Directions EMEA returned in 2023 for its sixteenth edition, hosted this year in Lyon, France. This flagship event for the Microsoft Dynamics 365 partner community took place from November 1st to 3rd and brought together nearly 3,000 professionals from more than 70 countries. Over 800 organizations were represented across a jam-packed agenda that included three keynotes, 248 sessions, and nearly 250 presenters offering insights, demonstrations, and forward-looking plans across the Microsoft Business Applications ecosystem.
At its core, the event served to connect Microsoft with its global network of partners, Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), consultants, and business leaders. For many, this was more than a standard industry conference—it was a chance to take the pulse of Microsoft’s business applications strategy and gain clarity on what to prioritize over the next 12 months.
A prominent theme from the opening keynote was growth—specifically, the accelerated expansion of Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform within the global market. Microsoft shared fresh data points to emphasize the magnitude of this momentum. Business Central, Microsoft’s flagship ERP for small and medium businesses, now supports over 30,000 customers around the globe. Dynamics 365 overall saw a 29% increase in revenue, highlighting its growing influence across industries and regions.
Power Platform, a suite that includes Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power Virtual Agents, continues to experience exponential user adoption. Nearly 33 million monthly active users were reported, with usage growing at a rate of 50% year over year. These figures underscore a growing reliance on low-code and no-code tools as businesses seek greater flexibility in their operations.
One critical insight revealed during the conference was the significant expansion of Dynamics 365 adoption among larger businesses. Microsoft reported a 105% year-over-year increase in customers with more than 100 paid users. This is a clear signal to partners that the market opportunity is broadening well beyond the traditional SMB base. Partners who build solutions or offer services geared toward more complex organizational needs now have a compelling reason to deepen their engagement with the Dynamics stack.
Another important announcement was the continued strength of the Microsoft partner ecosystem. Microsoft confirmed that there are now over 4,000 active partners focused on Business Applications. This ecosystem remains a cornerstone of Microsoft’s growth strategy, particularly as it relies heavily on partners to deliver innovation, local expertise, and industry-specific solutions.
The conference also took a candid look at challenges facing the community. While growth figures were encouraging, there was open acknowledgment of the persistent talent gap across the ecosystem. With 77% of partners reporting that hiring limitations are affecting their ability to meet customer demand, the need for scalable and sustainable talent solutions has become urgent.
In terms of product strategy, Microsoft emphasized a customer-first mindset combined with a platform-wide commitment to artificial intelligence. AI is no longer a niche feature; it is now a foundational element embedded into workflows across Dynamics 365 and Power Platform. According to research presented at the event, nearly 90% of workers are eager to use AI to reduce repetitive, manual work—providing both a business case and a user-driven demand for automation.
Microsoft’s Copilot tools, integrated into both Business Central and Power Platform, are a prime example of this evolution. These tools don’t just simplify tasks—they fundamentally change how work gets done, making powerful capabilities more accessible to non-technical users.
For partners and ISVs, these trends offer both opportunities and challenges. The rapid pace of product evolution means there is a constant need to stay informed, upskill teams, and refine go-to-market strategies. At the same time, there is a growing appetite from customers for intelligent, integrated, and user-friendly business applications—a demand that forward-thinking partners are well-positioned to meet.
Beyond the keynote figures and high-level trends, Directions EMEA 2023 also provided practical guidance on tools, training, and certifications. These elements are essential for partners who want to remain competitive and deepen their expertise in specific Microsoft technologies.
This holistic view—data-driven insights, strategic direction, and tactical enablement—was what made this year’s Directions EMEA such a valuable experience for attendees. It wasn’t just about what’s new. It was about what’s next, and how to prepare for it.
In summary, the first key takeaway from Directions EMEA 2023 is that the Dynamics 365 ecosystem is growing rapidly, powered by innovation, a strong partner network, and increasing customer demand. With new market segments opening up and AI taking center stage, partners now have more tools and opportunities than ever to drive impact and deliver value.
Closing the Talent Gap: The Launch of Microsoft ReSKILL Program
As the business applications landscape continues to evolve and expand, one of the most pressing challenges highlighted at Directions EMEA 2023 was the shortage of skilled talent in the Microsoft Dynamics ecosystem. According to a study conducted by Microsoft, 77% of partners report that their ability to meet customer needs is being hampered by a shortage of qualified professionals, and nearly one-third of all Business Central job postings remain unfilled. The talent gap isn’t just a minor hurdle—it’s a major obstacle for businesses trying to scale and meet demand.
Microsoft and its partners are fully aware that addressing this talent shortage is essential to maintaining the momentum of Dynamics 365 adoption. The good news, however, is that Microsoft has launched several initiatives aimed at mitigating this issue. The standout program, announced at Directions EMEA 2023, is the Microsoft ReSKILL initiative for Business Central.
The ReSKILL program was developed in partnership with several workforce development organizations, including Revolent. The goal of the program is to help Microsoft partners overcome their hiring challenges by recruiting individuals with transferable skills from other sectors and providing them with the necessary training to become proficient in Dynamics 365 and Business Central. It is designed to be a low-risk, affordable solution that accelerates the process of closing the talent gap.
Belinda Orphanou, Microsoft’s Global Head of Success and Enablement, spoke passionately about the program’s success at the event. She explained that the initial pilot phase of the program had already made a significant impact, not just by helping candidates secure new roles but also by enriching the pool of talent available to Microsoft partners. The ReSKILL program offers a unique opportunity to bring fresh, diverse perspectives to the Microsoft ecosystem, helping companies enrich their teams with new ideas and approaches.
For partners, this program offers a highly practical solution to their talent acquisition challenges. By participating in the ReSKILL initiative, partners can access a steady pipeline of highly trained professionals ready to contribute to their teams. These new recruits bring fresh perspectives, industry experience, and a wealth of transferable skills that can be applied to business applications roles. The diversity of thought they bring could, in turn, lead to more creative solutions and better customer experiences.
The program is also crucial for helping organizations navigate the ongoing challenge of upskilling existing employees. Rather than relying solely on traditional methods of hiring experienced professionals, ReSKILL offers a way for companies to provide training to employees from diverse backgrounds, enabling them to transition into roles in the business applications space.
The program’s scalability means that it can be particularly beneficial for Microsoft partners looking to expand their teams quickly in response to increasing demand for Business Central services. It offers a solution that doesn’t require a massive upfront investment in retraining employees or hunting for hard-to-find experts in the market.
Additionally, the ReSKILL program aims to address another issue that has been a constant concern: the widening skills gap in the Microsoft Business Applications space. Research by Nigel Frank International found that nearly half of hiring managers believe the skills gap in the space has worsened over the past year, and 87% report that it is having a moderate to severe impact on their organization’s ability to meet strategic goals. As a result, solutions like ReSKILL are not just helpful but necessary for the long-term growth of the Dynamics 365 ecosystem.
For partners who are eager to take advantage of this opportunity, the process is relatively simple. ReSKILL recruits are trained through a combination of online courses, mentoring, and hands-on projects, ensuring they are not just theoretically prepared but also practically equipped to contribute immediately. With a focus on real-world applications of Business Central and related technologies, the program enables new hires to quickly become productive members of their teams.
The success of the ReSKILL initiative also has broader implications for Microsoft’s overall strategy. It underscores the company’s commitment to building a sustainable, resilient ecosystem for its partners and customers. By addressing the talent shortage directly, Microsoft is ensuring that its partners have the right resources to succeed in a rapidly evolving market.
In conclusion, the ReSKILL program is a critical step toward solving the talent gap that has long been a roadblock for partners looking to scale their Dynamics 365 offerings. With its focus on training, mentorship, and low-cost recruitment, the program offers a clear path forward for both emerging and established partners in the Business Central space. The ability to recruit and train skilled professionals at scale is essential for maintaining growth, especially as Microsoft continues to expand its business applications ecosystem.
With a steady stream of qualified talent entering the market, Microsoft partners will be better equipped to tackle the growing demand for Business Central services, drive innovation, and meet the evolving needs of their customers. This initiative is undoubtedly one of the most impactful announcements from Directions EMEA 2023, as it has the potential to reshape how Microsoft partners think about talent development and acquisition.
Intelligent Automation: Copilot Innovations for Business Central and Power Platform
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across Microsoft products was one of the dominant themes at Directions EMEA 2023, with a particular focus on the advancements in Copilot for Business Central and Power Platform. AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it is now a transformative tool embedded in everyday workflows, helping to automate tasks, enhance decision-making, and streamline business operations.
Microsoft’s introduction of Copilot to its Dynamics 365 suite of applications, particularly Business Central and Power Platform, marks a significant leap forward in empowering users to work smarter, not harder. Traditionally, many tasks within business applications such as bank reconciliation, data entry, and report generation were time-consuming and prone to human error. With Copilot, Microsoft is shifting the landscape by automating these tasks, allowing businesses to become more efficient and effective in their daily operations.
One of the most notable Copilot innovations revealed at Directions EMEA 2023 was the new feature for bank reconciliation in Business Central. Traditionally, reconciling bank statements is a manual, tedious process that requires financial teams to review multiple transactions, identify discrepancies, and match them against records in the system. With the new “Reconcile with Copilot” feature, Business Central users can now upload bank statements and let the AI perform the reconciliation. If an exact match isn’t found, Copilot suggests potential matches that the user can verify or reject, significantly reducing the time and effort required for this task.
This move toward automation represents a fundamental shift in how business applications can streamline financial operations. The AI-backed bank reconciliation process is just one example of how Copilot can empower business users to accomplish tasks faster and with fewer errors. By automating routine processes, companies can redirect their focus toward higher-value activities, such as strategic planning, customer engagement, and innovation.
The use of Copilot isn’t limited to financial tasks, however. The AI assistant is also integrated into Power Platform, where it can help users with everything from data visualization and reporting to application development. For example, in Power BI, Copilot can automatically generate insights and identify trends in datasets, providing actionable intelligence without requiring users to manually explore and analyze the data. This ability to quickly surface key insights empowers businesses to make faster, more informed decisions.
A key component of Copilot’s appeal is its accessibility. Copilot tools are designed to be user-friendly, requiring little to no technical expertise. Users don’t need to learn complex coding languages or programming techniques to take advantage of these AI capabilities. Whether you are a finance professional looking to streamline reconciliations or a business analyst seeking to gain deeper insights from data, Copilot makes sophisticated AI tools available to non-technical users.
Microsoft also made an exciting announcement about the expansion of language support for Copilot. As part of the 2023 update, Copilot now supports seven new languages: Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, Danish, and Japanese. This addition significantly broadens the tool’s accessibility, making it easier for global teams to use Copilot without facing language barriers. What’s more, Copilot is not simply translating text word-for-word; it’s offering contextual, semantic translations. This advanced feature helps businesses overcome the limitations of traditional translation tools, ensuring that Copilot’s functionality remains consistent regardless of the language being used.
In addition to language expansion, Microsoft also revealed upcoming Copilot features that promise to further enhance its capabilities. One of the most anticipated features is the introduction of Copilot chat in Business Central. This feature will go beyond the current capabilities of Copilot by enabling conversational interactions. Users will be able to chat with the system to navigate menus, perform searches, and receive assistance with onboarding. This shift toward conversational AI is expected to make Business Central even more intuitive and accessible, particularly for new users.
Furthermore, Microsoft is working on integration between Copilot and other generative AI models. This will enable partners to easily integrate AI-powered solutions into their own applications and extensions for Business Central, using just a few lines of code. The ease of integration will allow for a new wave of AI-driven innovations within the Business Central ecosystem, enabling partners to build custom solutions tailored to specific business needs.
The impact of these Copilot innovations is far-reaching. For businesses, the introduction of AI-powered automation and intelligence means they can work more efficiently, reduce human error, and make data-driven decisions with greater speed and accuracy. For partners, it opens up new avenues for creating value-added services and solutions that leverage the power of AI to solve real-world business challenges.
These innovations also align with Microsoft’s broader strategy of democratizing access to advanced technologies. By embedding AI into Business Central and Power Platform, Microsoft is empowering users at all levels of an organization to take advantage of machine learning and data analytics without requiring specialized technical skills. This aligns with the growing trend toward low-code and no-code development, enabling businesses to automate processes, create apps, and analyze data in a more accessible, user-friendly environment.
Moreover, the continuous development and enhancement of Copilot ensure that the Microsoft Dynamics 365 suite will remain at the forefront of innovation, helping businesses adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape. As AI continues to evolve, Microsoft’s integration of these capabilities into their product ecosystem ensures that partners will be able to offer state-of-the-art solutions that meet the needs of modern organizations.
In conclusion, Copilot is a game-changer for the Microsoft Dynamics 365 ecosystem. By embedding AI-powered tools directly into Business Central and Power Platform, Microsoft is revolutionizing how businesses approach automation, data analysis, and application development. As Copilot continues to evolve and new features are introduced, businesses and partners alike will be able to unlock even more powerful capabilities that drive productivity and enhance business outcomes.
Directions EMEA 2023: Key Takeaways for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Partners and ISVs
As the Dynamics 365 ecosystem evolves and new capabilities are introduced, staying ahead of the curve requires continuous investment in skills and certifications. Directions EMEA 2023 offered attendees several key announcements related to professional development, including the launch of the new Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Business Central Developer Associate certification, also known as MB-820.
This certification is a significant milestone for Business Central developers. Until now, there had been no specific certification for developers working with Business Central, making it harder for professionals to formally validate their skills and expertise in this area. With the introduction of MB-820, Microsoft has created a certification track that not only fills this gap but also offers a way for developers to distinguish themselves in a competitive market.
The MB-820 certification is designed for developers who want to demonstrate their proficiency in building and customizing solutions using Dynamics 365 Business Central. Unlike other certifications that may require significant prerequisites, the MB-820 is open to anyone who wants to take the exam, although it is best suited for individuals who already have experience with Business Central development.
For Microsoft partners, the certification holds particular significance. It offers a concrete way to meet the Advanced Skilling requirements needed to achieve the coveted Solution Partner designation. This designation unlocks a range of benefits, including access to additional support, incentives, and marketing resources from Microsoft. By encouraging their developers to pursue this certification, partners can enhance their teams’ capabilities and strengthen their competitive edge in the Dynamics 365 space.
For developers themselves, obtaining the MB-820 certification provides clear professional benefits. It serves as a formal recognition of their skills and expertise, making them more marketable to potential employers and clients. With the growing demand for qualified Business Central developers, this certification can open doors to new job opportunities and career advancement.
The MB-820 exam covers a wide range of topics, including application design, development, and implementation of Business Central solutions. It tests the candidate’s ability to create custom extensions, work with the AL programming language, and integrate third-party applications into Business Central. To prepare for the exam, Microsoft provides several resources, including free self-paced learning paths and applied workshops that allow developers to gain hands-on experience.
One of the most exciting aspects of the MB-820 certification is the potential for it to unlock further specialization opportunities. As Microsoft continues to expand its portfolio of Business Applications, developers will be able to pursue additional certifications to deepen their expertise in specific areas of Dynamics 365, such as customer engagement, supply chain management, or AI-powered solutions.
For partners, the introduction of the MB-820 certification is a clear signal that Microsoft is committed to providing them with the tools and resources they need to build a highly skilled and specialized workforce. By supporting their employees in obtaining this certification, partners can ensure that their teams are prepared to deliver the next generation of Business Central solutions, particularly as customers increasingly look for more complex and integrated business applications.
Additionally, obtaining the MB-820 certification aligns with broader industry trends, where certifications have become an important benchmark for skill validation. As businesses continue to invest in Microsoft technologies, the demand for certified professionals who can help deploy, customize, and optimize these solutions is expected to grow. Having a certification like MB-820 not only validates a developer’s skills but also ensures that they are well-equipped to support organizations through their digital transformation journeys.
For Microsoft partners, the ability to hire certified Business Central developers will be a competitive advantage. It signals to clients that the partner has invested in building deep technical expertise, which can help differentiate their offerings in a crowded marketplace. With customers becoming increasingly sophisticated and demanding, the need for specialized, certified developers will continue to rise.
One of the most immediate benefits of the MB-820 certification is its role in helping partners meet the qualifications required for the Solution Partner designation. Microsoft has structured its partner competencies around certifications, and having certified team members is a crucial part of meeting these requirements. This not only benefits individual partners but also strengthens the overall Microsoft partner ecosystem by raising the bar for expertise and professionalism.
The certification also ties into Microsoft’s broader strategy to promote the evolution of the partner ecosystem. As the company continues to introduce new features and capabilities, having a workforce that is up-to-date on the latest tools, technologies, and practices is essential. Through certifications like MB-820, Microsoft ensures that its partners have the skills needed to support clients with evolving needs, particularly as the digital landscape grows more complex.
For aspiring Business Central developers, the path to certification begins with foundational knowledge of object-oriented programming, development principles, and Microsoft’s AL programming language. Microsoft offers several resources to help candidates prepare for the exam, including free online courses, practice tests, and study materials. These resources are designed to provide a structured and accessible learning experience, making it easier for both newcomers and seasoned developers to gain the skills needed to pass the exam.
Additionally, applied workshops offer hands-on experience and real-world applications of Business Central development. These workshops, led by qualified instructors, give candidates the opportunity to learn by doing, ensuring that they gain practical experience in developing and customizing Business Central solutions. This experiential learning is a crucial element of preparing for the MB-820 exam, as it enables candidates to apply theoretical knowledge in a controlled, real-world environment.
The launch of the MB-820 certification also aligns with Microsoft’s broader goal of creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce. By offering certifications that are accessible to a wide range of professionals, Microsoft is helping to open doors to individuals from various backgrounds and experiences. This emphasis on inclusive talent development ensures that the Business Central community is not only highly skilled but also diverse and reflective of the global workforce.
In conclusion, the introduction of the MB-820 certification marks a significant milestone for both Business Central developers and Microsoft partners. It provides developers with a clear path to validate their skills and advance their careers, while also helping partners strengthen their teams and differentiate themselves in the marketplace. As the demand for Business Central solutions continues to grow, having a certified workforce will be crucial for partners who want to stay competitive and deliver the highest-quality services to their clients.
The MB-820 certification, combined with other Microsoft training programs and initiatives like the ReSKILL program, offers a holistic approach to addressing the talent gap in the Dynamics 365 ecosystem. By supporting the development of skilled professionals, Microsoft is ensuring that the ecosystem remains strong, adaptable, and ready to meet the evolving needs of businesses worldwide.
With the ongoing evolution of Dynamics 365 and the growing importance of specialized skills, the MB-820 certification is a valuable investment for anyone looking to deepen their expertise in Business Central development and take advantage of the opportunities available in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Final Thoughts
Directions EMEA 2023 was a remarkable event that provided significant insights into the future of Microsoft Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and the broader Microsoft Business Applications ecosystem. For Microsoft partners, ISVs, and developers, it was a chance to connect, learn, and plan for a future where digital transformation, AI-driven solutions, and skills development will be paramount.
The key takeaways from the event reflect Microsoft’s continued commitment to innovation and partner empowerment. From the impressive growth of Business Central and Power Platform to the rollout of groundbreaking AI features like Copilot, it’s clear that Microsoft is placing a significant emphasis on driving efficiencies, automation, and smarter decision-making across its suite of tools.
One of the most encouraging developments for partners was the launch of the ReSKILL program. This initiative offers a pathway to address the persistent talent gap in the Dynamics ecosystem by recruiting and training professionals with transferable skills. It’s a practical and scalable solution to one of the industry’s most pressing challenges, and it shows Microsoft’s dedication to fostering a strong and sustainable partner network.
The announcement of the MB-820 certification for Business Central developers was another key moment, signaling that Microsoft is serious about helping its partners meet the increasing demand for highly specialized expertise. This certification not only provides a formal pathway for professional development but also aligns with the broader strategy of ensuring that partners have the right skills and certifications to meet customer needs and achieve the Solution Partner designation.
Looking ahead, the integration of AI, especially through Copilot, promises to be a game-changer for businesses using Microsoft Dynamics 365. These innovations provide users with the tools they need to work smarter and more efficiently, regardless of their technical background. As AI continues to evolve and become more embedded in everyday workflows, it will be crucial for partners to stay ahead of these changes and leverage the full potential of these tools to drive customer success.
Microsoft’s announcement of new partner incentives and cross-sell opportunities also highlighted the company’s commitment to ensuring that its partners are equipped to drive growth. These programs are designed to make it easier for partners to sell and implement Dynamics 365 solutions, particularly in a landscape where many organizations are actively seeking ways to digitalize and automate their processes.
Ultimately, Directions EMEA 2023 served as a reminder of the incredible potential within the Microsoft ecosystem. For partners and ISVs, it was an opportunity to learn about the latest tools, certifications, and strategies that will shape the future of business applications. With a growing emphasis on automation, AI, skills development, and strong partner relationships, the future looks bright for those who are ready to embrace these changes and leverage them to provide exceptional value to their customers.
In conclusion, the innovations, initiatives, and programs unveiled at Directions EMEA 2023 offer significant opportunities for Microsoft Dynamics 365 partners to scale, innovate, and grow. By staying aligned with these strategic developments, partners will be well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of the market and help their customers navigate an increasingly complex and digital-first world.
Let’s look forward to what comes next in 2024, as the ecosystem continues to evolve, and new challenges and opportunities unfold. With the right skills, tools, and mindset, the possibilities for Microsoft partners and customers are limitless.