How long will Microsoft support Dynamics GP?

Microsoft Dynamics GP is a standalone enterprise resource planning (ERP) system designed for small-to-medium sized businesses. Once called Great Plains, this trusted system has been offered by Microsoft since the early 2000s. Dynamics GP is a widely used and trusted ERP system with core features that can support the long-term growth of companies. Microsoft has committed to supporting and enhancing Dynamics GP into the foreseeable future. There are two different policies Microsoft uses to approach support of Dynamics GP that are based on the version of the software: Fixed Lifecycle Policy and Modern Lifecycle Policy.

In this post, we will evaluate the different lifecycle policies and how long Microsoft plans to support this powerful system.

Versions of Dynamics GP prior to 2019 are governed by Microsoft’s Fixed Lifecycle support policy. Under this policy there are three phases to support:

1. Mainstream support – For the first five years Mainstream support is available and includes hotfixes and service packs designed to resolve any bugs or issues with the base products. GP users are also able to open a support case and have Microsoft look into an issue with the application.
2. Extended support – After mainstream support has ended, GP transitions to Extended support for the next five years. Under Extended support, Microsoft only releases updates related to security vulnerabilities. Additionally, if a bug is found with the product, Microsoft will not fix it unless it causes a security issue.
3. End of life – After Extended support has ended, GP transitions to its end of life. At this time, Microsoft will no longer release any updates for the product and users will not be able to open support tickets with Microsoft.

It is important to note that Mainstream support has ended for all versions of Dynamics GP that are governed under the Fixed Lifecycle Policy. This means that these versions of GP will no longer receive important updates, hotfixes, or regulatory tax updates. By January 11, 2028, all versions of GP under this policy will have reached their end of life. If you are on a version of GP under this lifecycle policy, Rand Group recommends upgrading Dynamics GP to the latest version so you can access important updates and support from Microsoft.

The table below lists the versions of GP that are covered under the Fixed Lifecycle Policy and their end dates for Extended support.

In October 2019, Microsoft announced that it would move Dynamics GP onto its Modern Lifecycle support policy. This is the same policy that Microsoft uses to govern their cloud-based products like Dynamics 365. This policy dictates that any version of Dynamics GP released after October 2019 will receive continuous support and servicing from Microsoft. This means that Microsoft will continue to support Microsoft and release regularly scheduled updates that include hotfixes, feature updates, and tax updates. GP users must remain current under the Modern Lifecycle policy to remain eligible for hotfixes, updates, and to create support tickets with Microsoft. To remain current, GP clients must apply one of the three all-inclusive updates a year:

• June update – This release typically includes tax updates, regulatory updates, and hotfixes
• October update – This update typically includes new features, new functions, and hotfixes
• December update – This update typically includes tax updates, regulatory updates, and hotfixes

Under the Modern Lifecycle policy, there is no end date for support. Microsoft has committed to active development and support for this product through 2028 and beyond. To demonstrate this commitment, Microsoft released an updated roadmap that indicates support plans well into the future.

Whether your version of Dynamics GP is still supported by Microsoft or not, Dynamics GP is further supported and enhanced by certified Microsoft partners such as Rand Group. With Rand Group as your dedicated Dynamics GP support partner, you have access to a dedicated team of experts committed to unlocking the full potential of your implementation. From configuration assistance, user training, and system customizations to year-end update and closing support, Rand Group offers the business, technical, industry, and accounting expertise to fully support your Dynamics GP users and the objectives of your organization.

Additionally, our team can help you upgrade your system to bring your system up to date and to maintain compliance. If you want to make the move to a modern, cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution, Rand Group has a proven methodology for migrating from Dynamics GP to fully cloud-based solutions such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 or NetSuite.

How long Microsoft will support Dynamics GP depends on the version and lifecycle policy. Microsoft has demonstrated its commitment to the future of Dynamics GP with an updated roadmap and the Modern Lifecycle support policy. If you are on a version of GP that is governed under the Fixed Lifecycle policy, Rand Group recommends upgrading your system to the latest version. If you are unsure what version of Dynamics GP you have, are ready to upgrade your system to the latest version, or have any questions about Microsoft’s lifecycle policies, contact Rand Group today.