Microsoft has continued to update Microsoft Dynamics GP and you probably feel like the word “change” is almost your middle name at the moment. At least it keeps you on your toes. In our virtual Customer Event last year, we used the words of Mark Twain to describe Dynamics GP and its product lifecycle and roadmap.
“The rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated.”
At the time, Microsoft had just changed the Product Lifecycle for Microsoft Dynamics GP moving to “Modern” from “Fixed”. This was great news as it brought Dynamics GP in line with other Microsoft Business Solutions demonstrating a commitment to the future of the product. The Modern Lifecycle offers continuous service and support, including new features, bug fixes, and tax updates, when you install one of the three yearly updates (released in June, October, and November/December). In other words, to receive full product support from Microsoft in any given year, you will need to be on one of the versions of Dynamics GP released that year.
This not only keeps the Dynamics GP versions up to date with functional and legislative improvements but the “little and often” updates make it easier to ensure you stay current avoiding slipping off supported versions. This support model is very similar to that used for cloud-based software platforms.
Dynamics GP versions prior to 18.2 are still governed under the Fixed Lifecycle policy, which means the products are supported for 10 years (5 years of Mainstream support and 5 years of Extended support).
Microsoft has now released its latest Product Roadmap for Dynamics GP which extends the life of the product beyond 2028. Great news if you’re one of the tens of thousands of organisations relying on GP every day, allowing you to shelve the potential questions about its future.
So what about Business Central? Microsoft’s Dynamics 365 Business Central solution is still seen as the logical next step for GP customers. Microsoft is continually improving its migration tools, making it easier than ever for existing Dynamics users – GP in particular – to migrate to Business Central and a true SaaS offering.
Dynamics 365 Business Central is most closely related to Microsoft Dynamics NAV, meaning that Dynamics GP users will recognise some of the navigation and capabilities. Plus, the solution integrates seamlessly with all other Microsoft products particularly Outlook but also the Power Platform tools – Power BI, Power Automate and Power Apps. It is a terrific solution and it offers a range of modern features in a true SaaS Cloud environment with the benefits that brings. A number of our customers, however, have decided they’d like to realise the benefit of Cloud-based computing without the need to change their Finance solution and have migrated their current version of GP onto the Azure Cloud, providing almost a Cloud “hybrid” solution
Are you currently using Dynamics GP and wondering about the considerations to make when planning to migrate to the cloud? Do you need some clarification on what this really means? Are you keen to understand the options and what other Dynamics GP users are doing?
Why not register for our “Options For Dynamics GP In Migrating To The Cloud” webinar on the 14th of September to give you a 360-degree view of the relative pros and cons of both. If you would like to speak to one of our Account Managers for more information however please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
For now though, Dynamics GP is very much here to stay.
Matt Fleming
Business Development Manager