How to start transitioning from Microsoft Dynamics NAV to Business Central

The SaaS version of Dynamics 365 Business Central has been available since April 2018 and in a few months we'll also have the on-premises version. This version will be the evolution of Dynamics NAV (it is time to start forgetting this name) and it will have the same codebase as the online version. A related article goes over the upcoming release in more detail.

Some important details about Business Central on premises to remember:

• The on-prem version will also have the Windows Client, but the Windows Client is still the same as in NAV 2018 (you will have the old NAV 2018 interface, not the new "Modena" interface that you have now in Dynamics 365 Business Central)
• You can install it directly from a DVD package like the classic NAV versions, it's not Docker-container based as we have read in some forums. Do not worry.
• You can administer all server settings and your database (you can't do this in the cloud).
• You can continue to develop in CSIDE and C/AL if you want in the on-prem version (but we suggest not to do that and start using the new Modern Development Environment)

As you already know, you can customize and develop solutions for the Dynamics 365 Business Central SaaS platform only by using extensions and the new Modern Development Environment. You can’t use C/AL in the SaaS platform. So, how do you start thinking about moving your old NAV solutions and customizations to Dynamics 365 Business Central?

Many Dynamics partners have a lot of inquiries about the customizations, vertical solutions and add-ons that they have developed through the years in C/AL. They are a core part ...