Microsoft Bridge to the Cloud 2 Promotion: What You Need to Know
Microsoft is set to change to a new Bridge to the Cloud promotion. Enroll for Bridge to the Cloud 2 starting on February 1, 2023.
Microsoft launched the Bridge to the Cloud promotion in September 2021 to support existing SMB customers (Dynamics NAV, GP, SL, Business Central on-premises) committed to moving to the cloud and on an active Enhancement Plan (EP) to obtain discounted cloud licenses through the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program.
For eligible existing clients who migrate to Dynamics 365 Business Central online via Bridge to the Cloud, Microsoft provides dual-use access to current on-premises licenses. This enables clients to continue using their current system as they transition to Business Central in the cloud.
Different to the CSP-EP Renewal offer, Bridge to the Cloud has a maximum four-year term instead of three. Customers who enroll in the Bridge to the Cloud promo are committed to transition to the cloud with the expectation that they will move to CSP licensing going forward and will fully migrate to Business Central online after the promotional term expires.
The Bridge to the Cloud promo will come to an end on December 31, 2022 and be followed by the Bridge to the Cloud 2 promotion.
Bridge to the Cloud 2: Key Changes
At the end of the year, Microsoft will change to a new Bridge to the Cloud promotion, called Bridge to the Cloud 2. Enrollment for Bridge to the Cloud 2 starts on February 1, 2023.
Changes to the promo relate to which clients can take advantage of the promotion and reduction in the discount on a fixed 3 year term.
With the first program, only on-premises Business Central, NAV, GP and SL clients are eligible. With Bridge to the Cloud 2, the promotion pertains to all on-premises products in the Dynamics portfolio, including AX, Dynamics 365 for Operations, and Dynamics CRM.
There’s also a change to the discount level, going from 60% down to 40%, and the term limit will now be set at three years. The table below illustrates the key differences:
Bridge to the Cloud Promotional Plan Comparison
(migrating from on-premises to Dynamics 365 in the cloud)
| Bridge to the Cloud | Bridge to the Cloud 2 | |
| Enrollment | Ends 12/31/22 | Starts 2/1/23 |
| Products | BC/NAV/GP/SL | Entire Dynamics portfolio |
| Discount | 60% | 40% |
| Term | 1 + 3 @ 1 year = 4 years | 3 years |
Bridge to the Cloud 2 Overview
| Client Eligibility |
|
| Pricing/Terms |
|
| Sign-Up Period | February 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024 |
| Licensing Requirements |
|
| Additional Benefits |
|
|
For customers migrating to Dynamics 365 Business Central
|
|
| Partner Margin | Standard Dynamics 365 CSP/NCE margins |
To see all the details behind the terms and conditions, partners can visit the Bridge to the Cloud 2 website, available to authorized Microsoft partners. After reviewing, Stratos Cloud Alliance recommends talking to your on-premises clients who are interested in or evaluating moving to the cloud to ensure they get the best deal and the biggest discount possible.
For Help in Communicating the Value of the Cloud
Stratos Cloud Alliance offers marketing campaign materials to our partners that focus on communicating the benefits of upgrading to the cloud. If you’re already a partner, visit the partner portal to access the campaigns, or to gain free access, sign up as a Stratos Cloud Alliance Partner today.
It can be difficult to keep up with the changes to Microsoft licensing, incentives, and promotions which is why Stratos Cloud Alliance’s Partner Development Managers work one-on-one with our partners to keep them up-to-date and help navigate the changing Microsoft partner ecosystem.
To learn more about the benefits of joining the Stratos Cloud Alliance, download our Partner Guide.