Imagine your ERP system always running on the latest version – without updates, without server costs and with full integration into Microsoft 365, Power Platform and Copilot. That’s exactly what Bridge to the Cloud enables. This programme is your springboard into the future of Dynamics 365 Business Central – with financial benefits, clear planning security and maximum flexibility during the transition. Many companies are still hesitant, even though the timing has never been better: those who act now will benefit twice over – from price advantages, security and future-proof technology.

What is „Bridge to the Cloud“?

Bridge to the Cloud (BTC) is an official Microsoft promotion programme for customers with an existing on-premises licence and active enhancement plan. It enables customers to migrate to the cloud at a reduced cost without immediately abandoning their existing infrastructure. Companies can use both systems in parallel, migrate their processes step by step and thus plan the changeover without risk.

Current status: Bridge to the Cloud 2

The second generation of the programme, Bridge to the Cloud 2 (BTC 2), was launched in February 2023 and will run until the end of 2025.
Conditions at a glance:

• Discount: 40% off cloud licences (via CSP / New Commerce Experience)
• Duration: 3 years
• Participation period: until 31 December 2025
• Parallel operation: On-premises and cloud may be used simultaneously
• Requirement: active Enhancement Plan

BTC 2 is therefore aimed at companies that are now starting to plan for the cloud but still need time for testing, training and data migration.

Next phase: Bridge to the Cloud 3

As Bridge to the Cloud 2 is coming to an end, Microsoft has already announced the next generation of the programme – Bridge to the Cloud 3 (BTC 3).

Planned start date: 1 January 2026
Last opportunity to participate: 31 December 2027

Important changes compared to BTC 2:

• Discount reduced: approx. 30% (instead of 40%)
• Stricter eligibility requirements: Only customers who had a valid on-premises licence before 1 September 2024
• Similar duration: 3 years, continuing via the CSP/NCE model
• Same principle: parallel operation of on-premises and cloud remains possible

This means that BTC 3 remains attractive, but is less financially advantageous than the current BTC 2 version.

Why switching makes sense right now

From October 2025, Microsoft will increase the prices for Business Central Online by around 10%. At the same time, the included storage space will increase. Those who switch to the cloud via Bridge to the Cloud 2 by then will benefit twice: from the existing 40% discount and the even lower base prices. A later entry from 2026 via BTC 3 is still possible, but will be more expensive and come with a smaller discount.

Overview of participation requirements

1. Aktiver Erweiterungsplan für Dynamics NAV oder Business Central On-Premises.
2. Conclusion via a Microsoft CSP partner (e.g. CONNAMIX).
3. The cloud contract value must be at least equal to the previous maintenance amount.
4. Contract commitment for 3 years.
5. Option to use on-premises and cloud in parallel during runtime.

Benefits for businesses

1. Plannable transition: Parallel operation allows you to test Business Central Online at your leisure, migrate data and adapt processes – without any risk of downtime.
2. Financial benefits: Up to 40% discount on cloud licences (with BTC 2) while continuing to use existing licences.
3. Future-proof: Automatic updates, highest security standards and full integration into the Microsoft ecosystem (Power Platform, Teams, Outlook, Copilot).
4. Reduced IT costs: No server costs, no manual updates – Microsoft takes care of all hosting and maintenance.
5. Scalability: Cloud licences can be adjusted at any time as your business grows or new business areas emerge.

Important information

• Review your add-ons and industry solutions: many are already available as apps for Business Central Online.
• Plan your data migration early on. Use parallel operation to set up test environments.
• Train your employees in good time – introducing the cloud is also a change process.
• Calculate the total costs in the long term, as standard prices apply after the promotion expires.

Conclusion

Bridge to the Cloud is and remains the strategic key for companies that want to move to the cloud professionally, securely and economically. BTC 2 is currently the most attractive phase of the programme – including the highest discount and full flexibility. Although a successor version, BTC 3, will be available from 2026, it will offer fewer financial benefits. So those who act today will reap long-term rewards – through modern technology, lower IT costs and future-proof processes in the cloud.

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This article was created by CONNAMIX – your Microsoft Dynamics 365 partner for digitalisation, cloud migration and process automation.