AL programming is the development language for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, which is used to create extensions, customisations and integrations within the ERP platform. It is based on an object-orientated syntax and is used in the Visual Studio Code development environment. AL enables the creation of extensions without directly changing the standard code of the application.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, AL is central to the customisation of Dynamics 365 Business Central in the cloud and on-premises. Companies can use it to map industry-specific processes, expand existing ERP functions and integrate business logic with Azure Services, the Power Platform or Dataverse. Thanks to the extension model, updates remain compatible, which ensures release capability and increases the speed of innovation. At the same time, AL supports integration into modern scenarios such as API-based connections, automated workflows and AI-supported analyses in conjunction with Microsoft Copilot.
Further information can be found in the Dynamics 365 Business Central and ERP development.
API integration is the systematic connection of applications via standardised programming interfaces (application programming interfaces) in order to exchange data and functions automatically. It enables structured communication between different systems in real time or asynchronously. The aim is the technical and procedural networking of distributed IT landscapes.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, API integration plays a central role in connecting Dynamics 365, Azure, Microsoft 365 and the Power Platform. ERP, CRM and specialist applications can be consistently integrated into a cloud architecture via REST-based interfaces, Microsoft Graph or Azure API Management. This allows companies to create end-to-end data flows between Business Central, Dataverse and external third-party systems, reduce media disruptions and increase the automation of business processes. In combination with Azure Logic Apps, Power Automate or AI services, scalable integration scenarios are created that sustainably improve transparency, data quality and decision-making capabilities.
Find out more about integration solutions with Microsoft Azure and Dynamics 365.
Azure AI is the portfolio of artificial intelligence services within the Microsoft Azure Cloud that provides ready-made AI models, development tools and scalable infrastructure for intelligent applications. It includes Azure OpenAI Service, Cognitive Services, Machine Learning and AI-supported search solutions. The aim is to equip data-based applications with voice, image, text and prediction functions.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, Azure AI forms the technological basis for AI scenarios in Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, the Power Platform and industry-specific solutions. Companies can combine generative AI with co-pilot functions, develop machine learning models in Azure and integrate them into ERP or CRM processes via APIs. The connection with Dataverse, Azure Data Lake and modern data platform architectures creates scalable end-to-end scenarios from data collection to automated decision support. Governance, security and compliance remain controllable via the Azure cloud standards.
Further information can be found in the Azure AI and data platform solutions.
Azure Cognitive Services is a collection of ready-made AI services in Microsoft Azure that extend applications with functions such as speech processing, image recognition, text analysis and decision logic. The services are provided via standardised REST APIs and SDKs and do not require the user to train complex machine learning models. The aim is to quickly integrate intelligent functions into existing systems and business processes.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, Azure Cognitive Services enable solutions such as Dynamics 365, Power Platform or individual Azure applications to be enriched with AI functionality. For example, documents can be classified automatically, customer enquiries analysed or image data evaluated in service and production scenarios. In combination with Dataverse, Azure Machine Learning and the Azure OpenAI Service, scalable AI architectures are created that make data from ERP and CRM systems contextually usable. Companies benefit from shorter development times, standardised security and seamless embedding in the Microsoft cloud infrastructure.
Find out more about AI-supported solutions based on Microsoft Azure.
Azure Integration Services is a collection of cloud-based integration services in Microsoft Azure that enable data exchange and process orchestration between applications, systems and platforms. The solution combines Azure Logic Apps, Azure API Management, Azure Service Bus and Azure Event Grid, among others. The aim is the scalable, secure and standardised integration of hybrid and cloud-native IT architectures.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, Azure Integration Services forms the technical basis for networking Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, the Power Platform and individual Azure applications. ERP and CRM systems such as Dynamics 365 Business Central or Dynamics 365 Sales can be connected to third-party systems, data platforms or IoT scenarios via APIs, messaging services and event streams. This allows companies to create consistent end-to-end processes, reduce integration efforts and increase transparency across system boundaries. In conjunction with Dataverse, Azure Data Factory and AI services, resilient data and integration architectures for digital business models are created.
Further information can be found in the Azure integration and cloud architectures.
Azure OpenAI Service is a cloud service in Microsoft Azure that provides access to powerful generative AI models such as GPT models, codex and embedding models via a secure enterprise infrastructure. It enables the processing and generation of text, code and structured content based on large language models. The service is operated within the Azure compliance and security standards.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, Azure OpenAI Service forms the basis for AI-supported applications in Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, the Power Platform and individual Azure solutions. Companies can integrate generative AI into ERP and CRM processes, for example for automated quotation creation, document analysis or knowledge provision in the context of Dataverse and company data. In combination with Azure AI Search, cognitive services and a modern data platform, scalable co-pilot scenarios with controlled data storage and role-based access security are created. This allows productivity, decision-making quality and process automation to be sustainably increased.
Find out more about the use of generative AI with Microsoft Azure and Dynamics 365.
Azure SQL Database is a fully managed relational database service in Microsoft Azure, based on the SQL Server engine and delivered as a Platform-as-a-Service. It offers automatic scaling, high availability, integrated security and continuous maintenance without the need for in-house infrastructure management. The solution supports transaction processing, reporting and data-intensive applications in cloud architectures.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, Azure SQL Database serves as the central database for applications in Dynamics 365, the Power Platform and individual Azure services. Business data from ERP and CRM systems can be stored in a structured manner, analysed and evaluated with Azure Synapse Analytics or Power BI. In combination with Dataverse, Azure Integration Services and AI services, scalable data platforms are created for real-time analyses, automation and data-driven business models. Companies benefit from integrated encryption, threat detection and compliance functions in accordance with Microsoft cloud standards.
Further information can be found in the Azure data platform and cloud architecture.
Azure Virtual Machines is an Infrastructure-as-a-Service offering in Microsoft Azure that enables the provision and operation of virtual servers in the cloud. Companies can flexibly scale, configure and manage Windows or Linux-based workloads without having to operate their own physical hardware. The solution supports customised applications, databases and legacy systems in a controlled cloud environment.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, Azure Virtual Machines serve as the basis for hybrid architectures and migration-based cloud strategies. Existing ERP or specialist applications, for example in the Dynamics 365 or SQL Server environment, can be operated in Azure and secured with services such as Azure Backup, Azure Monitor or Azure Security Centre. In conjunction with Azure Virtual Network, Azure Active Directory and Integration Services, secure, multi-tenant infrastructures are created that integrate seamlessly with Microsoft 365, the Power Platform and data-driven platform solutions. Companies gain scalability, high availability and transparent cost models.
Find out more about cloud infrastructure and hybrid scenarios with Microsoft Azure.
Business Central Extensions are modular extensions for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central that can be used to add or customise functions, data structures and processes without changing the standard code of the ERP solution. They are usually developed with AL programming and provided as separate packages. The extension model enables updateable and cloud-compliant customisation.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, extensions are central to the customisation of Dynamics 365 Business Central to industry-specific requirements and individual business models. Companies can integrate additional business logic, interfaces or user interfaces while ensuring release capability in SaaS operation. Extensions can be connected to Azure Services, the Power Platform or Dataverse via APIs and events in order to realise end-to-end processes between ERP, CRM and other cloud applications. This creates a scalable ERP architecture that combines innovation and standardisation.
Further information can be found in the Dynamics 365 Business Central and customised ERP extensions.
Business intelligence (BI) is the systematic collection, processing and analysis of company data to support well-founded business decisions. BI comprises methods, processes and technologies for summarising operational data in reports, key figures and interactive dashboards. The aim is to provide transparency about key performance indicators, trends and correlations in real time or periodically.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, business intelligence is realised in particular through Power BI, Azure Synapse Analytics and Azure Data Factory. Data from Dynamics 365, Business Central, Microsoft 365 or third-party applications can be consolidated and modelled using Dataverse and modern data platform architectures. This allows companies to create a central information basis for controlling, sales, production or service and link operational ERP and CRM data with strategic analyses. In combination with Azure AI and Copilot functions, advanced analysis and forecasting scenarios are created that accelerate data-driven decisions and support the digital transformation.
Find out more about data analysis and reporting with Power BI and Microsoft Azure.
Cloud ERP is an enterprise resource planning system that is operated entirely in a cloud infrastructure and provided as Software-as-a-Service or Platform-as-a-Service. It integrates central business processes such as finance, purchasing, sales, warehouse and production in a web-based environment. Maintenance, updates and scaling are carried out by the cloud provider, which reduces internal infrastructure costs.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, Cloud ERP stands in particular for solutions such as Dynamics 365 Business Central or Dynamics 365 Finance, which are operated on Microsoft Azure. Companies benefit from seamless integration with Microsoft 365, the Power Platform, Dataverse and AI services such as Azure AI or Copilot. This creates end-to-end, data-driven processes between ERP, CRM and analytics that enable real-time transparency and automation. The cloud architecture also supports international rollouts, security and compliance requirements as well as hybrid integration scenarios via Azure Integration Services.
Further information can be found in the Dynamics 365 and modern ERP solutions from the Microsoft Cloud.
Customer Engagement Platform is an integrated software solution for managing, analysing and optimising all customer interactions along the entire customer lifecycle. It bundles data from sales, marketing and service in a central environment and enables personalised, cross-channel communication. The aim is to create a consistent customer experience based on structured customer and interaction data.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, a customer engagement platform is typically realised through Dynamics 365 Sales, Dynamics 365 Customer Service and Dynamics 365 Marketing. Customer data is managed centrally via Dataverse and linked to Microsoft 365, the Power Platform and Azure AI. Companies receive a 360-degree view of leads, opportunities, service requests and campaign performance and can optimise processes through automation and AI-supported analyses. Integration with ERP systems such as Dynamics 365 Business Central creates consistent end-to-end processes from acquisition to billing.
Find out more about customer engagement solutions with Dynamics 365.
Generative AI is a form of artificial intelligence that independently generates new content such as text, images, code or structured data on the basis of trained models. It uses large neural networks, in particular large language models, to process patterns from extensive data sets and generate context-related results. The focus is on the automated creation and transformation of information.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, generative AI is provided by the Azure OpenAI Service and Copilot functions in Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365 and the Power Platform, among others. Companies can integrate generative models into ERP and CRM processes, for example for automated quotation creation, document analysis or knowledge provision based on Dataverse and Azure data platforms. In combination with Azure AI, cognitive services and secure cloud architectures, scalable AI scenarios are created with controlled data storage and compliance in accordance with Microsoft standards. This significantly improves productivity, service quality and decision-making.
Further information can be found in the AI strategy and Microsoft Azure solutions.
Hybrid cloud is an IT operating model in which local infrastructures, private cloud environments and public cloud services are combined to form an integrated overall architecture. Applications and data can be flexibly distributed between on-premises and cloud resources depending on security, performance or compliance requirements. The aim is to combine the control of local systems with the scalability of the cloud.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, hybrid cloud is significantly supported by Microsoft Azure, Azure Arc and Azure Virtual Machines. Companies can gradually migrate existing ERP or specialised applications, for example in the Dynamics 365 or SQL Server environment, to the Microsoft cloud while continuing to operate local systems. Azure Integration Services, Microsoft 365 and the Power Platform create end-to-end processes across system boundaries. This allows modernisation, data integration and AI scenarios to be implemented without abruptly replacing established IT landscapes.
Find out more about hybrid cloud strategies with Microsoft Azure and Dynamics 365.
Lead management is the structured process for recording, qualifying, prioritising and developing interested parties into sales opportunities. It includes the systematic evaluation of leads based on defined criteria and the transfer to sales when they are ready. The aim is to efficiently manage the pipeline and increase the probability of closing a deal.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, lead management is typically implemented with Dynamics 365 Sales and Dynamics 365 Marketing. Lead data is managed centrally via Dataverse and linked to activities, campaigns and opportunity processes. Companies can use scoring models, automation and AI-supported analyses to identify potential early on and manage personalised interactions. Integration with Microsoft 365, the Power Platform and ERP systems such as Dynamics 365 Business Central enables end-to-end processes from lead generation to quotation creation and order processing.
Further information can be found in the Dynamics 365 Sales and modern CRM solutions.
Microsoft AppSource is Microsoft's official online marketplace for business applications, industry-specific solutions and extensions in the Microsoft Cloud environment. Companies can find certified apps, add-ons and consulting services for products such as Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365 and the Power Platform. All solutions undergo a validation process with regard to security, compatibility and compliance.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, Microsoft AppSource serves as a central distribution channel for extensions to Dynamics 365 Business Central, industry-specific CRM extensions and Power Platform components. Organisations can quickly implement standardised solutions and integrate them into existing cloud architectures based on Azure and Dataverse. For software manufacturers, the platform offers a scalable option for providing their own applications internationally and integrating them into the Microsoft partner network. This creates consistent integration scenarios between ERP, customer engagement and data platforms.
Find out more about certified extensions for Dynamics 365 and the Microsoft Cloud.
Microsoft Azure is Microsoft's global cloud computing platform that provides infrastructure, platform and software services for the operation of modern applications. It includes computing power, storage, networks, databases, AI services and security functions in globally distributed data centres. Azure enables the scalable provision and management of cloud, hybrid and multi-cloud architectures.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, Microsoft Azure forms the technological basis for solutions such as Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, the Power Platform and data-driven platform architectures. Companies operate ERP and CRM systems, develop customised applications and integrate AI services such as Azure OpenAI Service or Cognitive Services into their business processes. Services such as Azure Integration Services, Azure SQL Database and Azure Virtual Machines create end-to-end cloud architectures with a high level of security, compliance and global availability. Azure thus supports the digital transformation from infrastructure modernisation to AI-supported process automation.
Further information can be found in the Microsoft Azure and cloud architecture.
Microsoft Azure Cloud Computing refers to the provision of IT resources such as computing power, storage, networks, databases and AI services via the Microsoft Azure cloud platform. Companies use these resources as required as Infrastructure-as-a-Service, Platform-as-a-Service or Software-as-a-Service. The aim is the flexible, scalable and secure operation of applications without the need for their own physical infrastructure.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, Azure Cloud Computing forms the technological basis for solutions such as Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365 and the Power Platform. ERP and CRM systems are operated on Azure infrastructures and can be expanded with services such as Azure SQL Database, Azure Integration Services or Azure OpenAI Service. Dataverse and modern data platform architectures are used to create consolidated data models that enable real-time analyses, automation and AI scenarios. Companies benefit from global availability, integrated security, compliance standards and hybrid operating models.
Learn more about cloud strategies and infrastructure modernisation with Microsoft Azure.
Microsoft Cloud Architecture refers to the structured design of IT systems based on the Microsoft Cloud, in particular Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform. It defines the composition of infrastructure, data platform, applications, security and integration components within a scalable cloud environment. The goal is a consistent, secure and powerful architecture for business-critical processes.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, a cloud architecture typically comprises Azure infrastructure such as Virtual Machines or Kubernetes, data services such as Azure SQL Database and Dataverse as well as integration layers via Azure Integration Services. ERP and CRM solutions such as Dynamics 365 are seamlessly connected with Microsoft 365, Power BI and AI services such as Azure OpenAI Service. This enables companies to create a standardised database, automated workflows and scalable analytics scenarios. Governance, identity management and compliance are controlled centrally via Azure Active Directory and security services.
Further information can be found in the Cloud architecture and Microsoft Azure solutions.
Microsoft Copilot is an AI-supported assistance function within the Microsoft Cloud that is based on generative language models and supports users in creating, analysing and processing content. Copilot uses large language models in conjunction with company data to provide contextualised suggestions, automation and evaluations. Processing is carried out in compliance with Microsoft's security and compliance standards.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, Copilot is integrated into solutions such as Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform and accesses data from Dataverse, ERP and CRM systems as well as Azure services. Sales, service and financial processes can be organised more efficiently using AI-supported summaries, forecasts and text generation. In combination with Azure OpenAI Service, Microsoft Graph and a modern data platform, productivity-enhancing scenarios are created that make knowledge usable in a structured way and accelerate decision-making processes.
Find out more about the use of Microsoft Copilot in Dynamics 365 and the Microsoft Cloud.
Microsoft Dataverse is a scalable, cloud-based data platform within the Microsoft Power Platform for the structured storage and management of business data. It provides standardised tables, relationships, security models and business logic and enables the consistent use of data across applications. Dataverse serves as a central data model for low-code and enterprise applications.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, Microsoft Dataverse connects solutions such as Dynamics 365, Power Apps, Power Automate and Power BI on a shared database. Business data from ERP and CRM processes is modelled uniformly and can be linked with Azure services, Microsoft 365 and AI functions such as Copilot or Azure OpenAI Service. Companies benefit from role-based access control, integrated compliance and seamless integration into modern cloud architectures. This creates consistent end-to-end processes from data collection to analysis and automation.
Further information can be found in the Power Platform and data-driven Microsoft cloud solutions.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a cloud-based business application platform from Microsoft that combines ERP and CRM functionalities in an integrated solution. It comprises modular applications for finance, sales, marketing, service, supply chain management and project management. The platform is based on Microsoft Azure and utilises a shared database for end-to-end business processes.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, Dynamics 365 connects operational business processes with Microsoft 365, the Power Platform and Microsoft Dataverse. Companies can map financial and merchandise management processes in Dynamics 365 Business Central or Finance and simultaneously manage customer engagement scenarios with Dynamics 365 Sales and Customer Service. Automated, data-driven end-to-end processes are created via Azure Integration Services, Power Automate and AI functions such as Microsoft Copilot or Azure OpenAI Service. The close integration with Azure services enables scalable cloud architectures, analytics with Power BI and secure, global provisioning.
Learn more about integrated ERP and CRM solutions with Microsoft Dynamics 365.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a cloud-based ERP solution for small and medium-sized companies for the integrated management of finance, merchandise management, purchasing, sales, warehousing and projects. The application consolidates core business processes in a centralised platform and offers real-time transparency on key company figures. It is provided as Software-as-a-Service on Microsoft Azure and is updated regularly.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, Business Central is closely linked to Microsoft 365, the Power Platform and Microsoft Dataverse. Companies can automate processes with Power Automate, develop individual apps with Power Apps and set up analyses directly on ERP data with Power BI. External systems can be connected via APIs and Azure Integration Services, while AI functions such as Copilot or Azure OpenAI Service enable data-based support in financial and sales processes. The extension model with AL programming ensures that individual customisations remain updatable.
Further information can be found in the Dynamics 365 Business Central and modern cloud ERP solutions.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM is a cloud-based customer relationship management solution for managing sales, marketing and service processes. It enables the centralised management of customer contacts, leads, opportunities and service requests on a standardised database. The aim is to structure and optimise the entire customer relationship across all interaction channels.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, Dynamics 365 CRM includes applications such as Dynamics 365 Sales, Customer Service and Customer Insights. Customer data is managed consistently via Microsoft Dataverse and integrated with Microsoft 365, the Power Platform and Azure services. Companies gain a 360-degree view of customers, automate workflows with Power Automate and use AI functions such as Microsoft Copilot or Azure OpenAI Service for forecasts and personalised communication. The connection with ERP solutions such as Dynamics 365 Business Central creates end-to-end processes from acquisition to billing.
Find out more about CRM strategies and customer engagement solutions with Microsoft Dynamics 365.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Insights is a cloud-based customer data platform within Dynamics 365 for consolidating, analysing and activating customer data. The solution standardises data from different sources into a holistic customer profile and enables segment-based analyses in near real time. The aim is to achieve data-driven control of marketing, sales and service processes.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, Dynamics 365 Customer Insights uses Microsoft Dataverse as its data foundation and integrates information from Dynamics 365 Sales, Customer Service, Business Central and external systems via Azure Integration Services. Companies can identify target groups using AI-supported analyses, optimise customer journeys and control personalised interactions via various channels. In combination with Microsoft 365, the Power Platform and Azure AI, scalable data and engagement scenarios are created that enable a consistent 360-degree view of customers and inform strategic decisions.
Further information can be found in the Customer Data Platform and Dynamics 365 Customer Insights section.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Service is a cloud-based service management solution for the structured processing of customer enquiries across various channels. It supports case management, knowledge databases, service level agreements and omnichannel communication in a centralised platform. The aim is to manage support and service processes efficiently and transparently.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, Dynamics 365 Customer Service is closely linked to Microsoft Dataverse, Dynamics 365 Sales and Microsoft 365. Service employees receive a 360-degree view of customer interactions, contract data and relevant ERP information, for example from Dynamics 365 Business Central. The Power Platform can be used to automate workflows and create individual apps, while AI functions such as Microsoft Copilot or Azure AI support the prioritisation, analysis and answering of enquiries. Integration with Azure services enables scalable, secure cloud architectures with comprehensive compliance.
Find out more about digital service processes with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Service.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance is a cloud-based ERP solution for managing and automating financial processes in medium-sized and large companies. It supports the general ledger, asset accounting, accounts payable and accounts receivable management, liquidity planning and international financial reporting. The aim is transparent, compliant and data-based management of company finances.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, Dynamics 365 Finance is closely integrated with Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Dataverse and the Power Platform. Financial data can be analysed with Power BI, workflows can be automated via Power Automate and forecasts can be evaluated with AI functions such as Microsoft Copilot or Azure AI. The connection to other Dynamics 365 applications such as Supply Chain Management or Customer Engagement enables end-to-end processes from procurement to invoicing. External systems, banks or reporting platforms can also be securely connected via Azure Integration Services.
Further information can be found in the Dynamics 365 Finance and modern cloud ERP solutions.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales is a cloud-based CRM solution for managing and optimising sales processes. It supports lead and opportunity management, offer tracking, forecasting and the structured maintenance of customer and activity data. The aim is to achieve transparent pipeline management and systematically increase the probability of closing deals.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, Dynamics 365 Sales is closely linked to Microsoft Dataverse, Microsoft 365 and the Power Platform. Sales employees receive a 360-degree view of customer information, interactions and sales potential, supplemented by AI functions such as Microsoft Copilot or Azure AI for forecasting and prioritisation. Integrations with Dynamics 365 Business Central or Dynamics 365 Finance create end-to-end processes from lead generation to invoicing. Power BI can be used to analyse key sales figures, while Azure Integration Services enable the connection of external systems.
Find out more about data-driven sales processes with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management is a cloud-based ERP solution for planning, controlling and optimising complex supply chains. It supports processes such as production planning, warehouse management, procurement, inventory management and logistics in an integrated platform. The aim is the transparent, resilient and data-based control of material and goods flows.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management is closely linked to Dynamics 365 Finance, Microsoft Dataverse and Microsoft Azure. Companies can analyse real-time data from production and warehouses with Power BI, automate workflows via the Power Platform and use AI functions such as Microsoft Copilot or Azure AI for demand forecasting and inventory optimisation. External partners, IoT scenarios or third-party logistics providers can be connected via Azure Integration Services. This creates seamless end-to-end processes from procurement and production to delivery and invoicing.
Further information can be found in the Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management and integrated ERP solutions.
Microsoft Entra ID is a cloud-based identity and access management service from Microsoft for the centralised management of users, groups and access rights. The service, formerly known as Azure Active Directory, enables authentication, authorisation and single sign-on for cloud and on-premises applications. The aim is to securely manage digital identities within modern IT architectures.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, Microsoft Entra ID forms the basis for access to Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform. Role-based access control, conditional access and multi-factor authentication allow security policies to be enforced consistently. Identities can be integrated with external partners or hybrid infrastructures, for example in conjunction with Azure Virtual Machines or Integration Services. This allows companies to create a centralised security and governance layer for ERP, CRM and data platform scenarios in the Microsoft Cloud.
Find out more about identity and access management with Microsoft Entra ID and Azure.
Microsoft Power Apps is a low-code development platform within the Microsoft Power Platform for creating customised business applications. It enables the rapid development of web and mobile apps based on predefined data models, connectors and business logic. The aim is to digitalise and automate processes without extensive traditional software development.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, Microsoft Power Apps uses Microsoft Dataverse as a central data foundation and integrates seamlessly with Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365 and Azure services. Departments can create applications that access ERP or CRM data, control workflows with Power Automate and integrate analyses via Power BI. External systems can also be connected via standardised connectors and Azure Integration Services. In combination with AI functions such as Microsoft Copilot or Azure AI, intelligent applications are created that accelerate business processes and ensure data consistency in the Microsoft Cloud.
Further information can be found in the Power Platform and customised business apps with Microsoft Power Apps.
Microsoft Power Automate is a cloud-based automation platform within the Microsoft Power Platform for creating rule-based workflows between applications and services. It enables the automation of recurring business processes through predefined connectors, event control and robotic process automation. The aim is to reduce manual activities and accelerate digital processes.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, Microsoft Power Automate connects applications such as Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Dataverse with Azure services and third-party applications. Companies can automate approval processes, notifications or data transfers between ERP and CRM systems and thus realise consistent end-to-end processes. In combination with Power Apps, Power BI and AI functions such as Microsoft Copilot or Azure AI, intelligent workflows based on real-time data are created. Azure Integration Services can also be used to incorporate complex integration scenarios into hybrid cloud architectures.
Find out more about process automation with Microsoft Power Automate and the Power Platform.
Microsoft Power BI is a business analytics platform for visualising, analysing and providing company data in interactive reports and dashboards. It enables the connection of different data sources, the modelling of data structures and the creation of meaningful key figures in real time. The aim is to provide transparent, data-based decision-making support for specialist departments and management.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, Microsoft Power BI is closely integrated with Microsoft Dataverse, Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365 and Azure services. Data from ERP and CRM systems such as Dynamics 365 Business Central or Dynamics 365 Sales can be consolidated and analysed in scalable data platform architectures, for example with Azure Synapse Analytics or Azure SQL Database. Companies can establish self-service BI scenarios and embed analyses directly into business processes. In combination with AI functions such as Microsoft Copilot or Azure AI, advanced analysis and forecasting models are created on the basis of consistent cloud data.
Further information can be found in the Data analysis and reporting with Microsoft Power BI.
Microsoft Power Platform is a low-code and no-code platform for developing, automating and analysing business processes within the Microsoft Cloud. It comprises the components Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI and Microsoft Dataverse as the central data foundation. The aim is to quickly create customised applications and workflows based on existing company data.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, the Power Platform combines solutions such as Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Azure into an integrated process and data landscape. Companies can use ERP and CRM data from Dataverse, realise automated processes across system boundaries and evaluate key figures in Power BI. External applications can also be connected via standardised connectors and Azure Integration Services. In combination with AI functions such as Microsoft Copilot or Azure OpenAI Service, intelligent, scalable business applications are created that actively involve specialist departments in the digital transformation.
Find out more about process digitalisation with the Microsoft Power Platform.
On-premises refers to the operation of software and IT infrastructure in a company's own data centres or server environments. Hardware, operating systems, databases and applications are installed, managed and maintained locally. Responsibility for security, availability and updates lies entirely with the company.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, on-premises primarily relates to classic installations of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (formerly NAV), SQL Server or Active Directory in local environments. Companies thus retain maximum control over data storage and system configuration, but also bear the investment and operating costs for infrastructure and maintenance. Hybrid architectures with Microsoft Azure, Azure Arc or Integration Services can be used to gradually integrate on-premises systems into the Microsoft Cloud. This creates scenarios that combine local requirements with cloud services such as Power Platform, Dataverse or Azure AI.
Find out more about hybrid IT strategies and the migration of on-premises solutions to the Microsoft Cloud.
Opportunity management is the structured process for managing and controlling specific sales opportunities from the qualified lead to the closing of the deal. It includes the evaluation of the probability of closing, sales potential, sales phase and relevant decision-makers. The aim is transparent pipeline management and a systematic increase in forecast accuracy.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, opportunity management is typically implemented with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales. Sales opportunities are recorded centrally based on data in Microsoft Dataverse and linked to activities, offers and customer histories. Companies receive a 360-degree view of sales processes and can use AI functions such as Microsoft Copilot or Azure AI for forecasts, prioritisation and next-best-action recommendations. Integration with Dynamics 365 Business Central or Dynamics 365 Finance enables end-to-end processes from opportunity and quotation creation to order processing and invoicing.
Further information can be found in the Dynamics 365 Sales and CRM-supported sales management.
Software as a Service (SaaS) is a cloud delivery model in which applications are operated centrally by the provider and used via the internet. Maintenance, updates, scaling and infrastructure management are carried out entirely by the service provider. Companies usually access the software via a web browser or standardised interfaces.
In the Microsoft ecosystem, solutions such as Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365 and parts of the Power Platform are provided as SaaS on Microsoft Azure. ERP and CRM applications such as Dynamics 365 Business Central or Dynamics 365 Sales receive regular function updates and security updates without local installations. Integrated cloud architectures with high scalability and global availability are created via Microsoft Dataverse, Azure Integration Services and AI services such as Microsoft Copilot. Companies benefit from predictable operating costs, rapid implementation and continuous innovation.
Find out more about cloud-based business applications with Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Azure.