Microsoft Cloud Terminology in relation to Microsoft Dynamics GP

This post originally was blogged by Emily Roen at NjevityToGo on 6/22/16.  Although intended for Microsoft Dynamics GP Partners, GP users should understand the terminology as well so I thought it was worth a repost!

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The inaugural Microsoft Dynamics GP Customer Conference, Amplify, was an important display of Microsoft’s commitment to Dynamics GP; and with Microsoft focusing on a “Mobile first, Cloud first” world, it is essential that you look at and define your Cloud strategy. You need to be informed, prepared, and ready when a prospect or customer asks about your Cloud offerings and requests a quote!

While most GP Partners are familiar with On-Premise/Perpetual Licensing model for GP, the terrain and terminology differs in the Microsoft Cloud world and you may not be as familiar, so I’m going to arm you with Cloud terminology used with Microsoft, and our NjevityToGo Cloud Partner offerings.

BYOL (Bring Your Own License)/Hosting

The customer has purchased On-Premise Concurrent User Licenses, and wants to have them hosted in the Cloud. The customer must have an active maintenance plan on their Dynamics products in order to bring Dynamics licenses to the Cloud.

Subscription

The customer secures Named Users Licenses via Subscription rather than buy user licenses up front and then continue to pay annual maintenance, as with On-Premise Concurrent User licenses. The Subscription model is essentially “renting” the software licenses.

Named Users

While Concurrent User licenses are used in the Microsoft Dynamics On-Premise/Perpetual world, with Cloud, Microsoft requires that all licenses are for Named Users. Generic users, ‘Shipping Dept.’, or multiple users logging in under one Named User within a Cloud Environment is not allowed.

User Deactivation

The user will be deactivated and no longer have access the Cloud Environment, but the company will continue to be billed for that user SKU. A different Named User can replace this deactivated Named User right away, or at a later time.

User Termination

The user will be terminated from use of the Cloud Environment, and also be removed from your monthly billing. Early termination fees may apply.

I hope you learned a bit more about Dynamics in the Cloud and the terminology used. This is certainly not a complete list of all Cloud terminology used, but it is a great starting point as you define your Cloud strategy.

Emily Roen, NjevityToGo

Author: Belinda Allen

Belinda Allen (Microsoft MVP) is both a Microsoft Certified Professional for Dynamics GP (MCP) and a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT). She is also the co-founder of Smith & Allen Consulting, Inc. (www.saci.com), a business management software consulting firm for over 24 years. Belinda began implementing ERP systems so long ago that Windows was not an operating system, but an application. Larger businesses used old Main Frames with monitors that were Green and Black and smaller business did accounting by hand. Having seen the evolution that has taken place over the years from pieces of paper to analytics, Belinda still gets excited every time she helps a business improve. Belinda is also well known for her Blog www.BelindaTheGPcsi.com. Her blog is about sharing really useful information about the product quickly and succinctly. She has earned the nickname GP CSI because she excels at reviewing GP problems and figuring what went wrong and why. With followers all over the Globe she is able to share knowledge and achieve her mission: “To Improve the Lives and Business Success of my Followers.” In her time off, Belinda enjoys sailing, woodturning, crochet/knitting, sewing/quilting, reading and playing the ukulele (Belinda often participates in Ukulele Jams in NYC.) View all posts by Belinda Allen