It's not all gloom: Why GDPR is also an opportunity for Microsoft customers and partners

Editor's note: Mohamed Mostafa, along with James Crowter of Technology Management delivered the session "Is your Dynamics 365 CRM and ERP Solution ready for GDPR? Get ready for your business and personal legal obligations!" at Directions EMEA, earlier this month.

Many organizations in Europe (as well as global firms who work within or deal with EU customers) view GDPR as a concern, or even a threat. It's true that organizations have to take GDPR very seriously. If you haven't already, you must start now. However, GDPR is also an opportunity for Microsoft Dynamics customers and partners alike. Wait! Don't close the article yet - just hear me out!

GDPR comes with extensive additional compliance and legal obligations, coupled with large financial fines and the risk of reputational damage. That's the threat. However, this is also an opportunity! Microsoft customers with existing Dynamics 365 solutions that store or process EU residents' data should all now do a review of their Dynamics 365 solutions, both Customer Engagement (CRM) as well as Finance and Operations (including AX, NAV, GP and SL).

The obligation

Every organization that does business with the EU, or handles EU citizens data, must at least carry six essential data management activities towards achieving GDPR compliance. These activities are represented in the following infographic provided by the GDPR Coalition.

Businesses will have no option but to allocate budgets for existing system audit and compliance reviews. They will then have to fund any updates, enhancements and essential upgrades required for their Dynamics 365 solutions to be compliant. Even current Dynamics 365 implementation programs will have to go ...