End of life, discontinuation, and the future of Microsoft Dynamics GP
Let’s start by getting straight to the point. These are the questions you need to ask if you are still running Dynamics GP.
Is Dynamics GP End of Life?
Yes. But it’s not as simple as that.
Your end-of-life (EOL) date can differ depending on which version of Microsoft’s Great Plains (GP) software your business is running (2013, 2015, 2018, etc.)
The Costs, Inefficiency, and Troubles You’ll Face by Not Upgrading Dynamics GP
End date of Microsoft Dynamics GP support by version
There are different phases under Microsoft’s Fixed Lifecycle Policy. Versions of Dynamics GP prior to October 2019 are on a Fixed Lifecycle policy, meaning support has a definitive end date.
The first phase of this policy is Mainstream Support*. This includes hotfixes, payroll updates, tax updates, and year-end updates for five years.
The next phase is Extended Support. This is also available for 5 years and offers limited support for security related issues. After Extended Support, no product support is available from Microsoft.
*Mainstream support has ended in January 2023 for all versions of Dynamics GP.
| PRODUCT | MAINSTREAM SUPPORT | EXTENDED SUPPORT |
|---|---|---|
| GP 2013 & GP 2013 R2 | Ended April 4, 2018 | Ends April 11, 2023 |
| GP 2015 & GP 2015 R2 | Ended April 14, 2020 | Ends April 8, 2025 |
| GP 2016 & GP 2016 R2 | Ended July 13, 2021 | Ends July 14, 2026 |
| GP 2018 & GP 2018 R2 | Ends January 2023 | Ends January 11, 2028 |
What to do when Dynamics GP is not supported?
Whether your version of Dynamics GP is still supported by Microsoft or not, it can still be maintained and enhanced by a Microsoft partner such as 360 Visibility. By working with 360 Visibility as your dedicated Dynamics GP support partner, you have access to a team of experts focused on your implementation.
360 Visibility can also help your business with next steps by upgrading your system to the latest Microsoft Dynamics. 360 Visibility has a proven methodology for migrating Dynamics GP data to Dynamics 365 Business Central. In addition, our team expertly examines your existing customizations to verify if they are now native in Business Central, or available as an extension from the Microsoft AppSource Marketplace.
Using native functionality in D365 BC or official extensions is critical to not only ensure your implementation is smooth and cost-effective, but guarantee your environment will remain current with Microsoft’s bi-annual updates, patches, and security fixes.
Next Steps?
If you’ve decided you want to migrate to Business Central from Dynamics GP, the first step is to engage in a Business Impact Assessment. This is 360 Visibility’s proven methodology for scoping any implementation, migration, or upgrade project.
We believe in the Business Impact Assessment (BIA) so much that we offer the following guarantees:
- Not to Exceed Budget: The BIA process will scope your project allowing us to provide a budget that we will not exceed.
- No Change Orders: Because it’s not needed. We’ve deeply examined the project and requirements with you and document each process required.
- Shop Around: If you don’t want to move forward with us after the BIA, no hard feelings. You can take our BIA and scoping proposal to another partner of your choice.
Contact our Dynamics Consultants to learn more about the Business Impact Assessment, and your options for a Dynamics GP migration.
360 Visibility
