Migrating from Microsoft Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central SaaS is far more than a technical upgrade; it is a strategic shift that reshapes how an organisation operates, integrates and scales in the cloud.
Many companies (*) that have relied on NAV for years — and have not maintained BREP — now face a scenario where they must purchase new licences at full cost while simultaneously making critical decisions about their Microsoft ecosystem.
Below are the three key areas every organisation must address before migrating, along with Microsoft’s recommended approach and official documentation to validate each decision.
(*) Post developed specifically for companies in Latin America.
1. Perpetual Office vs Microsoft 365 SaaS: The Turning Point for Modern Integrations
The problem
Many organisations (*) still use Office 2019, Office 2021 or Office LTSC, assuming they will integrate seamlessly with Business Central SaaS.
In reality, these perpetual versions are not compatible with the cloud‑based integrations of the ERP, including:
– Outlook add‑ins
– Excel data export with live connection
– OneDrive
– Teams
– Native automation features
The strategic solution
Microsoft recommends migrating to Microsoft 365 Apps (subscription).
This ensures full compatibility with Business Central SaaS and unlocks all cloud‑native integrations.
Official documentation:
Requisitos del sistema para Business Central – Business Central | Microsoft Learn
2. Windows Server 2019 Perpetual: Is It Required for Business Central SaaS?
The problem
Many organisations (*) believe they must upgrade Windows Server or purchase online server licences to use Business Central SaaS.
The reality
Business Central SaaS does not depend on Windows Server.
The ERP runs entirely in Microsoft’s cloud and only requires a modern browser.
Windows Server 2019 perpetual remains valid for:
– Local Active Directory
– File servers
– On‑premise integrations
– Internal applications
But it is not a requirement for Business Central SaaS.
3. Do Perpetual Licences Create a Tenant? How Do You Unify Microsoft 365 + Business Central SaaS?
The problem
Many organisations assume that owning perpetual licences (Office, Windows Server, NAV) means they already have a Microsoft 365 tenant.
The reality.
A tenant only exists when the organisation has purchased cloud services, such as:
– Microsoft 365
– Dynamics 365
– Azure
If the company has never purchased cloud subscriptions, it does not have a tenant.
The strategic solution
The tenant is automatically created when the organisation acquires its first cloud licences through a CSP (*).
This enables:
– Unified identity
– Centralised security
– Native integrations
– Simplified administration
– Business Central environment creation
Official documentation:
Comprendiendo la infraestructura de Business Central online – Business Central | Microsoft Learn
To Conclude:
Migrating to Business Central SaaS is not merely an upgrade; it is an opportunity to modernise the entire Microsoft ecosystem.
Organisations (*) that resolve these three areas before migrating:
– Reduce risk,
– Accelerate adoption,
– Avoid unnecessary costs,
and ensure a smooth, future‑proof transition to the cloud.This is Microsoft’s recommended path for a solid, sustainable and cloud‑aligned migration.
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