Dynamics 365 (On-Premises) Server is customer relationship management (CRM) server software that offers tools for storing and analyzing customer records. It is the successor to Dynamics CRM Server and runs on Windows Server. Dynamics 365 (On-Premises) is the on-premises version of the cloud-based Microsoft Dynamics 365 service. This version of Dynamics 365 does not provide all the customer relationship management (CRM) capabilities that are available in the cloud-based service.
You can use this guide to find the Dynamics 365 (On-Premises) products appropriate to your organization's needs.
• Server Software
• Client Access Licenses
• Upgrading
• Downgrading
• Transitioning from On-Premises to Cloud Deployment
• Dynamics 365 (On-Premises) Products Available Through TechSoup
Server Software
There is only one edition of Dynamics 365 (On-Premises) Server. Dynamics 365 (On-Premises) Server operates under the Server/CAL licensing model. That means users and devices require appropriate client access licenses (CALs) to access the server software.
The rights to run Dynamics 365 (On-Premises) Server and certain applications are included with Dynamics 365 (On-Premises) CALs. Server software licenses are not available separately — the only way to obtain the server software is to request one or more Dynamics 365 (On-Premises) CALs.
Client Access Licenses
Dynamics 365 On-Premises requires a CAL for each user or device accessing a server. Each CAL includes the right to run the server software and certain applications.
There are three types of CALs, which are available either per user or per device.
• Dynamics 365 for Team Members (On-Premises) CAL: provides basic or read-only access to a user or device. The right to run Dynamics 365 (On-Premises) Server software is included with the CAL.
• Dynamics 365 for Sales (On-Premises) CAL: provides a user or device with access to core sales functionality. The rights to run Dynamics 365 (On-Premises) Server software and the Dynamics 365 for Sales (On-Premises) application are included with the CAL.
• Dynamics 365 for Customer Service (On-Premises) CAL: provides a user or device with access to core customer service functionality. The rights to run Dynamics 365 (On-Premises) Server software and the Dynamics 365 for Customer Service (On-Premises) application are included with the CAL.
A detailed comparison of use rights and functionality for the three types of CALs is available in the Dynamics 365 (On-Premises) Licensing Guide (PDF). The following table is a summarized comparison of those use rights from the same guide.
1Custom entities (either based on entities included in Dynamics 365 (On-Premises) or created by a customer or partner) may require a higher CAL or USL, depending on the required access. Customizations can only be performed against entities included in the use rights.
2Creating, updating, and deleting via workflows can only be performed against entities included in the use rights (for example, to update an opportunity requires a Sales license).
3No access to Dynamics 365 (On-Premises) user interface. Case management and chat can only be submitted on users’ own behalf, as a supportee, not on behalf of a customer or other individual.
4Requires active Software Assurance on a qualifying Sales or Customer Service CAL.
Upgrading
If you have a version of Dynamics CRM with active Software Assurance, you can upgrade to Dynamics 365 (On-Premises) without placing a new donation request. See the Dynamics 365 (On-Premises) Licensing Guide (PDF) for details.
Downgrading
Downgrade rights allow you to obtain Dynamics CRM software in any version that Microsoft continues to make available for download through the Volume Licensing Service Center. Simply request the applicable Dynamics 365 (On-Premises) product and download the Dynamics CRM product from the VLSC instead. Downgrading does not depend on Software Assurance; it is a benefit of Volume Licensing.
See the Dynamics 365 (On-Premises) Licensing Guide (PDF) for details.
Transitioning from On-Premises to Cloud Deployment
Microsoft offers a variety of paid options for organizations that wish to move from an on-premises Dynamics 365 deployment to the cloud-based Dynamics 365 service.
See the Dynamics 365 (On-Premises) Licensing Guide (PDF) for details.
Dynamics 365 (On-Premises) Products Available Through TechSoup
See the Dynamics 365 (On-Premises) products available through TechSoup.
