Directions North America Day 1: Microsoft’s AI-Powered Future for Business Applications and Beyond

The first day of Directions North America 2023 has set the stage for an exciting and transformative conference. As the highest attended Directions conference in history, it has already brought numerous significant announcements from Microsoft. With a focus on AI and copilot integration, the future of business applications is looking more advanced and dynamic than ever.

Key Announcements:

• The discontinuation of new sales of Dynamics GP in October 2025, with continued support and updates for existing customers.
• AI technology being compared to the introduction of mobile phones, signifying its monumental impact on the industry.
• Insights into the top key new features in the Wave 1 Release of Business Central and Sales.
• Dynamics 365 pricing announcements for new attach options and a unified price and purchase model.

AI and Copilot – Shaping the Future of Business Applications

Mike Morton, Microsoft’s General Manager for Dynamics 365 Business Central, highlighted the impressive 105% year-over-year growth in customers with more than 100 users. As Microsoft drives resources into developing Business Central, Morton emphasized that AI technology is here to stay, likening it to the rollout of mobile phones or mobile apps.

The New Era of Copilot

Microsoft’s copilot integration into both Dynamics 365 CRM and ERP applications brings next-generation AI to every line of business. With more AI capabilities being introduced over the next six months, Microsoft aims to stay ahead of competitors in bringing AI to life. Copilot enables smarter decision-making and automates routine tasks, freeing up employees to focus on more strategic and value-added activities. Some of the key features include:

• Predictive analytics for better forecasting and decision-making
• Natural language processing for improved user experience and interaction
• Machine learning to optimize processes and personalize user experience

Built on Trust

Morton reiterated Microsoft’s commitment to privacy and security, ensuring customers that their data is protected by comprehensive enterprise compliance and security controls. Microsoft promises not to use customer data to train any foundational AI models, nor to send data to third parties. The end-to-end ecosystem is designed with security and the end-user as the priority. Key aspects of this commitment include:

• Microsoft’s adherence to strict data protection regulations such as GDPR
• The use of advanced encryption techniques to safeguard customer data
• Regular security audits and improvements to maintain a robust security posture

Wave 1 Release of Business Central – Top New Features

Attendees were given a glimpse into the top new features in the Wave 1 Release of Business Central and Sales, which showcased Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to innovation and enhancing user experience. Some notable features include:

• Improved integration between Business Central and other Microsoft products, such as Office 365 and Power BI
• Enhanced customization options to tailor the platform to individual business needs
• Streamlined workflows and user interfaces for increased productivity and efficiency

Dynamics 365 Pricing Announcements

Microsoft announced new attach options and a unified price and purchase model for Dynamics 365. This simplified pricing structure is designed to make it easier for customers to understand and choose the right solutions for their businesses. Key benefits of the new pricing model include:

• Transparent pricing that reflects the true value of the solution
• Streamlined purchasing process, reducing complexity for customers
• Greater flexibility for customers to mix and match solutions to meet their specific needs

Directions aims to provide partners with timely information

Directions North America Day 1 has set the tone for an exciting conference, with Microsoft’s focus on AI and copilot integration promising a transformative future for business applications. As we enter this new era of AI-driven technology, Microsoft aims to stay ahead of the curve, offering powerful tools that reshape the way people work and operate. The integration of advanced AI capabilities, improved user experience, and a commitment to privacy and security demonstrate Microsoft’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of businesses. As we eagerly await further updates and insights from Directions North America 2023, it is clear that the future of business applications is on the cusp of a groundbreaking transformation.

Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analyses as the conference unfolds.