Your Guide to Microsoft’s Bridge to the Cloud 3 Promotion

Jan 20, 2026 | Microsoft Dynamics, Microsoft Dynamics 365

BTC3-guide

If you’re running a legacy Microsoft Dynamics GP, SL, NAV, AX, or CRM system, chances are you have already had a few conversations about ‘moving to the cloud.’ For some businesses that we have worked with, it’s a clear next step. For others, it’s often a project that keeps getting pushed down the roadmap because of cost, complexity, or uncertainty around timing.

That’s where Microsoft’s Bridge to the Cloud 3 (BTC3) promotion comes in. Rather than forcing an immediate switch, BTC3 gives customers time, flexibility, and financial incentives to transition at their own pace.

In this post, we’ll walk through what the promotion is, why it matters, and how it can benefit your business if you’re considering a Dynamics 365 migration.

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What is Bridge to the Cloud 3 (BTC3)?

Bridge to the Cloud 3 (BTC3) is Microsoft’s cloud migration promotion aimed at helping customers move from on-premises Dynamics systems to functionally similar Dynamics 365 cloud solutions by offering financial incentives and transitional support.

Under the BTC3 program:

  • Eligible customers receive a 30% discount on Dynamics 365 online licenses for three years.
  • The promotion runs from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027.
  • You enroll through a Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) partner, like us, for a fixed 3-year term.
  • And while you’re migrating, Microsoft provides dual access rights, which means you can continue using and upgrading your on-premises system during migration so existing operations don’t stall.

In short, BTC3 makes the financial and operational case for moving to the cloud more compelling than ever.

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Why BTC3 matters: The strategic advantage

Staying on-premises is a business risk. Over time, you miss out on product innovation, security enhancements, and AI-powered tools that Microsoft is clearly prioritizing in the cloud. BTC3 creates a window where moving forward is financially and operationally more straightforward.

Our team of Dynamics 365 consultants has identified the following 3 biggest advantages of the new BTC3 promotion.

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Predictable, lower costs for cloud licensing

One of the biggest barriers to cloud adoption has been fear of higher licensing costs or unknown pricing trajectories. BTC3 eliminates that uncertainty by offering a discounted rate (30 %) on cloud subscriptions for three years, giving you predictability for budgeting and planning.

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Migrate on your schedule

Unlike traditional migrations that require a hard cutover date, BTC3 supports a phased migration:

  • You can keep using your on-premises system while deploying and transitioning workloads to Dynamics 365 online.
  • This “dual access” model lets your business continue its day-to-day operations while your cloud strategy comes together.
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Free Enhancement Plan renewals

As part of the promotion, Microsoft extends your Enhancement Plan (EP) for your on-premises version at no additional cost during the BTC3 term. That means you can continue to expand and upgrade your existing system. This effectively protects your existing investment while you prepare your cloud transition.

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Bridge to the Cloud 3: Key eligibility at a glance

Requirement Explanation
Existing On-Premises License Must have valid perpetual Dynamics license (NAV, GP, SL, etc.) bought before Sept 1, 2024.
Active Enhancement Plan Your EP must be current at the time of migration. However, as an exception, customers whose EP lapsed for 30 days or less may enroll without facing lapsed fees. Customers with a lapsed EP plan (beyond a 30-day grace period) must pay “lapsed fees” from their EP plan’s expiration date to the present, up to a maximum of 3 years, except lapsed fees are capped at 1 year for Dynamics NAV 2009, Dynamics GP 2010, Dynamics AX 2009, and Dynamics AX 2012.
No Previous BTC Participation If you’ve already used Bridge to the Cloud 1 or 2, you may not be eligible.
Enroll Through CSP Partner Must sign up through a Microsoft partner on a 3-year NCE subscription.
Minimum License Value Cloud licenses must equal or exceed your existing EP spend.

 

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Key Takeaways

Bridge to the Cloud 3 reduces risk, not just cost.

The 30% licensing discount is important, but the real value of BTC3 is flexibility. You can keep your existing system running while you plan and execute your move to the cloud, instead of rushing into a high-risk cutover.

With predictable pricing for three years and continued access to on-prem support, organizations can align timing with budgets, change management, and broader transformation goals.

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BTC3 FAQs

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Does BTC3 require me to immediately stop using my on-premises Dynamics system?

No, BTC3 provides dual access rights, letting you continue using and upgrading your on-premises system alongside pending migration.

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How long does the 30 % discount last?

The discount applies for the entire 3-year term of the cloud subscription.

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What happens after the three years?

Cloud subscriptions continue at standard, undiscounted pricing post-BTC3.

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Can customers who previously licensed Bridge to the Cloud 1 (BTTC), Bridge to the Cloud 2 (BTTC2), or any other migration offer use this promotion?

No, customers of existing/prior migration promotions are ineligible for BTC3.

Explore Bridge to the Cloud 3 and Your Dynamics 365 Migration Options

If you’d like to explore Bridge to the Cloud 3 and your Microsoft Dynamics 365 migration options, we can help you assess eligibility, map next steps, and plan a smooth transition. Contact us today to get started!

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