If you’ve worked in finance long enough, you’ve probably worked with your fair share of accounting software providers — including several Microsoft accounting software solutions under various names. There have been so many acquisitions and name changes over the past two decades that it can be difficult to keep up with them all.
As you explore your options, it’s helpful to understand how these solutions evolved as well as their key features and shortcomings.
Software Connect describes Microsoft Dynamics as "a line of integrated, adaptable business management solutions" that, in the words of PC Mag, "was built by acquisition" starting before the turn of the millennium.
Here are a few highlights from the Microsoft Dynamics timeline:
The Dynamics lineup remains a part of Microsoft's software portfolio today. Solutions are sold through value-added resellers (VARs). VARs, or partners, generally provide installation, support, and some customization. While this translates to more personalized service, it also "makes it incumbent on buyers to evaluate not only the products, but also the quality of service from a given VAR," said a CFO article at the time of Microsoft's acquisition of Great Plains Software.
Software Connect calls Microsoft Dynamics GP "one of the most popular and longest tenured business management software products on the market." The site describes Dynamics GP as an ERP for small to mid-market businesses, with capabilities including inventory management, business intelligence, and human resources.
A 2016 PC Mag review of Microsoft Dynamics GP praises the software's feature-richness and large library of customizable reports but laments its complexity and lack of user-friendliness.
Additionally, the latest version of Microsoft Dynamics GP operates in the Azure Cloud as a hosted system, not a true cloud-based accounting software. That means you’ll likely have to pay extra for data hosting and upgrades.
Dynamics SL is geared toward businesses in specific industries, including government contracting, wholesale distribution, construction, and professional services and engineering.
The solution's original developer, Solomon Software, has become Solomon Cloud Solutions and now uses its nearly 40 years of experience with Solomon products to provide support and consulting services.
While Dynamics SL integrates well with other Microsoft applications, users note some of its features are outdated.
After Navision became Microsoft Business Solutions - Navision, which then became Microsoft Dynamics NAV, the solution underwent one final transformation.
"Dynamics NAV is now Dynamics 365 Business Central," states Microsoft's website. The company promised Business Central has "the same rich functionality as Dynamics NAV," describing the solution as "a comprehensive business management solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses."
The solution now known as Business Central differs from Dynamics GP in that its multi-language and multi-currency capabilities are appropriate for companies that conduct business internationally, according to Software Connect.
However, it has a few significant drawbacks.
It lacks multi-entity accounting support, requiring users to navigate between different databases to manage inter-company transactions.
There’s no native ability to create consolidated financial reports without purchasing a separate application.
The Dynamics NAV (the foundation of Business Central) was initially released in 1987 with a proprietary platform and toolset. Much of that same platform exists today in Business Central.
After being acquired by Sage US in 1999, Peachtree Software became known as Peachtree by Sage, which later became Sage 50cloud. While this solution has grown to meet modern business needs, there are still significant drawbacks.
Sage 50cloud Accounting is marketed as a cloud-based solution, but it is still not a fully web-based accounting application, requiring local client installations.
A 2021 review of Sage 50cloud in PC Mag says:
"This powerful and innovative connection helps make up for the fact that you must have Sage 50cloud Accounting installed on a local desktop (or a very good laptop, since it's resource-heavy) to make full use of its features."
Users rate its payroll and tax calculation features highly; however, some people note it isn’t the most user-friendly accounting software solution.
“It is not at all intuitive to use,” one user said in a review on G2 Crowd. “Reporting is convoluted and overly complicated to set up.”
"The integrations available are extremely costly for a small business," said another user.
Some legacy accounting solution providers evolve and find new ways to stay competitive amid a changing business landscape. Others struggle to keep up, forcing users to continually upgrade to the latest version, pay for data hosting or buy expensive add-ons from independent software vendors that may not integrate well.
Gravity Software is a true cloud-based accounting solution built on the Microsoft Power Platform. This gives you all the same familiarity and security features you expect from Microsoft products and services with enhanced functionality for multi-entity accounting.
With Gravity, you can eliminate the need for managing multiple software solutions. Unlike Microsoft Dynamics or Sage 50cloud, Gravity offers a unified platform that reduces complexity and enhances efficiency. You don’t have to deal with the frustrations of managing separate databases or systems.
With legacy systems, you’re often stuck waiting for annual updates or paying for expensive add-ons to stay competitive. Gravity’s cloud-based platform provides automatic updates and new features as they’re released, so you’re always using the latest version of the software.
As your business scales, so does Gravity. Whether you're managing two entities or 2000+, Gravity handles consolidation, reporting, and multi-currency transactions without the headache of navigating through multiple systems or costly integrations.
While legacy accounting solutions like Microsoft Dynamics and Sage 50cloud have their place, they are no longer the best choice for businesses looking for modern, scalable, and user-friendly accounting systems. Gravity Software offers a flexible, cloud-based solution that provides better features, more integration options, and a lower total cost of ownership.
Ready to leave legacy systems behind? Schedule a demo of Gravity Software today and experience smarter, better accounting for your growing business.
Gravity Software
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