Would You Pay $1 For 3 User Licenses For Microsoft Dynamics GP Software?

Since you will normally pay at least $6,750 for these same 3 users that is quite a bargain!  Microsoft just announced an amazing new “Three Users for $1” promotion.  Until June 25, 2010 new Microsoft Dynamics GP customers can get up to 3 user licenses of either the Business Essentials edition (normal price $2250 per user) or Advanced Management edition (normal price $3980 per user) for just $1.00 USD.  So essentially, if you need 1, 2, or 3 users you get the software for free;  (anything that costs less than a cup of coffee is basically free in my book.)  If you need extra users you pay for those, but you have still saved a big chunk of cash.

In all my years working with Microsoft I have never seen such an aggressive promotion;  so you may well ask: “Why would Microsoft do such a thing?” Here are a few thoughts:

• The economy is improving and companies need to be ready for the upswing but many companies that really need new ERP software have delayed making the purchase because spending is still frozen.  With signs of economic improvement, coupled with the number of companies that have been waiting on the sidelines to make a purchasing decision, now is the time for Microsoft to “do something significant.”  These companies are ready, they just need a good reason to act now.  And 3 users for $1 is certainly a compelling reason.
• With the release of Dynamics GP 2010, which is sure to be a crowd pleaser, this is the perfect time to add as many new Dynamics GP users as possible, so they can be awed by the cool features of the new product.

Considering  how unusual this offer is, there are relatively few restrictions in the fine print:

• You must commit to pay the Business Ready Enhancement Plan (Microsoft maintenance plan) for 3 years.  The Enhancement Plan fees will be calculated based on the System List Price (“SLP”) of all users and components.
• Offer does not apply to Microsoft Dynamics Client for Microsoft Office and Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (DCO MOSS),  SQL Runtime Edition and Database licenses, A la carte functionality, Third Party (ISV) software and functionality, Microsoft Dynamics CRM and CRM related Services or Components, Microsoft Dynamics® AX, Microsoft Dynamics® NAV, Microsoft Dynamics® SL, or Microsoft Dynamics® RMS.
• Customers taking this offer may not switch Microsoft Dynamics® ERP product lines for at least two years from the date of purchase.
• Offer cannot be combined with other offers and promotions (such as the Peachtree, NetSuite, and QuickBooks Replacer offers).

This fine print is standard for almost all Microsoft Dynamics GP promotions, so really is nothing that takes away from the value of this deal.  I do think the other Microsoft Dynamics ERP products will be jealous though!

If you have been considering Microsoft Dynamics GP, now is the time to make the investment, for a lot less cash that you would have paid yesterday. And if you have a Microsoft Dynamics GP quote already, ask your partner to update it based on this promotion; (Just be sure to factor in the cost of the required 3 years of maintenance.)

But do keep in mind, there is more to the cost of a Microsoft Dynamics GP system than just the price of the software.   To learn more about how to budget the cost of implementation services and hardware request our free white paper: “30 Questions Every CFO Must Ask About the Cost of Accounting Software”.

by CAL Business Solutions, Connecticut Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner