Microsoft launches 2020 Wave 1 updates for Dynamics 365 and Power Platform

Microsoft continues to add support and resources for organizations during this difficult tie. They have released updates in the 2020 Wave 1 that consists of over 400 new features and apps for Dynamics 365 and the Microsoft Power Platform. You can access the Microsoft updates for Dynamics 365 and Power Platforms here. Here are some of the updates that you can look forward to.

B2C and B2B customer journeys across sales, marketing, and service.

Dynamics 365 Customer Insights allows you to develop your customers’ profiles and learn more about their actions and behaviors in real-time. Using Dynamics 365 Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, and Field Service, businesses can take advantage of new capabilities. Some of these capabilities are AI-powered predictive sales forecasting, enhancement of marketing campaigns with a more personalized approach, and more.

It’s time for seamless omnichannel retail experiences

“Dynamics 365 Commerce delivers an end-to-end solution that helps organizations deliver personalized, omnichannel experiences through advanced e-commerce capabilities, intelligent product recommendations, and enhanced clienteling.” Watch the Microsoft Business Virtual Launch event to see how a well-known shoe brand, Dr. Martens, can replace all outdated legacy applications with a suite of Microsoft applications. If you are looking for a more in-depth tailored solution for retail, we suggest you take a look at LS Central which is built to integrate directly with Dynamics 365 Business Central.

To find out the full list of new features that can add more value to your business, watch the Microsoft Virtual Launch Event.

Now for the Power Platform

“Microsoft Power BI is delivering new capabilities focusing on three key areas to help businesses drive a data culture.”

• Microsoft has added the highly requested decomposition tree AI visual, a new experience, and added a modern ribbon that users are familiar with from Microsoft Office.
• Microsoft has added full application lifecycle management, with the ability for customers to move an app through a deployment pipeline. They have also completely opened Power BI’s semantic models by adding full support for the industry-standard XML for Analysis (XMLA) protocol.
• Finally, to help businesses weave business intelligence deeply into the fabric of their organization, Microsoft has added support for Microsoft Information Protection and Microsoft Cloud App to protect data even when it leaves Power BI, added deep integration with Azure Synapse, and a completely revamped Microsoft Teams integration.

You can find out more about the new functionality in the event link above. If your business is in need of a new powerful solution, or you are interested in the Microsoft updates for Dynamics 365 and Power Platforms, contact us to find out how we can assist you. info@allonline365.com

Ensuring business continuity during COVID-19. A wake-up call

As the majority of the world is on lockdown, businesses have had to follow government regulations by shutting their doors. This has been a trying time for everyone. Small and medium-sized businesses don’t necessarily have the expertise or infrastructure for a “work from home” environment to resume business continuity during COVID-19. It’s time to take a hard look at the technology systems used in business processes.

The problem

Both businesses and individuals are dealing with the stress of the unknown. Both in terms of health and financial stability as we await the unconfirmed day-to-day business continuity during COVID-19. It is important to take note of whether businesses lack the infrastructure currently to continue operations, or whether a cloud-based solution would be applicable to them. Business owners need to use this time to review and research the solutions available. Businesses need to reflect on how they can upgrade and digitally transform their businesses to ensure sustainability to accommodate online and remote working environments.

The reality

Microsoft has seen a 775% surge in the demand for cloud-based services from the start of the coronavirus outbreak. Microsoft Teams has come to be a platform that companies have become dependent on daily for communication and collaboration. Power BI, Microsoft’s business intelligence reporting platform, grew by 42% in one week due to its ability to share COVID-19 dashboards and reports around the globe. The tech giant is living up to its expectations of businesses around the world by offering powerful and intelligent tools. These tools keep companies operational and give staff and customers the comfort that it is “business as usual”.

The solution

This time, although uncertain in many respects, can be used to research and review technology solutions to not only assist, but also to ensure that you can advance and grow your business. Even during difficult times, such as COVID-19. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a product that offers you the opportunity for an end-to-end view of your business wherever you are, on multiple devices. Whatever industry you are in, Dynamics 365 Business Central can lay down standard business processes with the added benefit of intelligence. When your business grows, the Dynamics 365 Business Central solution is geared to grow with it.  Along with select add-on solutions for specific industries, which will assist in taking your company to the next level.

If you are thinking about your lack of business continuity during COVID-19, take the next step and contact us to find out more about how we can get your business online and assist with streamlining processes. All from working remotely. Email us on info@allonline365.com.

Written by: Romy Künneke, Marketing Coordinator