Microsoft Bridge to the Cloud for Safer GP Migration

In construction and field service, timing is everything, and that includes technology decisions.

The wrong move at the wrong moment can stall projects or strain your team when they can least afford it.

That’s why programs like the Microsoft Bridge to the Cloud matter: they give you a way to modernize on your terms, without disrupting the work that keeps your business running.

In Part 1 of this series, I talked about why safety should guide every migration decision.

I’ve worked with enough GP customers over the years to know that hesitation isn’t just about fear of change — it’s about wanting to make the right move at the right time.

No one wants to rebuild the bridge while they’re still driving across it.

The Bridge to the Cloud program changes that, giving companies a safe, affordable way to modernize without hitting pause on their operations.

For field-service and construction teams, that means progress without the chaos; the kind of stability that turns uncertainty into opportunity.

What is Microsoft’s “Bridge to the Cloud” program, and who qualifies for it?

The Microsoft Bridge to the Cloud program is Microsoft’s way of making modernization easier (and smarter) for Dynamics GP users.

It’s a three-year promotion that gives you dual access rights to both systems: you can keep running GP while gaining full use of Dynamics 365 Business Central in the cloud.

That means you don’t have to rush the transition. Your team can learn the new platform gradually, migrate data in phases, and adapt without disrupting daily operations. Most customers who have an active GP Enhancement Plan or Software Assurance subscription qualify automatically.

It’s a practical option for any business that wants to move forward but can’t afford to stall projects, jobs, or service calls in the process.

Can I keep using GP while transitioning to Business Central with Bridge to the Cloud?

Absolutely. That’s the beauty of the Microsoft Bridge to the Cloud program. It gives companies time... the one thing every construction and field-service business wishes they had more of.

Under Bridge to the Cloud, you can:

• Maintain full access to Dynamics GP while testing and deploying Business Central.

• Move data, workflows, and reports on your timeline.

• Let your teams get comfortable with new tools without losing the ones they rely on daily.

For many of the customers I work with, this dual-access model has been game-changing.

It replaces the “all-or-nothing” pressure of a traditional ERP cutover with a phased, low-risk approach that keeps business running smoothly while you modernize behind the scenes (so your team can actually enjoy a weekend instead of living on takeout and system logs).

How much can companies actually save using Bridge to the Cloud vs. staying on GP?

Here’s where the “cheaper” part of the Microsoft Bridge to the Cloud program really shows up.

When you stay on GP, you keep paying annual maintenance fees for a system that’s no longer evolving.

With Bridge to the Cloud, Microsoft lets you redirect those dollars toward your Business Central subscription instead. No double-paying, no sunk costs, and no surprise fees.

You’re essentially using your existing GP budget to fund your transition while gaining access to all the benefits of a modern, cloud-based ERP.

This is not just about saving money; it’s about investing smarter.

In fact, a Forbes article on cloud ERP and AI noted that organizations moving to the cloud see faster ROI and greater agility than those maintaining on-prem systems.

The same principle applies here: every maintenance renewal you skip becomes capital you can redirect toward growth, automation, and better customer service.

What support does WennSoft provide during the Bridge to the Cloud migration process?

At WennSoft, our goal isn’t just to get you onto a new platform; it’s to make sure you stay productive every step of the way.

Our business central migration services follow a proven process that minimizes downtime and maximizes continuity:

1. Assessment: We analyze your existing GP setup, integrations, and add-ons.

2. Planning: We design a roadmap that lets you phase into Business Central without disruption.

3. Execution: Your GP and Business Central systems run in parallel during migration.

4. Training & Support: We empower your teams to get comfortable with new tools at their own pace.

WennSoft has helped hundreds of field-service and construction companies make this transition confidently.

For them, it’s beyond a technology upgrade — it’s a shift to a cloud ERP for field service management that’s secure, scalable, and ready for AI-driven insight.

For more on how we approach modernization safely, see my earlier blog on ERP migration.

Is Bridge to the Cloud still available in 2025, or has Microsoft replaced it?

Yes, the Microsoft Bridge to the Cloud program is still active and supported by Microsoft in 2025.

The program originally launched as a transitional offer, but Microsoft continues to renew and refine it... because it works.

That means customers who haven’t yet made the move still have time to take advantage of it.

But these incentive windows don’t last forever. Microsoft’s long-term strategy is clear: Innovation lives in the cloud.

Programs like Bridge to the Cloud are designed to help you get there faster, with fewer risks and lower costs.

If you’re wondering when to start, the best time is usually before your next GP renewal, so you can redirect that maintenance budget toward Business Central instead.

What happens after you cross the bridge?

Once you’re fully on Dynamics 365 Business Central, the advantages stack up fast.

You gain automatic updates, built-in analytics, and seamless integration with the Microsoft Power Platform, including low-code automation and reporting through Business Central Power Apps.

For construction and field-service companies, that translates into real-time job costing, predictive maintenance, and streamlined service management. It’s more than a modernization step; it’s an operational transformation.

We’re already seeing the next wave take shape with AI-powered ERP capabilities that bring predictive scheduling and budget forecasting within reach. That evolution begins with WennSoft Job Cost V1, the foundation for AI-driven insights and smarter forecasting across every project.

That’s the future WennSoft is building toward... one that keeps our customers agile, informed, and connected no matter where they’re working.

The Bridge Built for You

Bridge to the Cloud is more than a Microsoft incentive; it’s a thoughtful way to modernize safely, giving you time, support, and flexibility, all while reducing the financial pressure of moving off GP.

For the customers we work with, that peace of mind makes all the difference. It’s not about rushing change; it’s about building the right bridge before you need to cross it.

About the Author

Richard Haus is a technology leader with over 30 years in construction software innovation.

As CEO of WennSoft, he helps contractors modernize operations with purpose-built Microsoft technologies that improve efficiency and drive long-term success.

He has led the development of industry-transforming solutions like Signature Time, and Signature Telematics, all designed to optimize workflows and enhance productivity for the skilled trades.

Passionate about problem-solving and continuous improvement, Richard believes success – whether in business or the outdoors – comes from preparation, the right tools, and a willingness to adapt.

Connect with Richard on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.