Microsoft has announced the forthcoming end of life of Dynamics GP.
From 2025, Dynamics GP will start to be phased out by Microsoft, starting with ending subscriptions for new customers before moving on to ending support and security updates in 2029 and 2031 respectively.
This change presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses using Dynamics GP, as companies must decide between upgrading to platforms like Dynamics 365 or exploring other software options to maintain their operational efficiency.
For those accustomed to the capabilities of Dynamics GP, this transition might seem daunting. But it opens the door to modern solutions that offer greater flexibility and scalability. Now is the perfect time to explore cloud migrations and consider how a move to Business Central can benefit your business. The cloud provides enhanced security, regular updates and a chance to streamline operations.
By understanding your current GP environment and analysing your needs and the features of potential new systems, such as Dynamics 365 Business Central, you can make informed decisions. Considering the transition early ensures you have plenty of time to plan and execute a smooth changeover, safeguarding your business continuity.
Microsoft has announced the following timeline for Microsoft GP's end of life:
Transitioning from Microsoft Dynamics GP involves strategic planning and choosing the right solution to ensure business continuity. We recommend considering cloud products that align with Microsoft's Modern Lifecycle Policy for enhanced security and feature updates.
Microsoft's Modern Lifecycle Policy (which replaced the Fixed Lifecycle Policy for GP) ensures products receive regular updates and support, ensuring that your system is secure and compliant. Transitioning from Dynamics GP, which will no longer receive updates after 2029, to a cloud-based ERP solution will keep your business processes current and secure.
This transition helps you maintain compliance with industry regulations and access the latest features. Cloud products under this policy offer automatic updates and enhanced security, reducing the risk associated with outdated software.
A successful migration plan is essential for a smooth transition. Begin by conducting a needs assessment to understand which features of Dynamics GP are critical to your operations. Consider the benefits of cloud-based ERP solutions, like Dynamics 365 Business Central, the natural successor to GP, which offers these features as well as enhanced flexibility and scalability.
Plan for migration costs by exploring subscription licenses, which can be more cost-effective compared to perpetual license sales that were the norm with Dynamics GP. Mapping out each step of the transition can help minimise disruption and ensure a seamless move.
Existing Dynamics GP customers have several viable options. Staying on the current version is possible until 2029, but it’s wise to explore other solutions early. Cloud products like Dynamics 365 Business Central offer a robust and flexible alternative and is the natural successor to Dynamics GP. Evaluate these solutions based on features, costs and long-term benefits.
Transitioning to a cloud-based service not only provides continuous product updates but also enhances business continuity through remote access and scalability. Make sure to analyse each option carefully to make the most informed decision for your enterprise resource planning needs.
Adopting cloud-based solutions offers many benefits and growth opportunities for businesses transitioning from Dynamics GP. It provides enhanced security, compliance and advanced features essential for modern business operations.
Cloud-based solutions like Dynamics 365 Business Central provide scalable infrastructure, meaning they can grow with your business. You get automatic regular updates, ensuring your systems remain up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.
Cloud solutions enhance your ability to integrate with third-party applications, allowing you to become more innovative and efficient. This seamless integration improves your capacity for data analysis and business intelligence, helping you make informed decisions to drive success.
Cloud solutions offer robust security features that are essential for protecting your data. By moving to platforms like Microsoft Azure, you benefit from advanced security measures designed to keep your information safe from threats. These include encryption, regular security patches and compliance with industry regulations.
The cloud infrastructure ensures you meet relevant regulatory standards, addressing any compliance issues that may arise. Automatic updates provide additional patches, helping maintain a secure environment. This comprehensive approach ensures your business remains compliant with regulatory requirements while protecting sensitive data.
Dynamics 365 Business Central delivers advanced capabilities that support your business objectives. This modern solution offers powerful tools for managing finances, operations, sales and customer service in a unified way. It enhances efficiency by automating routine tasks and streamlining workflows.
The platform's advanced analytics and reporting tools provide deep insights into your business performance, enabling you to make data-driven decisions. With deep integration capabilities and modern tools, you can easily connect to other Microsoft solutions and third-party apps. This creates a cohesive ecosystem that supports business growth and innovation, ensuring you remain competitive in the dynamic market.
There is a standardised Microsoft migration path from Dynamics GP to Business Central SaaS, which makes switching to a supported system a lot easier. There is, however, a need to ensure that your data is prepared and that users are trained. Whilst Dynamics GP is part of the Microsoft ecosystem, it very much has the look and feel of the Business Central predecessors NAV and Navision. This means users will need some basic training on navigating the system, as well as key users understanding the difference in how the systems operate.
For those using subscription licence models for GP, SaaS licensing for Business Central will not seem unfamiliar. However, for the majority of GP customers with perpetual licenses, the move may seem like a big change. Microsoft understands that this is an investment, and as such has an offer entitled “Bridge to Cloud 2”, which helps customers moving to cloud licensing.
A Business Central partner will be able to assist your business with the transition of platforms, migration of data and indeed licensing. Dynamics Consultants is dedicated to doing what is best for the customer, and as such is ideally placed to help you to understand your options with regard to a migration, implementation services and the best licensing to suit your needs.
Microsoft Dynamics GP is approaching the end of its lifecycle, and users should prepare by understanding key dates, potential impacts and alternative solutions. You'll find answers here to ensure a smooth transition and plan for the future.
Product enhancements, including regulatory updates, service packs and support for Microsoft Dynamics GP concludes on 30th September 2029. After this date, there will be no more updates or regular support available for this version. Security updates will end on April 30th 2031.
The Great Plains end-of-life announcement indicates a shift needed for users. Although the official end of updates and support for GP is set for September 2029, considering migration options now will help minimise risks and maintain security and functionality.
Post-lifecycle support options are limited. After official support ends, you won't receive further product enhancements or regulatory updates. Microsoft sometimes offers extended support for end-of-life solutions, but this hasn't yet been announced.
Current Dynamics GP users should consider migrating to alternatives like Dynamics 365, which provides robust support and frequent updates. Evaluating other ERP platforms that suit your business needs can also be beneficial.
Transitioning from GP to a new solution requires careful planning. Start by assessing your current systems and pinpoint areas that will be affected. Developing a migration strategy focused on data transfer, training and integration will facilitate a seamless switch to your replacement ERP.
Microsoft will continue to roll out necessary updates and improvements until the end-of-life date in 2029. However, we recommend staying informed about any announcements to best prepare your infrastructure and processes for a future without GP.
ERP (enterprise resource planning) and CRM (customer relationship management) systems are two tools that are core to many business operations. We compare both and discuss integrated solutions.
As a manufacturer, you'll have highly specific business requirements for your ERP system. Choosing the right manufacturing ERP software can drive business growth and enhance customer satisfaction by streamlining your operations and improving productivity.
Directions EMEA 2024 Vienna updates and news from our team at the event. Get Business Central Updates.