1C vs Business Central: what Ukrainian business should choose

Since 2022, moving off 1C has stopped being a question of “whether” — for many Ukrainian companies it's a question of “when.” 1C is software of Russian origin, and using it carries reputational, legal and security risks. Microsoft's Business Central is one of the most common replacements. Let's compare honestly, without the marketing.

The main difference isn't in features

Both systems cover accounting, warehouse, sales and finance. The key difference is elsewhere: in Ukraine 1C has effectively been left without official support or a future, while Business Central is a global Microsoft cloud platform with regular updates and support in the EU.

Comparison by criteria

Support and future

1C: official support in Ukraine has been wound down; updates and development are in question. Business Central: a global vendor, releases twice a year, support through a partner network.

Data and security

1C: traditionally on-premise, security is on your side. Business Central: Microsoft Azure cloud with EU data centres, security certifications and backups by default.

Integrations

1C: integrations with modern services often need separate solutions. Business Central: native links to Excel, Outlook, Teams, Power BI and open APIs.

Total cost of ownership

1C: licence plus server, updates and administration. Business Central: per-user subscription with infrastructure included — a predictable monthly cost.

What to weigh before switching

• Data migration. Moving master data and balances out of 1C is a separate but manageable stage.
• Team training. The interface differs, so budget time for adaptation.
• Process specifics. Custom 1C tweaks don't transfer automatically — they need rethinking for Business Central.

The most reliable way to decide is to start with a process audit. It shows what from your 1C maps onto standard Business Central and what needs a separate solution. More on the process itself is in our piece on the cost of migrating from 1C.