- NetSuite is a pure Cloud-based business solution. Dynamics 365 Finance (formerly Finance and Operations or “F&O”) was not originally built for the Cloud. It is rearchitected Dynamics AX which was initially built for on-premise deployments or to be privately hosted. The rearchitected Dynamics 365 Finance was only commercially launched as a cloud/SaaS product (hosted by Microsoft on Azure) in October 2016.
- NetSuite Offers Key Accounting Functionality for Advanced Customer Needs. Dynamics 365 Finance does not offer commissions, subscription billing or have much experience rolling out their acquired revenue recognition solution to customers. Microsoft partner add-ons or third-party solutions tend to fill these gaps. The same is also true for core CRM functionality as Dynamics Sales (formerly called CRM) is separate software. As such, they are not written on a unified data model with a common code base when CRM + Financials are considered.
- NetSuite Supports the Lifetime of a Customer through SuiteSuccess and the AMO. Dynamics 365 Finance is sold, implemented and frontline supported exclusively via a partner network. Microsoft does have what it calls a Fast Track implementation program, but it is designed only for larger organizations. It is also executed remotely and still implemented by partners. Furthermore, Microsoft provides support through an online community and the rest is via the partner network.
- NetSuite Extends the Platform’s Value with SuiteApps. Dynamics 365 Finance does not have a long history with its cloud development platform. Because the core ERP software is built on an on-prem foundation, it was not originally designed for automatic upgrades. Customers are still known to face challenges when upgrading the software. Often, 3rd party Apps (bolt-ons) as well as integrations and customizations are affected by software upgrades and must be revalidated.
- NetSuite Requires Minimal IT Overhead. Dynamics 365 Finance deployments and maintenance require more human resources, including administrators, developers/coders, and support personnel regardless of deployment approach or partner chosen.