As a Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains) user, you have undoubtedly heard about the buzz surrounding Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC). A recent email from Microsoft caused some uncertainty and fear among customers, so taking a closer look at the situation is essential.
In this blog post, Dexpro Dynamics, as a trusted reseller of both Dynamics GP and Dynamics 365 Business Central, aims to provide clarity and guidance to help Dynamics GP users make an informed decision about transitioning to Business Central.
And we will tell you what the email actually said and what it means for Dynamics GP users.
Microsoft offers a few distinct accounting software solutions. We will focus on Dynamics GP (Great Plains) and Dynamics 365 Business Central.
While Dynamics GP has been a reliable and proven solution for many years, Microsoft's strategic focus has shifted towards its cloud-based offerings, including Business Central.
A recent email from Microsoft made some people think, and others spread the rumor that you can no longer use Dynamics GP after 2026. Or that you can't add new licenses to your existing system after 2026.
That is not true.
The email from Microsoft was about NEW license sales. It applies to new customers and does NOT impact existing users of Dynamics GP.
Here are the key points from the email:
It was also announced that:
Dynamics GP has a loyal community, and Microsoft is fully committed to supporting existing customers and partners. Nothing has changed on the support side or with people working on Dynamics GP.
Where does the confusion come from?
There have been reports of some Microsoft Gold Certified Partners prioritizing the sale of Business Central licenses and using the email announcement to create a sense of urgency and fear among Dynamics GP users.
That is wrong.
Dexpro Dynamics believes this approach is misleading and not in customers' best interest. Changing your accounting system is a big decision. This decision should be driven by YOUR business's specific needs and timeline rather than external pressures.
Gold Partners have a quota to fill, which is why we believe it is better to be a Silver Partner so that we can prioritize our customers over our quotas.
Read: Does it Matter if You Choose a Silver or Gold Competency Dynamics GP Partner?
Contrary to the fearmongering, Dynamics GP remains a viable product with a well-defined roadmap for future support and updates. Microsoft has committed to maintaining and supporting Dynamics GP for at least the next five years, following its standard support lifecycle. As a result, you can rely on Microsoft to provide regular regulatory updates, security patches, and hotfixes to ensure your Dynamics GP system remains up to date.
Read: Microsoft Dynamics GP Lifecycle
In fact, we know that Microsoft has some excellent items coming in 18.6 that existing customers have wanted in the product, and that will continue on to 18.7, 18.8, etc. These enhancements will justify the expense of the annual enhancement fee.
When should you move?
Eventually, it will make sense for you to move from Dynamics GP to a new system. Dynamics GP is an old product and will need to be replaced at some point. But you get to choose when that will be.
You should evaluate your company's needs, budget, and available resources to determine the optimal time to make the move. Dexpro Dynamics can assist in this evaluation process and provide guidance based on their expertise in both systems.
What are some factors to consider:
When assessing the need for an ERP system change, there are several factors to consider.
These include:
The transition from Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central should not be driven solely by external pressures or marketing tactics.
You can transition to Business Central when it aligns with your strategic goals and makes the most sense for your circumstances. There is no rush.
But it does make sense to evaluate.
Eventually, a move to the cloud, with Dynamics 365 BC, will be the right choice. So if your Dynamics GP system today does not fit your business needs, this may be a great moment to evaluate Business Central.
Dexpro Dynamics, a trusted reseller of both systems, can help you to evaluate your unique needs, budget, and timeline to make the best decision for your business.
Contact our team now to answer any additional questions and discuss your best strategy and timeline.
By Dexpro Dynamics, Silver Certified Microsoft Dynamics Partner, www.dexprodynamics.com
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