Relax… Microsoft is not killing Dynamics NAV

Overview

So this morning, I get an e-mail with the following:

On initial look, the e-mail is implying Microsoft has decided to kill Dynamics NAV (which was rebranded into Dynamics 365 Finance and Operation, Business Edition).

Look how it’s worded specifically about “Microsoft decision to kill Dynamics 365 Business Edition model”. Which implies Microsoft is killing NAV altogether. Then there’s a link that follows to a site where you need to register for a webinar for a company selling their cloud service.

The Misinformation

Having a sudden heart attack, I immediately reached out to Marko Perisic to confirm the rumors. This was a direct opposite for what Microsoft, as a whole, is telling and spending hundreds of millions on. Seems really weird that they would just turn 180 degrees on their investment without any cataclysmic reasons to do so.

Needless to say, the statement from the marketing (and borderline phishing) e-mail is a flat out lie and is aimed to misdirect consumers. Unfortunately, fear is one of the marketing techniques companies use to sell you their products…

I later found out this is a play on what James Phillips (the new head of Microsoft Dynamics) mentioned about killing off the NAME business/enterprise to make it more streamlined. Goes to show you what every little things said by these people gets misinterpreted. It’s no wonder why these people in power are always so vague…

The Truth

The truth of the matter is, Microsoft wants to simplify their NAMING of the products. They’re getting rid of the “Business” and “Enterprise” terminology in favor of something more… catchy. Or at least easier to read.

Let’s face it, Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations, Business Edition or Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations, Enterprise Edition doesn’t really catch anyone’s attention, rather, it confuses people more. What exactly is Business or Enterprise? What’s the difference? You can see how it adds complexity to a consumer’s decision making.

So I fully understand why Microsoft would want to rebrand or rename their products. But this is strictly a marketing thing, it doesn’t affect the products at all.

Disappointment

Alas… This is my gripe about the “dark side” of our industry. People will say anything, including instill false fear and publishing near-fake information as facts. All this just to make their sales quota…

Conclusion

Don’t worry, your Dynamcis NAV investment is safe. From our conversations, it looks like Dynamics AX and Dynamics NAV, interms of ERP, will be around for a long, long time.