Successfully upgrade from Dynamics 365 Online to 9.0.2 (before it is no longer supported)

If you use Dynamics 365 Online as your CRM software, you have probably received notifications from Microsoft in recent weeks. This is because the IT giant is updating its Dynamics 365 online, with the latest version being 9.0.2.Why it is so important for you to go ahead with this infamous update? The reason is that the 8.1 and 8.2 versions will no longer be supported as of January 31, 2019. Better prepare yourselves now!This article will guide you through the different steps that must be taken for a successful and timely update:

How to schedule your update:

1. Connect to the portal https://portal.office.com
2. In the Office 365 administration centre, click on Admin > Dynamics 365.
3. On the Instances page, click on the “Update” tab and then review the update status of online instances. The instances eligible for an update will be indicated as “available”. Click on “Schedule your update” and select the time slot.

The system administrator will receive a confirmation notice by email. They will have to approve the update to make it happen. It will also be possible to reschedule the update date if necessary. How to approve the update

1. Connect to the portal https://portal.office.com
2. In the Office 365 administration center, click on Admin > Dynamics 365
3. On the Instances page, click on the “Update” tab and then choose the instance to be approved.
4. Click on “Approve update” to proceed.

Note: As long as the update has not started, it is always possible to reschedule the update date.

How to validate the update

You will be able to validate the update directly in the CRM instance under the parameters.

3 tips for good practice

1. It is recommended to update the non-production instances (sandbox) beforehand. If all goes well, you can update the production instances.  
2. If problems occur after the update of the non-production instance, you will always be able to go back to the previous version.  
3. It is also recommended to notify users before updating and to plan training sessions.

New features of version 9.0

Here is an overview of the benefits you will reap following the update:  

• UX enhancements to improve the readability and usability of web applications and make data entry easier and faster.  
• Application platform and scalability improvements, including security and data management improvements.  
• New multiple-choice field (multi-select)—Removal of some features including “Dialog”, “Contract mail merge” and “Standard SLA”.

If you have any difficulties during the update or if you would like to receive training on the new version 9.0, please do not hesitate to contact us at the following address: support@xrmvision.com.

Reference: « Gérer les mises à jour », https://docs.microsoft.com/fr-fr/dynamics365/customer-engagement/admin/manage-updates