A Guide to Migrating from Business Central On-Premises to Business Central Online

Transitioning your business operations from an on-premises solution to the cloud can seem daunting. However, with the migration paths offered by Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, this process is not only feasible but also ripe with benefits. This guide will outline the supported migration paths for moving to Business Central online as of the latest update in October 2023.

Why Migrate to Business Central Online?

By migrating to Business Central online, your organization can leverage cutting-edge cloud scenarios, including:

• Machine Learning: Harness predictive insights and automation for data-driven decisions.
• Power BI: Transform your data into actionable visuals and reports.
• Power Automate: Streamline repetitive tasks with workflow automation.
• Continuous Updates: Enjoy automatic updates without the need for manual intervention.
• Global Accessibility: Access your Business Central from anywhere, at any time.

Supported Migration Paths

Migrating to the cloud version of Business Central is supported from certain product versions and requires that the on-premises solution is using SQL Server 2016 or later, with the database at a compatibility level of 130 or higher.

From Business Central On-Premises:

You can migrate directly to Business Central online if you are using:

• Business Central on-premises versions 14 through 22.
• The current on-premises version, which as of this writing, is version 23.

This direct migration is facilitated by Microsoft's built-in tools designed to streamline the transition.

From Dynamics NAV:

For Dynamics NAV users, an intermediate step is required:

1. Upgrade to Business Central on-premises: Before migrating to the cloud, you must first transition your Dynamics NAV to a compatible Business Central on-premises version.
2. Switch to Business Central online: After upgrading to Business Central on-premises, you can utilize the migration tools to transition to the cloud.

Next Steps for Migration

1. Evaluate Your Current System: Confirm your SQL Server version and database compatibility level.
2. Plan Your Upgrade Path: If you're on an earlier version of NAV, plan for the two-step upgrade and migration process.
3. Test Your Migration: Always perform migration tests in a non-production environment to identify potential issues.
4. Use Built-in Tools: Take advantage of Microsoft's migration tools that guide you through the process.
5. Seek Professional Assistance: Consider engaging a certified Dynamics 365 partner for expert guidance and support.

Conclusion

Migrating from Business Central on-premises to Business Central online is a strategic move to embrace digital transformation. With Microsoft's continued investment in providing clear migration paths and tools, businesses can transition to the cloud with confidence, unlocking a suite of capabilities that can propel them toward a more connected and intelligent business management solution.