RSMUS.comAs cloud computing for ERP heats up, Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 is finally starting to respond. Many of us have read about and participated in successful cloud deployment of applications and platforms. Cloud deployment offers organizations quick implementation, increased flexibility, and reduced investment in servers and computing infrastructure.
Several Microsoft Partner organizations, including RSM LLP, offer Dynamics GP in the cloud. As a mature mid-market application, Dynamics GP has historically run on traditional client server architecture, or “fat client” as it is respectfully known. By deploying dedicated servers in a qualified data center, the application, the database, as well as reporting and integration tool sets are accessible through VPN connections and a thin client application installation.
Many Dynamics GP users have taken advantage of this type of private cloud deployment over the years. They benefit through reduced responsibility for hardware and server uptime, while maintaining direct access to their ERP data, and total control of application features and customizations. This model also pairs application hosting with a subscription license, which spreads the investment over time.
While Dynamics GP private cloud deployment is very beneficial to many organizations, it has not offered the same level of accessibility and device independence offered by competing SaaS solutions such as Netsuite and Intacct.
In the latest Dynamics GP 2013 release, Microsoft unveiled their first version of a Dynamics GP web client. It uses Silverlight to leverage the traditional application code, making the features available directly through a browser. While still a bit of a work in process, Kudos to Microsoft for finally rolling out the long awaited, browser based client. Once proven, this deployment option will reduce the need for thin client servers, and closely mimic the SaaS accessibility model.
Quick reference to Dynamics GP deployment alternatives
Organizations are seeing big benefits to cloud computing. The web client offering from Dynamics GP is a nice advance in that area. Over time Microsoft is expected to build out the functionality of the web client to accommodate advanced modules and custom configurations.
If you are interested in RSM’s Private Cloud offerings for the Microsoft Dynamics Business Solutions, contact our professionals at erp@mcgladrey.com or by phone at 855.437.7202.
By: Kurt Meier – Kansas City Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner
