October service update for Dynamics 365 (online) will be version 9.1
Applies to Dynamics 365 (online) version 9.0.x
With the October update to Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Customer Engagement, one of the changes we are making is to increment the version number to 9.1 for our online service. This change is part of our work to modernize the way we update Dynamics 365 by removing the reliance on the version number to indicate what changes are being delivered. This provides a more seamless delivery of our service through our continuous deployment cycle and is an integral part of the evolution of our platform.
The update from 9.0.x to 9.1.x will happen automatically; you don’t need to schedule anything.
In addition to the version number changing in the product, how we’re referencing the service updates in our communications is getting a refresh. The Service Updates documented on our Microsoft Dynamics 365 Online releases page will still contain all of the fixes and changes included as part of a deployment, but you may see a difference in the “build” portion of the Version number (e.g. Version 9.1.0.xxxx) and what is displayed in-product.
The new version number – Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Customer Engagement apps, Version 9.1, Online – will begin rolling out in-product starting October 1, 2018. We will be gradually updating the product region-by-region through our global deployment processes, which is expected to take the entire month of October.
As a reminder, there are many things we are doing to enable businesses to accelerate their digital transformation. Look for the ability to preview updates with a sandbox environment in advance of their release, starting in April 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will customers with a pending update from a previous version need to schedule a second update to get to 9.1?
A: No, they will be updated to 9.1 if their scheduled date is after when the release is available in their region.
Q: If I create a new instance or trial, will it be on the new version?
A: New instances and trials will be the same version that is deployed in a specific region. Any new instance or trial that is provisioned in a region on the old version will be updated as part of the standard deployment.
Q: Is there a way I can “test out” the new version before it is deployed to my existing instances?
A: The ability to preview updates with a sandbox in advance of the deployment is planned for the April 2019 timeframe.
Q: When will this update go live in my specific region?
A: We will be using our Safe Deployment Methodology to roll this update out, region-by-region. Your customer should check their Message Center to see the date this update will be deployed to their region.
Q: Why is this change being made now?
A: This change is required to maintain the solution compatibility model with the release of the on-premises version of Dynamics 365 version 9.0. Online solutions will not be compatible with the on-premises installations.
Q: Will I need to make any changes to my organization?
A: No, this change will not impact how you use the product.
Charles Lamanna
GM, Citizen Application Platform
Business Applications Group
