Dynamics 365 Business Central can be hosted in the cloud in two ways. You can host directly with Microsoft or with Fenwick Cloud.
This page is a deep-dive into the options available for your system. If you’re new to Business Central, you can learn more here.
Comparing your hosting options
Each option has different uses depending on whether you’re implementing for the first time, or upgrading from an on-premises system.
Microsoft Hosted
Let Microsoft do all the heavy lifting. A simple managed solution that will suit most businesses.
- No upfront infrastructure cost
- Automatic updates
- AppSource Marketplace & Extensions
- Subscription licence
Fenwick Cloud Hosted
A balanced, hybrid cloud approach suitable as a stepping stone for a fully hosted Business Central instance.
- No upfront infrastructure cost
- Dynamics NAV add-on compatibility
- Supported embedded enhancements
- Perpetual license compatibility
Self Hosted
Take things into your own hands. The on-premises SKU can be installed on local servers and managed by your IT team.
- Requires server infrastructure
- Supported embedded enhancements
- Perpetual license compatibility
Use Fenwick Cloud to uplift your existing database
Fenwick Cloud is the simple way to run your new or existing on-premises Dynamics 365 Business Central or Dynamics NAV system, without the overhead of managing servers and infrastructure.
It’s run on the Microsoft Azure platform, so you’re powered by the same platform that runs Microsoft Hosted Dynamics 365 Business Central systems.
Suits a Growing Business
Compatible with Customizations
Flexible Licensing
Physically and Digitally Secure
Backed by Microsoft Azure
Reliable
Uplift more than just your ERP
Microsoft Azure supports and Windows-based workload with little hassle. Speak with us and you might find you can uplift other applications alongside your ERP.
An on-premises and hosted comparison of responsibilities
The following components would be managed in an on-premises deployment, compared with a cloud-hosted solution. This applies both Fenwick Cloud and Microsoft-hosted solutions.
The following list of responsibilities identifies which party is primary responsible for that area.
Managed by you or your IT team
Managed by Fenwick, powered by Microsoft Azure
Managed by Microsoft
| Area | Self-hosted | Fenwick Cloud | Microsoft Hosted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Users Who is able to access the system and use Business Central. | | | |
| Application and Service Tier Runs the logic of the business application. | | | |
| Database Holds your company data. Security, access controls, performance, etc. | | | |
| Operating System Windows, updates, and associated licensing, etc. | | | |
| SQL Server The engine that runs the database, and associated SQL licensing. | | | |
| Virtualisation Management layer on physical hardware. | | | |
| Servers Hardware, equipment, server racks, power, cooling, etc. | | | |
| Storage & Backups Retention, point in time restore, off-site backup, etc. | | | |
| Networking Firewalls, network connectivity, cabling, internet connection, etc. | | | |
