For many organizations, the web client interface for Dynamics 365 (commonly referred to as Classic UI or legacy web client) has been the primary way users have accessed and utilized Dynamics 365 modules like Sales, Service, and Marketing. By December 1, 2020, organizations must transition from this classic UI to the new Unified Interface experience. If you haven’t made the switch – don’t panic. We’re here to explain what the Unified Interface is and what you need to do before December 1.

What is the Unified Interface?

Back in 2018, Microsoft introduced a new version of Dynamics 365 aimed at streamlining the interface and making it easier for users to find and utilize the entities they need. They call this the Dynamics 365 Unified Interface. To be clear, this is not a new Dynamics 365 – it’s actually a new layer on top of the classic web application that still uses the same forms and data you are currently using. Another big benefit? The Unified Interface is designed to give users the same experience no matter what device they are using. This means Dynamics 365 will adapt to phones, tablets, and many browsers while providing the same optimal viewing experience.

Microsoft’s big push for the Unified Interface is custom apps. The idea with custom apps is to create  apps for each business role that only show Dynamics 365 entities that are needed. The goal is to make it easier for users to navigate and complete tasks in Dynamics 365 without all the unnecessary clutter of other entities. Microsoft has out-of -the-box apps for Sales and Customer Service which are good starting points for learning how UI apps work and start turning the gears for what kinds of apps would be helpful for your users. Get more in-depth information about UI apps.

What’s happening on December 1 2020?

The December 1^st, 2020 deadline is not a deprecation date. The classic UI web client has been deprecated since September 2019 meaning it is still technically supported, but no additional functionality is being introduced. After December 1^st, the legacy web app will no longer be available. Organizations who are on the legacy web app on this date will automatically be transitioned to the Unified Interface experience. This may cause issues for tenants that have extensive customization or integrations with 3^rd party software.

Microsoft says that they will be sending reminders and scheduling updates to organizations who have not yet made the move to the Unified Interface. These notifications are most likely being sent to CRM admins so check with your admin to see if they have received anything. Microsoft has helpful content and documentation related to the transition to the Unified Interface including this comprehensive whitepaper covering getting started and design best practices.

End of Support for Dynamics 365 Add-in

The Dynamics 365 add-in for Outlook will be deprecated on October 1^st, 2020. There is no cause for alarm here because Microsoft has already released a replacement that is arguably better. The Dynamics 365 App for Outlook allows Dynamics 365 users to perform tasks in Dynamics 365 without leaving the Outlook interface. Common uses include tracking emails, appointments, or meetings to Dynamics 365 records like leads, opportunities, or cases. Learn more about the Dynamics 365 App for Outlook and how to deploy it.

Get assistance with transitioning to the Dynamics 365 Unified Interface

As a certified Dynamics 365 Partner, Syvantis can help your organization transition to the Unified Interface will ensuring business processes and integrations remain intact. Schedule a call with us to get your questions answered and receive recommendations for a transition plan or system customization.

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CRM Software Blog | Dynamics 365