported.

Customers will still buy the new Dynamics AX through partners, and despite the fact that subscription model ought to make costs simpler to calculate, there will still be variances based on specific business needs. A Microsoft spokesperson explained further:

"With Microsoft Dynamics AX we will launch a simple, transparent cloud model. This model will allow predicable pricing for customers by having a per user per month pricing that is inclusive of infrastructure. Microsoft Dynamics AX offers three levels of user subscription licenses (USLs) and one device USL."

While there are no real surprises in Microsoft's statement, it is important to note that there could be other details to consider in pricing, especially where added Azure services are involved, for example with elements of Cortana Analytics Suite (like Power BI, Azure Data Warehouse, and Azure ML) and Office 365.

Another area to watch for will be how Microsoft folds the new Dynamics AX into the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program, which the company has said will include the product once it is released. Currently, CSP allows partners to bundle Office 365, Dynamics CRM Online, Azure, and Enteprise Mobility Suite, along with their own IP, services, and support - and to set their own price points. If the model for AX is similar to ...