Before you buy

New to Dynamics 365 Finance, Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, or Dynamics 365 Commerce? We've put together step-by-step guidance whether you're still evaluating or ready to make a purchase.

Step one: Try out finance and operations free for 30 days

You can try Dynamics 365 for Finance, Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, or Dynamics 365 Commerce for 30 days through a simple email signup. The trial version of finance and operations applications includes Getting started task guides that provide step-by-step instructions that allow you to view specific scenarios in action. The product is available to explore and exercise scenarios, but cannot be customized. Demo data is included to ease the use of the product and to make the experience more meaningful. A reminder email will be sent 3 days prior to the trial expiration. Get details at Sign up for preview subscriptions.

Step two: Choose a deployment option

You can now deploy finance and operations applications in the cloud or on-premises. Cloud deployments offer an ERP service that is fully managed by Microsoft, while on-premises deployments are deployed locally within a customer's data center.

The following considerations must be taken when you choose on-premises as a deployment option:

• Regulatory and compliance needs that are not available in the cloud certifications.
• Disconnected business process with intermittent internet connectivity required to access Microsoft Dynamics Lifecycle Services (LCS) for application lifecycle management.
• Comparison of cloud and on-premises features.
• System requirements for on-premises deployments.

For more information, see Deployment options.

Step three: Buy and manage a subscription

To explore subscription options, go to the Dynamics 365 pricing page. This page includes several different plans to fit your organization's needs.

There are many ways to buy a subscription:

• Buy through a Cloud solution provider (cloud only).
• Buy through a partner, and use volume licensing (cloud or on-premises).
• Buy through a partner from the Dynamics price list (on-premises only).

Buy through a Cloud solution provider (cloud-only)

A Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider can work closely with you to understand the needs of your business or organization. Use the Microsoft Partner Center portal to find a partner to fit your needs.

Buy through a Dynamics partner (on-premises)

You must work with a partner to purchase Finance + Operations (on-premises). For more information, see Buy Finance + Operations (on-premises).

Buy through volume licensing (cloud or on-premises)

If your organization has 250 or more Dynamics 365 users, you may be interested in a Volume licensing agreement.

In volume licensing, finance and operations applications are available through:

• Enterprise Agreement
• Enterprise Agreement Subscription
• Enrollment for Education Solutions (under the Campus and School Agreement)
• Microsoft Products and Services Agreement (MPSA)

Choose your support option

Microsoft provides flexible, industry-leading support, services, and resources that enable users to quickly address technical issues and maximize return on your Dynamics 365 investment. Choose a plan that best meets your business requirements.

For additional resources, see:

• Dynamics 365 Support
• Quick Start Guide for Microsoft Dynamics Cloud Service Support Benefits (PDF)

Step four: Learn about FastTrack and plan your deployment

Microsoft FastTrack for Dynamics 365 is our customer success service designed to help you move to Dynamics 365 smoothly and confidently, so you can realize business value faster. When you participate in the FastTrack program, you will receive guidance on best practices and how to plan for successful rollouts. You will also learn ways to enable new users and expand capabilities – all at your own pace. Additionally, you will have access to Microsoft engineering resources committed to make your experience with Dynamics 365 a success. For more information, see Microsoft FastTrack.

If you are upgrading from Dynamics AX 2012 or migrating from AX 2009

If you are a customer who is upgrading from Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 or migrating from Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009, you may be eligible for a longer trial. Contact daxcf@microsoft.com for more information.