Even with 195 countries across the globe, today, our world can feel like a small place. We live in a time when you can instantaneously communicate with people who are on the other side of the planet. The digitalization of commerce means that we can quickly buy goods from all over the world. And with teleconferencing, we can even purchase services globally without the additional cost of travel. As consumers, the web has drastically changed our expectations of how and where we can transact business. Whereas global expansion used to be for big multinational brands who had the resources to address the complexities of serving local markets, the internet has made globalization a must for companies of all sizes.

While global expansion has many strategic advantages, such as a broader reach, new suppliers, and more revenue streams, it also introduces significant complexity. Trying to compete online in foreign markets or open offices in new countries can make you quickly realize the vastness of our world. With different languages, currencies, date formats, time zones, regulations, laws, taxes, banking requirements, and cultural differencesyou need the right adaptation strategies to seize the opportunities provided by effective global operations. Learn what’s new in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Globalization in our product updates.

Simplify global operations

At Microsoft, we are helping companies by making it easier for businesses to manage complex global operations, expand more efficiently, and operate more effectively around the world. The Microsoft operations apps include built-in localization and regulatory support for 43 countries and regions and are translated into 48 languages, with partners worldwide providing additional localization solutions (over 50 plus localization extensions have been published on Microsoft AppSource). And with the 2021 release wave 1, we are doing even more to help organizations manage their global operations with global expansion support, new electronic invoicing, and tax calculation services.

Expand globally with more out-of-the-box localizations

We extended support to five new countries and regions in October 2020, and we will be adding support for Egypt in May. We will continue to expand our support for country localizations, targeting regulatory requirements and languages based on demand and market opportunities.

Go paperless with electronic invoicing

Many governments now require electronic invoicing as it reduces tax fraud and accelerates the invoicing process. Businesses are also moving to electronic invoicing as it lowers costs and reduces manual data entry while also improving traceability and reducing end-to-end processing time.

Electronic invoicing also allows companies to quickly adapt systems and processes to what can often be an ever-changing regulatory environment. As a means of digitizing tax and minimizing tax evasion and fraud, governments are increasingly implementing mandatory e-invoicing, forcing buyers and sellers to register invoices with tax authorities electronically when a transaction occurs. Whether you are entering new markets or evolving software to meet new government regulations, e-invoicing provides substantial benefits to your business.

The updated electronic invoicing will roll out for Dynamics 365 Finance, Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, and Dynamics 365 Project Operations with other applications to follow in subsequent releases. The new hyper-scalable multitenant service enables configurable formats, processing of electronic invoice documents, and configurable document exchange. The new service allows companies to:

• Provide a consistent experience in electronic invoice processing and exchange across different geographies.
• Quickly and cost-effectively configure and exchange electronic invoices in the required local formats for business-to-business and business-to-government transactions.
• Accelerate invoice delivery by going paperless, speeding up processes, and improving traceability with configurable electronic invoice documents and exchanges.
• Simplify adherence to the latest electronic invoicing standards in different countries and regions.

Learn more about how electronic invoicing expands capabilities for Dynamics 365 business applications, or visit our electronic invoicing overview.

Improve compliance with tax calculation

The digitalization of tax and the steady stream of indirect tax regulations that global businesses encounter, such as VAT and GST, have further complicated existing processes by introducing new industry and compliance risks that challenge leaders in every global enterprise.

Tax calculation allows you to improve compliance with associated local regulations. The new configurable microservice (preview) enhances the tax determination and calculation capabilities in Dynamics 365 Finance and Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management. Tax calculation is fully integrated out-of-the-box and enables you to:

• Automate and standardize tax determinations and calculations across countries or regions.
• Utilize a configurable tax determination matrix and flexible calculation designer to configure and execute complex tax determination rules and calculations using formulae and conditions.
• Simplify compliance maintenance for local tax regulations.

Learn more about the tax calculation features in our tax calculation overview.

Meet changing global and local requirements

In addition to the e-invoicing and tax calculation requirements mentioned above, a multinational company must meet other country-specific laws and business rules in the areas of tax reporting, banking, business document formats, etc. Some of these are legally required, while others are adopted based on local business practices. Legal requirements are frequently changed by tax authorities, often with very tight law enforcement dates. The existing configurable Electronic Reporting and Business Document Management capabilities in the Dynamics 365 operations apps make it easy for companies to handle these types of requirements on a global scale. And because document and report template configurations for both inbound and outbound transactions are no-code or low-code, users can create customizations based on the industry-standard data models and adapt to changing legal or other local requirements quickly.

Easily support custom configurations

In the 2021 release wave 1, we also enhanced the Regulatory Configuration Service (RCS), our configuration authoring and lifecycle management service. This no-code or low-code service extends Electronic Reporting authoring and lifecycle management capabilities so that users can now:

• Create custom configurations for the new electronic invoicing and tax calculation microservices.
• More simply configure, set up, and manage multi-component globalization features.
• Publish, store, and share custom configurations in the global repository to simplify configuration management without requiring the use of the Microsoft Dynamics Lifecycle Services (LCS).

Better manage global operations and expansion

With expanded out-of-the-box global coverage and no-code or low-code globalization services within Dynamics 365 operations apps, businesses can manage the challenges of global operations and expansion more effectively. This enhanced flexibility allows you to quickly adapt to the unique needs of different markets at scale. Our customers and partners are using these services and capabilities to extend the standard functionality and have already created several thousand configurations for over 100 countries and regions.

Learn more about what’s new in Dynamics 365 Finance and Globalization in our product updates.

The post Reduce complexity across global operations with Dynamics 365 appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.

Later this year, Microsoft will launch a new Publisher program to modernize our Dynamics 365 Business Central ISV approach to support a cloud-first strategy. This new approach will ensure all future customers can choose Dynamics 365 Business Central online, while also finding the right apps on Microsoft AppSource to meet their unique requirements. This change will require ISVs to have a cloud-first strategy by the end of 2022 for their solutions listed as Microsoft AppSource apps.

The new Publisher program replaces the Registered Solution Program (RSP) and the Certified for Microsoft Dynamics (CfMD) program, which will be deprecated after being in place for more than a decade.

We’ll share details about the new Publisher program closer to launch. In the meantime, the following guidance will ensure that you are ready to transition:

• Publishers with a cloud-first strategy in place are set up for success.
  ISVs who have modernized their existing C/AL solutions by converting them into AL and full extensions, and published those Apps to Microsoft AppSource, will be more competitive. These publishers will be able to adapt faster and can focus more on their prospects and customers, instead of writing code.

The Publisher program will reward partners with a cloud-first strategy by freeing them from program fees or additional test efforts, outside of what is required for publishing to Microsoft AppSource.

This policy doesn’t mean publishers are required to have a cloud-only approach. If partners comply with the cloud-first approach, they’ll be able to easily implement Business Central online, on-premises, and partner-hosted apps.

• Better serve your customers by bringing existing Dynamics NAV or Dynamics 365 Business Central code-customized solutions into Microsoft AppSource.
  As of April 2021, Microsoft AppSource hosts almost 1,500 apps specifically built for Dynamics 365 Business Central. Over the past few years, hundreds of our partners have embraced this transition and incorporated a cloud-first strategy. Those who have transitioned to Microsoft AppSource have shared with us how they and their customers benefited from that investment.

To remain competitive, relevant, and provide digital transformation strategies to customers, we are asking all our partners to embark on a modernization journey. If there is a strong business case to continue selling to new customers, then you should avoid further delay and bring your apps to Microsoft AppSource.

From September 2022 onward, we will introduce gradually increasing fees for publishers whose resellers have sold on-premises solutions to new customers without an equivalent cloud-based solution. The fees will only be applied to sales in countries where the Dynamics 365 Business Central online service is available. Solutions registered to existing customer licenses before the program cut-off date will not be impacted by program fees. However, adding new non-AppSource solutions after the cut-off date will be impacted.

Avoid fees by creating a transition plan now. The longer you wait to bring your solutions into Microsoft AppSource, the more fees you will incur.

This change also means that publishers now have a shared responsibility with their resellers to only resell cloud-first solutions to new customers.

Just like the RSP and CfMD programs, the new Publisher program is designed to drive customer-obsession behavior, not revenue, and promote a cloud-first strategy for publishers. Our objective is to ensure customers can choose cloud deployments without exception.

Next steps

Further details about the program will be shared in the coming months. We understand that our partners are in different stages of their modernization journey. We’ve put together learning and coaching resources to support you in your transition journey. Please reach out to your regional operational center if you have any questions or concerns. We’ll connect you with the best resource to further your path forward.

The post New Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Publisher program coming in 2021 appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.

If you haven’t registered for Microsoft Business Applications Summit, now’s the perfect time to sign up and explore the full line-up of learning sessions, featured speakers, Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities. The packed line-up will stream to you live and on-demand, at no cost, on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, starting at 7:30 AM Pacific Time. Register now for Microsoft Business Applications Summit and read on for what to expect during this year’s digital event.

Why attend Microsoft Business Applications Summit?

Microsoft Business Applications Summit is unlike any other event we host each year. Here are three great reasons to attend this year’s Summit:

• Explore the tech that will move your business forward: We’re spotlighting innovation across Microsoft business applications that help you unify your data, adapt your business to new market conditions, and empower everyone in your organization to solve tough challenges.
• Fine-tune your skills: Expand your knowledge base and turn your expertise into greater outcomes for your business. Learn and explore many of the new capabilities across Microsoft Power Platform.
• Connect with the community: Even in a digital format, the event offers you great opportunities to engage with a community of power users and technical architects like you. Plus, you’ll hear first-hand from engineers tips, tricks, and best practices to make the most of the digital tools you and your team use every day.

What to expect

The day kicks off with pre-show content at 7:30 AM Pacific Time. Be sure to attend these featured presentations.

8:15 AM to 9:15 AM Pacific Time

Opening key segments with James Phillips and Alysa Taylor

James Phillips, President, Digital Transformation Platform, and Alysa Taylor, Corporate Vice President, Business Applications and Global Industry Marketing, will catch you up on the latest product strategy, highlights from the latest release wave for Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Microsoft Power Platform, and real-world stories from global brands.

10:45 AM to 11:15 AM Pacific Time and 1:45 PM to 2:15 PM Pacific Time

Microsoft Power BI vision, roadmap, and special announcement

Join Arun Ulag, Corporate Vice President for Power BI, and others from the Power BI team to get an insider look at the Power BI strategy and roadmap, and get a first-hand look at capabilities heading your way from 10:45 AM to 11:15 AM Pacific Time. At 1:45 PM Pacific Time, tune in for a special Power BI announcement that you won’t want to miss.

9:45 AM to 10:15 AM Pacific Time

Empower every dev to go faster with Microsoft Power Apps

Catch up on new low-code capabilities for Power Apps that empower everyone to create apps. Charles Lamanna, who leads the Engineering team for the Low Code Application Platform, will demo a variety of capabilities and scenarios, share customer success stories, and provide a roadmap of new features heading to Power Apps this year.

10:45 AM to 11:15 AM Pacific Time

Elevating end-to-end experiences and building deeper relationships

Join Muhammad Alam, Corporate Vice President for Dynamics 365, for an engaging look at digital tools to break down boundaries to empower everyone in the organization to create new value through customer obsession.

Live sessions with Q&A (9:45 AM to 3:15 PM Pacific Time)

Attend virtual sessions that will grow your expertise and lead to greater business outcomes from industry leaders and moderators who will help field your questions live throughout the presentations. After the event, you’ll be able to watch the sessions and even more content on-demand. Choose from a variety of sessions, including:

• Explore ways to close the skills gap and invest in employee learning with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Guides (9:45 AM to 10:15 AM Pacific Time).
• ISV Connect: Driving partner innovation and success with Business Applications. If you’re a Microsoft Partner, hear how independent software vendors (ISVs) are driving innovation with their customers building solutions on the Business Application platform using the platform, marketing, and co-sell benefits of the ISV Connect Program (9:45 AM to 10:15 AM Pacific Time).
• Learn how to streamline a myriad of your business processes with digital and robotic process automation (11:45 AM to 12:15 PM Pacific Time).
• Explore the latest innovation and best practices to deliver next-level customer personalization with responsible AI and insights (12:45 PM to 1:15 PM Pacific Time).
• Learn how Power Platform governance and security capabilities can help you strike the proper balance between faster solution delivery and safeguarding company data (12:45 PM to 1:15 PM Pacific Time).
• Learn howorchestrating real-time journeys and delivering relevant contentcan help you revolutionize how you create meaningful experiences for your audiences (1:45 PM to 2:15 PM Pacific Time).

This is just a sample of the day’s line-up of featured sessionsexplore the full session catalog to plan your day.

Live experiences in the Connection Zone (9:45 AM to 3:15 PM Pacific Time)

Join us for live experiences in the Connection Zone where you can connect with Microsoft and other attendees in a variety of ways, including:

• Ask the Experts: Microsoft subject matter experts will answer your questions in real-time about content you consumed in the Featured Sessions.
• Learn Live: Guided online experiences with a subject matter expert who will walk and talk through Microsoft Learn modules.
• Humans of IT: Discover the intersection between humanity and tech through inspirational stories.
• Cloud Skills Challenge: Participate in interactive learning modules and hone your skills in Business Applications focused challenges.
• Table Talks: Share insights with other attendees in an ongoing live chat. Then, listen to community leads highlight what’s been discussed.
• Product Roundtables: Participate in two-way discussions with the product teams where they’ll listen to your feedback and help shape the future of Microsoft products.

Explore the full line-up of Connection Zone experiences.

Get ready to go digital

Don’t forget to register for Microsoft Business Applications Summit and invite your team to join us for Dynamics 365 and Power Platform-focused content on turning data into action, opportunities to hone their skills, the chance to connect with experts, and engage with the community. We hope you’ll join us!

The post Your guide to Microsoft Business Applications Summit 2021 appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.