If you’re a Microsoft Dynamics GP user, we have bad news. Unfortunately, Microsoft will officially terminate the mainstream support for Microsoft Dynamics GP in 2028.
Numerous companies were caught off-guard by this news and are desperately seeking a solution before the extended support ends on January 11, 2028.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a good alternative for Dynamic GP users. This business management software by Microsoft offers exhaustive solutions to manage sales, operations, and finances and is very similar to its Dynamics GP counterpart.
Making the switch from Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 BC isn’t quite straightforward. However, Microsoft Partners have the right tools and resources to make this transition easier, as well as plan for the switch for your business.
What is happening to Microsoft Dynamics GP in 2028?
Mike Morton, the Vice President of Dynamics 365 Business Central at Microsoft, made a few announcements at Microsoft Community Summit 2022. He gave important updates on the end of mainstream support on Dynamics GP.
He mentioned:
For the next five years, Microsoft will maintain its support for Microsoft Dynamics GP, including new version updates such as v18.6, v18.7, and v18.8. New version updates will come as scheduled in the GP Modern Support Lifecycle.
However, note that these updates will be limited. Do not expect any few features and capabilities including new modules. Microsoft intends to focus the majority of its efforts and investments on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
For trouble-free migration from Microsoft Dynamics GP to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, Microsoft Dynamics Partners are offering migration services.
What Are the Consequences of Not Migrating?
Choosing to stick with Microsoft Dynamics GP until mainstream support ends may have major implications for your organization. Some of the implications are quite severe and should be avoided. Here are some:
Cost
Higher charges are expected when you remain with Dynamics GP. These higher charges come from paying considerably more to maintain and update hardware servers and IT services.
Fewer security updates
New security updates will not be available anymore. Lack of these updates will have severe implications on your organization, such as exposure to malware and ransomware. Such exposure may result in:
- Blocked access to your organization’s data and computer systems
- Your organization’s data being stolen or encrypted
- Loss of productivity as a result of disrupted business operations
Lack of Bug fixes
Bugs are inevitable in all software, and bug fixes are required frequently to ensure the software keeps running smoothly. A lack of updates on Dynamics GP means these bugs won’t be addressed, negatively impacting your business or organization.
These bugs will result in frequent errors and crashes, poor software performance, and disrupted business operations. Additionally, your organization will spend more time and money addressing those issues.
Lack of new features
According to Microsoft, new features are not to be expected on this platform. Without new features, you are likely to be at a competitive disadvantage, as your competitors may be using Dynamics 365 BC or other software with updated features.
Lower priority from ISV partners
Most of Microsoft’s independent software vendors will not prefer working on Dynamic GP software. Instead, they will be more inclined to Dynamics 365 BC software as they are aware that it is Microsoft’s future.
What is the Next Important Step?
Uncertainty lies between now and January 11, 2028, when Microsoft Dynamic GP will lose its support. Refrain from letting your business or organization get caught up with ambiguity, as it could significantly affect your workflow.
The best way to approach this is by working with Microsoft Dynamics Partners like Technology Management Concepts to ease your way into Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, the future of business management software.
