Deployment

Path: Business Central on-premises > Deployment · tier official · system none · narrative reviewed (checked by Opus)

Overview

This section covers deploying Business Central on-premises. It starts with planning (network topology, single-tenant or multitenant, authentication method, service account, connection security) and the component and system topology: web server, server, SQL database, plus development tools and additional components.

The installation pages cover running Setup (download media, check prerequisites, use the wizard, choose components and ports, save a configuration file, use command-line options) and provisioning the server service account with the needed SQL Server roles. Further pages cover X.509 certificates for securing connections, managing application and tenant databases in a multitenant deployment, the software lifecycle policy, and an FAQ on the discontinued Windows client.

Start with Plan for Deployment, then pick a layout in Deployment topologies and follow Install Business Central Using Setup. Use the subtopics for system requirements, web server on IIS, database, mobile app and the lists of on-premises updates.

Key points

• Plan for Deployment covers network topology, single-tenant vs multitenant, user authentication, service account and SSL decisions.
• Three core components: web server, server and SQL database; development tools include the AL environment and PowerShell modules.
• Setup install page covers the wizard, configuration files, port configuration, prerequisite installation and command-line options, for versions 24 to 27.
• The server service account is a domain user (or Network Service) needing SQL roles such as dbcreator, db_datareader and db_datawriter; SPN registration is mentioned.
• Multitenant setup: create an application database, configure the server for multitenancy, mount tenant databases, synchronize and publish extensions.
• X.509 certificates with chain trust (or peer trust) secure server-to-client connections over WAN and SSL for web services.
• Software lifecycle policy explains Modern and Fixed Lifecycle frameworks, update schedule, mainstream and extended support.
• The Windows client was discontinued starting 2019 release wave 2; web, mobile and desktop app clients replace it.

Subtopics

• System requirements (16 pages)
• Business Central on-premises updates (16 pages)
• Deployment topologies (5 pages)
• Business Central web server (7 pages)
• Database (6 pages)
• Business Central mobile app (4 pages)

More Learn pages

• Component and System Topology: The Business Central architecture includes of three core components, and various additional tools and components.
• FAQ about Windows Client and Business Central: Get answers to why the Windows client is no longer supported with Business Central.
• Features not implemented in on-premises deployments: Some features work differently or not at all, depending on whether your Business Central solution is in the cloud or on-premises.
• Install Business Central Using Setup: Install Business Central using Setup to quickly deploy production, demo, or development environments. Follow step-by-step guidance.
• Manage Application and Tenant Databases in a Multitenant Deployment: Learn about the tasks for managing application and tenant databases for a multitenant deployment
• Plan for Deployment: Get an overview of things you should consider and decide on before deploying
• Provisioning the Dynamics 365 Business Central Server Service Account: The service account is used by Business Central clients to log on to the server instance.
• Software lifecycle policy and on-premises updates: Learn about the lifecycle and product life of Dynamics 365 Business Central versions for on-premises deployments.
• Using Security Certificates with Business Central on-premises: Learn how to use security certificates to help secure connections with Business Central.

Source: Microsoft Learn (CC BY 4.0). Descriptions are Learn’s own.