Introduction
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is one of the most trusted ERP solutions for small and midsize businesses today. Its story began over four decades ago in Denmark. What started as simple, user-friendly accounting software has evolved into a cloud-first, AI-powered platform that helps organizations manage finance, operations, and sales.
Origins: The Early Days of Navision
In 1983, three Danish students founded Personal Computing & Consulting. At the time, small and midsize businesses were struggling with expensive and complex mainframe accounting systems. The rise of personal computers created a new opportunity: affordable, easy-to-use software for SMBs.
The founders aimed to simplify financial management by creating software that replicated the functionality of traditional ledgers and calculators, only now on a personal computer. Their first product, PC Plus (1984), was a single-user accounting package. In 1987, they introduced Navigator, later renamed Navision, a groundbreaking solution that enabled multiple users to access and work within the system simultaneously, a major innovation for its time.
By the late 1990s, Navision had become a trusted mid-market ERP solution across Europe.
Microsoft Acquisition & the Dynamics NAV Era
In 2002, Microsoft acquired Navision in one of its largest investments in business applications at the time. This move added to the foundation for what would become the Dynamics product line.
Why did Microsoft buy Navision?
- Strengthen its ERP portfolio: Navision offered a flexible, user-friendly ERP system for SMBs, complementing Microsoft’s earlier acquisition of Great Plains. This allowed Microsoft to offer competitive alternatives to SAP and Oracle.
- Innovative Technology Base: Navision’s architecture was highly adaptable and modular, making it easier for Microsoft to evolve the product into future ERP solutions.
- Leverage Partner Ecosystem: Navision had a strong network of resellers and implementation partners, which Microsoft could integrate into its own channel strategy to accelerate adoption.
Launch of Dynamics 365 Business Central
In 2018, Microsoft launched Dynamics 365 Business Central, the cloud-first evolution of Dynamics NAV. Built on Microsoft Azure, Business Central provides SMBs with a modern, scalable ERP platform that replaces costly on-premises infrastructure with subscription-based pricing.
It offers secure access from any browser or mobile device and integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, Power Automate, and Power BI. With built-in AI-powered Copilot, users gain intelligent insights, predictive analytics, and actionable recommendations directly within the system—empowering finance, sales, and operations teams. Combined with role-based security, GDPR compliance, bi-annual updates, and extensibility through Microsoft AppSource, Business Central delivers a flexible platform designed to grow with your business.
Licensing & Pricing (November 2025)
The Business Central subscriptions listed are paid annually. Month-to-month subscriptions are also available and typically cost about 20% more than the annual rate.
License Type | Price (USD 0 | Ideal For |
Essentials | $80 per user/month | Core financials, sales, purchasing, inventory |
Premium | $110 per user/month | Essentials + manufacturing and service management |
Team Member | $8 per user/month | Light users with read access or minimal input |
Device License | $45 per device/month | Shared devices (warehouse, retail terminals) |
Are you starting your ERP journey or thinking about a change? We’re here to make the process simple and successful. We go beyond delivering technology – we’re a trusted partner invested in your long-term success.
Contact us and talk to an Expert
