Deployment Guide - Microsoft Dynamics 365

Understanding Deployment Options

Cloud Deployment

Microsoft-hosted Dynamics 365 with automatic updates, scalability, and full integration with other Microsoft Cloud Services.

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On-Premises

Install Dynamics 365 directly onto corporate servers with full control over infrastructure, updates, and security policies.

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Hybrid Model

Combination of cloud and on-premises infrastructure with selective data management and compliance-focused architecture.

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Deployment Models

Cloud Deployment Model

Cloud deployment model offers a fully managed service where Microsoft handles deployment, infrastructure, updates, scaling, and security. This model is ideal for businesses looking for quick implementation without in-house infrastructure costs.

Use Case: Rapid deployment for small and mid-sized businesses, companies wanting to focus on digital transformation without IT infrastructure management.

Key Features

Automatic updates and patch management
Global scale and high availability
Integrated with Microsoft 365 ecosystem

On-Premises Model

On-premises deployment allows full control over the environment with Microsoft software running on internal servers. This model requires significant infrastructure investment but provides maximum compliance and data control.

Use Case: Enterprises with strict data sovereignty requirements, highly regulated industries (healthcare, finance), or custom infrastructure needs.

Key Features

Full infrastructure control
Custom compliance and security configurations
Dedicated support and SLA contracts

Hybrid Model

The hybrid model combines cloud and on-premises environments to give maximum flexibility. This deployment option allows businesses to retain sensitive data on-premises while taking advantage of cloud services where appropriate.

Use Case: Enterprises needing regulatory compliance for data sovereignty while still benefiting from cloud-scale processing and storage.

Key Features

Flexible data location control
Seamless integration between cloud and data centers
Custom deployment scenarios for enterprise architecture

Step-by-Step Deployment Process

Assessment & Planning

Determine business requirements, system sizing, license needs, and infrastructure capabilities.

Tip: Use the Microsoft Capacity Planning Tool to estimate deployment needs.

Architecture Design

Create technical architecture documentation including server topology, network requirements, and security configurations.

Tip: Consult with Microsoft certified architects for complex deployments.

Deployment

Execute deployment plan using Microsoft's standardized installation packages or custom builds.

Tip: Use Deployment Manager for automated installation across multiple servers.

Validation

Perform system health checks, functional testing, and security validation to ensure proper deployment.

Tip: Run full regression tests with your test data set before production migration.

Deployment Best Practices

Security by Design

Implement security controls from the beginning of deployment including: - Role based access control - Network segmentation - Regular security audits

Performance Monitoring

Implement monitoring strategy with: - Real-time performance dashboards - Automated alerting systems - Regular capacity planning

Documentation

Maintain detailed documentation for: - Infrastructure configuration - Change management processes - Disaster recovery plans - Version control of all customizations

Testing Strategy

Create comprehensive test plan with: - Unit testing - Integration testing - Failover scenarios - Scalability testing