The current process for importing new Business Central licenses into the customer database is manual and involves using the PowerShell cmdlet. With the introduction of subscription licenses by Microsoft, which have an expiration date and require updating every six months, this manual process is inefficient and not scalable. Starting April 2025, subscription licenses will be the only option for new OnPrem customers, further increasing the need for automation.

I propose that Business Central should have the capability to automatically update the license itself or allow partners to download a new license via Web Services. This would enable partners to update licenses for their customers at scale. Specifically, I would like the following features:

1. Automated License Update: An automate update of new Business Central licenses in the customer database would be the best solution. This automation should be integrated within the Business Central platform (Service Tier).

1. Web Services for License Download: Enable partners to download new licenses via Web Services, facilitating the automatic update process.

Incorporating this feature would streamline the process of updating Business Central licenses, ensuring compliance with Microsoft's new licensing requirements. It would also enhance scalability as more customers adopt the subscription model, save time, and reduce the potential for manual errors.

For further details on the announcement, please refer to: Microsoft Business Center: https://businesscenter.mbs.microsoft.com/#contentdetail/spanews1

Benefits

• Efficiency: Automates a previously manual process, saving time and resources.
• Scalability: Supports a larger number of customers as the subscription model becomes more widespread.
• Accuracy: Reduces the potential for human error during the license update process.

Implementing this feature would greatly benefit partners and customers by making the license renewal process more efficient, reliable, and scalable.