Category: DynamicsRead time: 5 MinsPublished on: 17 Oct 2025

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Bridge to Cloud 3 Promotion & 40% Discount Deadline

1. Microsoft Bridge to Cloud 3 Program

Microsoft's Bridge to Cloud 3 (BTC3) promotion helps in transition from on-premises Dynamics systems to Dynamics 365 cloud solutions.

The program offers you 30% discount locked in for a three-year term through the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program if you move to cloud.

With the upcoming Business Central licensing price increase on November 1, 2025, understanding BTC3 is key to saving on your licensing costs.

Our Dynamics 365 experts offer their insights on BTC promotions and pricing changes, helping you maximize your cloud investment.

2. Business Central Price Increase Effective November 1, 2025

What is the extent of the licensing cost increases?

Microsoft has announced the first price increase for Dynamics 365 Business Central in over five years. The new prices will start on November 1, 2025 (updated from the originally planned October 1, 2025).

The price reflects Microsoft’s significant value additions and enhancements over recent years. Even though the price is increasing, Microsoft is also giving you more storage with each license.

License Type Current Price (Before Nov 1) New Price (From Nov 1)
Essentials $70/user/month (2 GB) $80/user/month (3 GB)
Premium $100/user/month (3 GB) $110/user/month (5 GB)
Device $40/device/month (1 GB) $45/device/month (1.5 GB)
How does the price increase impact users?
  • Existing subscribers will maintain current pricing until their first renewal after November 1, 2025
  • New subscriptions purchased after November 1, 2025, will immediately reflect the new pricing.
  • On-premises customers considering cloud migration should factor these new rates into their long-term planning
Customer Scenario Financial Impact Recommended Action
Existing cloud customer with October renewal No immediate impact Plan for price increase at next renewal after November 1st 2025
Existing cloud customer with December renewal 10-15% increase at renewal Budget for increased costs and optimize license allocation
On-premises customer considering migration Higher cloud migration costs Leverage Bridge to Cloud promotions to offset increase
New implementation planning Higher starting costs Accelerate timeline to lock in current prices before November 1st 2025

3. Comparing Bridge to the Cloud 2 and Bridge to Cloud 3

Key Takeaway - BTTC2 (40%) expires Dec 31, 2025; BTC3 (30%) is valid until Dec 31, 2027

Microsoft is continuing its push for on-premises customers to move to the cloud with its updated Bridge to Cloud promotion. Both programs support your transition, but it is important to note their key differences.

  • Bridge to Cloud 2 (BTTC2)

    This program, which ends on December 31, 2025, offers a 40% discount on your Business Central online licenses. Discount applies during fixed 3-year term from enrolment.

  • Bridge to Cloud 3 (BTC3)

    This new program begins on January 1, 2026, and is valid until December 31, 2027. It provides a 30% discount on licenses, also for a three-year term.

While both promotions share the goal of helping you migrate and offering financial incentives, you must understand the new discount percentage and eligibility rules to make the best choice for your organization.

What Are The Key Differences Between Bridge To Cloud 2 (BTTC2) And Bridge To Cloud 3 (BTC3)
Feature Bridge to Cloud 2 (BTTC2) Bridge to Cloud 3 (BTC3)
Availability Period Until December 31, 2025 January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2027
Discount Percentage 40% off standard list price 30% off standard list price
Promotional Term 3 years 3 years non-cancellable
Minimum Commitment Annualized CSP value equal to Enhancement Plan (EP) renewal amount Annualized CSP value equal to EP renewal amount
Dual Use Rights Available during promotional term Available during promotional term
Additional Benefits Extra "free" users after reaching 2x EP value 50% discount on additional on-premises users during migration
Eligibility Cut-off On-premises license purchased before September 1, 2022 On-premises license purchased before September 1, 2024

4. How to Choose Between Bridge to the Cloud 2 & Bridge to Cloud 3

  1. How to plan before migrating to Dynamics 365 cloud?

    Considering Microsoft's promotions and impact of the November 2025 price increase, you should consider both timing and technical approach before migration. The choice between BTTC2 and BTC3 depends on an organization's timeline and circumstances.

    • Are you eligible for both promotions & considering cloud migration?

      Consider BTTC2, as it offers a better discount rate (40% vs. 30%). Avail this benefit by enrolling before the December 31, 2025, deadline.

    • Are you not ready to migrate yet?

      Prefer BTC3, as it provides a longer time limit for enrolment. The signup period extends through December 31, 2027.

    • Leverage dual-use rights

      Both BTTC2 and BTC3 provide dual-use rights, helping you maintain on-premises systems while moving to cloud. This enables a more gradual, careful migration without business disruption.

    • Plan for post-promotional costs

      Consider total cost of ownership beyond the promotional period. Formulate full list prices that will apply after the discount term expires.

  2. How to calculate your migration costs?

    Developing accurate financial projections requires consideration of multiple variables.

    • Current on-premises costs: Calculate your existing Enhancement Plan renewal amount. This establishes the minimum cloud subscription value required for promotion eligibility.
    • Cloud subscription requirements: Estimate the number and type of Business Central licenses needed. Consider both current needs and projected growth.
    • Promotional discount application: Apply the appropriate discount rate (40% for BTTC2, 30% for BTC3) to calculate your promotional costs.
    • Post-promotional costs: Project costs at the end of promotional period with new pricing effective November 2025.
  3. How to plan for migration to cloud with these promotional offers?
    • Start early: Begin planning at least 3-6 months before your target enrolment date. This allows sufficient time for assessment and partner selection.
    • Conduct a thorough license assessment: Consult with your partner to accurately map on-premises users to cloud license types.
    • Leverage partner expertise: Certified Dynamics 365 partners like Congruent Software provide guidance on promotion eligibility, migration planning, and implementation approach.
    • Develop a phased migration plan: Use the promotional period to gradually migrate business processes and users. Avoid making a rather than attempting a "big bang" approach.
    • Utilize available benefits: Take full advantage of dual-use rights, the 50% discount on additional on-premises users (BTC3), and any other applicable benefits to smooth the transition.

5. Eligibility Criteria for BTC3 Promotion

  • Users migrating from “Dynamics on-premises” perpetual products purchased through Dynamics Price List (DPL) to functionally similar Dynamics 365 online per-user commercial with a 3-year term on NCE.
  • Purchase of the on-premises product should have been prior to September 1, 2024, with an active Enhancement Plan (EP).
  • Users of existing/prior migration promotions are ineligible for BTC3.
  • This promotion is not to be used in conjunction with other transition offers or promotional programs.

Migrate from Dynamics ERP & CRM (on-premises)

  • Dynamics 365 Business Central
  • Dynamics NAV
  • Dynamics GP
  • Dynamics SL
  • Dynamics C5
  • Dynamics 365 for Operations Dynamics AX
  • Dynamics RMS/POS
  • Dynamics XAL
  • Dynamics CRM

To Dynamics 365 Online (Note: Commercial only, on 3-year purchase option only. NCE partner-led only) *

  • Dynamics 365 Business Central Online
  • Dynamics 365 Commerce
  • Dynamics 365 Finance
  • Dynamics 365 Human Resources
  • Dynamics 365 Operations
  • Dynamics 365 Project Operations
  • Dynamics 365 Supply Chain
  • Dynamics 365 Team Members
  • Dynamics 365 Customer Service
  • Dynamics 365 Field Service
  • Dynamics 365 Sales
  • Dynamics 365 Team Members

*Note: Attached licenses must be purchased in conjunction with an appropriate qualifying base license. See the Dynamics 365 Licensing Guide for details.

6. What is the Recommended 5-Step Action Plan for Migration?

As a certified Dynamics 365 partner, Congruent Software can help you assess, recommend, and save on licensing expenses and help you gain the most out of these promotions. We suggest the following action plan for Dynamics on-premises users.

  1. Accelerate your Assessment Process

    If you have been considering cloud migration, initiate a formal assessment immediately to determine eligibility for BTTC2 before its December 31, 2025, expiration.

  2. Contact your Microsoft Partner

    Engage with a qualified Cloud Solution Provider to analyze your specific situation, calculate costs under both promotions, and develop a customized migration plan.

  3. Lock in Current Pricing

    For organizations with imminent renewals or implementations, consider accelerating timelines to lock in current Business Central pricing before the November 1, 2025, increase.

  4. Develop a Financial Model

    Create a detailed 5-year TCO projection comparing both promotion options and the no-promotion scenario to inform your decision-making.

  5. Make a Strategic Decision

    Based on your assessment, either enrol in BTTC2 before year-end 2025 or develop a plan for BTC3 enrolment in 2026-2027 that aligns with your organization's migration timeline.