As ERP systems mature, it’s reasonable to assume that your organization will have to choose whether to continue supporting a legacy product or move on to something new. Sometimes the vendor decides to end product support for older software as they transition to new offerings. However, most organizations need time to test out and implement a new ERP platform.
For that reason, many companies were caught off-guard by word that Microsoft would end support for Dynamics Great Plains (GP) by 2025. However, not everything is as it seems when it comes to the Microsoft Great Plains end of life.
If you’re a small or mid-sized business relying on Dynamics GP for your ERP needs, you may have worries about getting cut off once 2025 hits. Hopefully, this article will answer your questions about the Microsoft Great Plains end of life and offer reassurance about Microsoft continuing support for the product. That way, you’re better prepared to decide what direction to take with your ERP platform.
Is Microsoft Dynamics GP Going Away?
While some blogs may have titles proclaiming the end of Microsoft GP entirely, it only applies to older products that fall under the Fixed Lifecycle Policy. So, if you have an implementation of Dynamics GP that is 2016 or later, you don’t have to worry about it ending. However, suppose your version is older than that. In that case, you should look into alternatives as you work through your Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 end of life, Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 end of life, or Microsoft Dynamics GP 2015 end of life.
Microsoft has made changes to the way they support products. Instead of having set deadlines to cut off updates, many are shifting to a new way of providing support. That way, small and medium-sized companies have more time to shift over to updated software versions without worrying about having their current product retired before they’re ready to make that move.
What is the Fixed Lifecycle Policy?
In the past, Microsoft GP fell under the company’s Fixed Lifecycle Policy. It applies to many commercial of the company's commercial and consumer products purchased at retail or through bulk licensing agreements. It defined a set support lifecycle period from the time the product launched. There were several different phases to the Fixed Lifecycle Policy.
Mainstream Support
The first phase of the fixed lifecycle policy includes the following mainstream support for products and services:
- Paid, no-charge, hourly, and warranty claims incident support.
- Security updates
- Requests for non-security updates
Extended Support
The extended support kicks in after the end of mainstream support. That service pack level includes:
- Paid support
- Additional no-cost security updates
- Requests for non-security fixes for certain products that come from Unified Support customers
Limitations around extended support include:
- Rejection of requests for warranty support, new features, or design changes
- No help provided for consumer software, hardware, or multimedia products
- Customers must enroll in a paid support program to receive benefits for certain products
Microsoft typically provides updates via service packs made available during product installation. After every new service pack release, Microsoft offers anywhere from 12 to 24 months of additional support for the previous service pack. After that, it no longer receives critical updates.
What is the Modern Lifecycle Policy?
Microsoft rolled out the Modern Lifecycle Policy for Microsoft Dynamics GP in October 2019. It changed how Microsoft handled situations like the Microsoft Dynamics GP 2015 end of life cycle. Products that fall under the Modern Lifecycle Policy, like versions of Microsoft Dynamics GP for 2016 and later, receive ongoing bug fixes, security updates, support, and servicing.
Customers can stay current by taking one of the planned Dynamics GP releases during the year. Those releases typically happen in June, October, and December of the current calendar year. Most new Dynamics GP capabilities are introduced with the October release, while others usually provide hotfixes, tax revisions, and regulatory updates.
What Do the Latest Changes Mean?
Products that fall under Microsoft’s Modern Lifecycle no longer receive a hard cut-off date for fixes and updates. That means that you no longer have to worry about dealing with Microsoft GP end of life issues if you’re downloading at least one update per year. So no, Microsoft won’t be ending support for all Microsoft GP solutions in 2025.
The confusion appears to have started when Microsoft failed to update the roadmap for Dynamics GP to outline its future under the Modern Lifecycle Policy. They’ve since made changes that reflect that the product remains under active development and support.
Instead of having to worry about an upcoming Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 end of life or a cut-off of support for any of your GP products, you should now see more frequent updates provided. That way, your company can continue receiving enhancements and support for your version of Dynamics GP.
How Should I Move Forward with Microsoft GP?
If you have a version of Dynamics GP that is 2016 or later, you need to make sure you download one of the yearly updates provided under the Modern Lifecycle Policy. However, if you have an older version, you should check where the product’s end of life falls under the Fixed Lifecycle Cycle.
For those companies facing the prospect of dealing with something like Microsoft Dynamics GP 2018 end of life, it can help to bring in professionals to help with the transition. Internet eBusiness Solutions has years of experience working with various Microsoft Dynamics products. We can help you find a platform capable of supporting your business needs. In addition, our technology professionals can ease the process of moving from one system to another.
Even if your product falls under Microsoft’s Modern Lifecycle Policy, you may still want some help optimizing your platform use. Contact IES today if you want to take advantage of the full potential of your Microsoft GP solution.
