Maximizing Microsoft One Version

This innovative approach helps ensure customers get the full value of Microsoft R&D investments with small incremental releases or micro-updates, rather than requiring costly and time-consuming upgrades.

It also enables users to gradually expand and adapt their use of D365 features and new modules as their businesses grow and change over time, eliminating downtime for applications.

How Microsoft One Version service updates work

A traditional environment upgrade required developer assistance, increased downtime and serious forecasting, as described above. With One Version service updates, Microsoft offers a streamlined, efficient and developer-free method of delivering updates.

Microsoft provides two release waves to Dynamics 365 F&O as part of a business’ subscription to the product. These releases include updates on applications, modules and features, as well as general platform and regulatory improvements.

One Version enables businesses to add customized extensions based on their own needs while remaining up-to-date with releases. This approach also helps Microsoft ensure that the updates are stable when applied, so customers always have access to the latest features and enhancements.

Microsoft introduced a game-changing solution to Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations updates in 2018 - One Version service updates. This innovative approach ensures that customers get the full value of Microsoft R&D investments with small incremental releases or micro-updates, rather than requiring them to undertake costly and time-consuming upgrades. Mazars supports Microsoft Dynamics customers on One Version platform. This short video highlights how Mazars makes this an easy process for upgrades and updates.

Benefits of One Version service updates

Previous traditional system upgrades required organizations to dedicate considerable time and resources for planning, testing and deployment. With One Version updates, the significant cost of traditional system upgrades no longer applies since Microsoft has eliminated system upgrades and introduced predictable, continuous micro-updates. This allows for seamless updating within business solutions by accepting changes in smaller increments, as opposed to significant changes all at once.

In addition to eliminating significant downtime, One Version updates eliminate the risk of unpatched software and security risks. Dynamics 365 F&O customers can choose which updates they want to accept during the update cycle to remain compliant. Microsoft is continuously working to reduce required downtime, and improvements will continue to be introduced in the coming year.

Microsoft will push an automatic update to Dynamics 365 customers that do not accept a minimum of two updates annually; customers that do not accept these updates could experience unplanned performance issues or changes to their systems. Among the updates are product extensions, new features and quality updates.

Lifecycle Services applies One Version service updates directly; a tile on the environment page shows the number and type of updates available for the environment. Like Windows updates, One Version updates are cumulative – saving businesses much time mirroring versioning across environments.

The importance of feature management

With Microsoft Dynamics 365, customers now benefit from technical delivery and eight annual updates. However, this can pose a resource challenge for evaluating the most appropriate updates for the business.

To assist with this process, it might be best to enlist a Lifecycle Services advisor that can forecast updates, guide new feature implementation and assess user training needs when rolling out updated applications. With this expertise onboard, customers can better manage the update process while avoiding significant downtime.

Support for Microsoft One Version

Many best practices and documentation have been published to help guide small businesses in setting up and activating One Version updates. To realize maximum benefit, it’s recommended companies consider working with a Live Services advisor that understands the modifications and One Version releases, and how they apply to current operations. The advisor may also help promote these changes throughout the business.

Microsoft’s developed a library of automated regression tests, which include unit/component tests and full process tests. The regression test library helps ensure the application remains functional after each environment update.

A new update could impact the system based on the environment’s degree of customization. It’s, therefore, crucial to test all core processes in a sandbox environment before releasing them into production.

Mazars supports clients and One Version

With One Version, organizations still need to dedicate significant internal resources and time to test and manage multiple updates through the year. Mazars can help.

Automated regression testing software available with Dynamics 365 can reduce the testing process to one-two business days, managed by a single user via automation once test scenarios have been developed. Thereafter, business users would need to address only those automated tests that failed.

As part of our methodology, Mazars has developed leading practices and guidance for regression testing, including security roles and governance, that enable clients to effectively implement One Version updates.

By eliminating extensive downtimes and security patches, One Version revolutionizes how solutions update products. Businesses can update Dynamics 365 F&O more efficiently and faster by migrating to a seamless update cycle.

To learn how Mazars can help, request a demo today.