Cloud enabled versions of the Microsoft enterprise resource planning solutions, Dynamics ERP, are planned to roll out towards the end of 2012 based on the Azure cloud infrastructure as parts of the software giants “commitment to simplicity and agility”.

There are four platforms within the Dynamics ERP portfolio:

• “Dynamics AX” – aimed primarily at large enterprise
• “Dynamics GP” – aimed at businesses that want out of the box solutions
• “Dynamics NAV” – aimed at businesses that want something more customisable
• “Dynamics SL” – with its project-centric approach and focus on professional services industries

Dynamics GP and Dynamics NAV will be cloud optimised for use by small and medium enterprise companies and will be subscription based tying in the benefits of Azure’s scalability. Aiming the cloud enabled versions at the SME marketplace makes a lot of sense as these are likely to be businesses with few resources to support the infrastructure required for on-premise solutions whilst the cloud enabled functionality will have added benefits of anywhere, anytime access for employees. However, the products will remain available in their existing on-premise formats for enterprises that have no plans to utilise the cloud.