End of mainstream support for Dynamics GP 2018

Previously known as Great Plains, Microsoft Dynamics GP is a widely used and trusted standalone enterprise resource planning (ERP) system designed for small-to-medium-sized businesses. On January 10, 2023, Mainstream Support ended for Dynamics GP 2018 and the solution was transferred to Extended Support. If you are using GP 2018 it is important to know how this change will affect you and the use of your trusted system.

Dynamics GP versions 2018 and earlier are governed by the Fixed Lifecycle policy and as such, there are different phases of Microsoft support. The first phase of this policy is Mainstream support and includes hotfixes, payroll updates, tax updates, and year-end updates for five years. After that time, Extended support is available for another 5 years which offers more limited support from Microsoft for issues that are security related. After Extended support has ended, clients are not able to receive product support from Microsoft.

Dynamics GP 2018 was the last version of Dynamics GP under the Fixed Lifecycle policy to qualify for Mainstream support. And although Extended Support for GP 2018 will last until January 11, 2028, this type of support no longer allows for tax and year-end updates. Seeing as new government regulations require year-end tax forms, it’s important for businesses on Extended Support for Dynamics GP 2018 to recognize that they may experience disruptions in issuing 1099 forms and other tasks requiring an update from Microsoft.

Because Dynamics GP 2018 is no longer covered under Mainstream support, Rand Group recommends upgrading to a newer version of Dynamics GP or migrating to a new cloud-based ERP. Our team of software consultants and industry experts can help you determine which path best fits your needs.

Upgrade Dynamics GP

Microsoft transitioned versions of Dynamics GP 2019 and later onto their Modern Lifecycle policy, which means there is no end-of-life for the latest version. Under this policy, Dynamics GP receives support and servicing including feature updates, bug fixes, and the latest tax updates. These upgrades are provided more frequently and are smaller, more manageable, and less expensive than Dynamics GP upgrades were historically under the Fixed Lifecycle policy. These all-inclusive updates are issued three times a year and clients only need to implement one update per year to remain current.

Dynamics GP has a bright future and will be around for a long time so if you’re happy with Dynamics GP, you should stay on it. However, Rand Group recommends upgrading Dynamics GP to the latest version so you can access new features and functionalities as well as important year-end updates.

Migrate to a cloud-based ERP

If your business has changed significantly or Microsoft Dynamics GP no longer makes sense for your organization, now may be the time to migrate to a new cloud-based ERP that aligns better with your needs. By moving to a cloud-based solution such as Dynamics 365 Business Central, Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations, or NetSuite, you can eliminate reliance on legacy infrastructure and ensure you are always on the latest technology.

With Rand Group as your migration partner, you can confidently move to the cloud with operational speed, performance, and insights needed to make your business vision a reality. With our proven methodology, we can help you identify the best solution for your needs

Mainstream support has ended for Dynamics GP 2018 and as such, clients will no longer receive hotfixes, payroll updates, tax updates, and important year-end updates. Although Extended support is still available, Microsoft will only offer limited support for issues that are related to security. Rand Group recommends clients to either upgrade their system to a newer version of GP or to migrate to a new cloud-based ERP.

Rand Group is an experienced Microsoft and Oracle NetSuite partner that has assisted companies for two decades with supporting the health of their systems and attaining their organizational goals. Whether you are ready to upgrade or migrate, contact our team of experts today.