Directions EMEA 2023: Microsoft outlines new and updated incentives, programs for Dynamics 365 Business Central partners

Microsoft has a range of new and upcoming initiatives and incentives for Dynamics 365 Business Central partners aimed at growing the cloud ERP customer base and accelerating Power Platform uptake.

Incentivizing on-prem ERP customers

Microsoft’s older CSP-EP program is set to expire, and a new transition offer for customers with the CSP-EP subscription is coming this month, known as CSP-EP to online BC or CSP2BC. It provides an equivalent discount and similar benefits as the Bridge To The Cloud 2 program, according to Microsoft VP Mike Morton.

Speaking at the conference, Morton also encouraged partners to nominate larger BC clients for the BC Concierge Service. While lesser known, it is intended to get Microsoft’s own solution architects and other product experts involved with deals in the early stages to evaluate the right fit for the customer in terms of features, topology, and other solution options. Microsoft stated last month that it has seen 105% year-over-year customer growth for customers that have more than 100 paid users, and attendees in Lyon reported second-hand stories of BC cloud implementations that have gone well beyond a thousand users.

The Microsoft AIM initiative has turned from an ambition to “something you can really use,” Microsoft VP Mike Morton told the event audience. The company is taking cloud migrations and the use of this program very seriously and wants to hear from partners on their ability to use it, Morton said. AIM includes a collection of training and marketing materials, assessments and ...