Microsoft GP End of Life

    Microsoft has announced the end-of-life for Dynamics GP, with mainstream support concluding on September 30, 2029 and extended support wrapping up by April 30, 2031. For organizations who have trusted Dynamics GP to run their businesses, this news brings up a number of questions. Let us answer some of those questions below to provide you with clarity and peace of mind:

    Commonly Asked Questions

    What does this mean for me?

    After September 30, 2029, you will no longer receive product enhancements, regulatory updates, and hotfix support. After April 30, 2031, you will no longer receive security updates.

     

    The first thing this means is that you have time to decide on what’s next for your business. In the meantime, you will continue to receive support and critical updates from Microsoft.  

     

    Beyond the sunset date, Enavate is here to support you on your journey and can help you optimize your current Dynamics GP experience. We can also help you plan for and assist with migrating to the cloud with Dynamics 365 Business Central or other platforms when the timing is right for you.  

    Is Dynamics GP about to be turned off?

    Fortunately, the answer here is no. While Microsoft will no longer sell new licenses for Dynamics GP after April 2025, existing users will continue to receive support, including tax updates, and hotfixes, until September 30, 2029 and security updates until April 30, 2031.

     

    During this period, you may continue to use your Dynamics GP system as usual, and Enavate is here to be your partner in ensuring that your current systems and processes function at peak performance levels to support your growth and efficiency. 

     

    When the time comes, our team will assist you in understanding your options and preparing for a smooth transition to a cloud solution. We will provide comprehensive support, including data migration, systems integration, and user training, to ensure that your business operations remain uninterrupted. 

     

    We recommend starting with an Enavate Roadmap Consultation with one of our Senior GP Consultants to get a free evaluation of your system and create a strategy for current and future needs. Get started here.

    How will Enavate help me?

    Enavate is a world leader in Dynamics GP services and support. Our dedicated team and world-class consultants, who come directly from Microsoft, will be ready to answer any and all your questions regarding Dynamics GP optimization, cloud migrations, and access to data.  

     

    We provide comprehensive services to ensure a smooth transition to Business Central, Azure, and more, including system optimization and ongoing support.  

     

    We can also help you set the strategy that best suits your business needs. 

    Get started with a free Enavate Roadmap Consultation with one of our Senior GP Consultants

    What happens to all of my data?

    If you have an on-premise solution, your data will remain in place.  

     

    If your GP instance is hosted in the Azure cloud, your data will remain securely stored in the cloud and can be accessed as long as your Dynamics GP instance remains active.  

     

    Enavate has developed a Health Check Tool that is trusted by clients and Microsoft partners worldwide. This tool, when combined with the Microsoft Migration Tool, securely transitions GP data to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.  

     

    For further specifics on your data, we suggest booking a time with one of our Senior GP Consultants for a free evaluation to create a strategy for current and future needs. Start your Roadmap Consultation here.

    Do I have to buy a new ERP system?

    In the short term, your Dynamics GP instance will not change (whether it is deployed on-premise or in the Cloud).  

     

    Once Microsoft support ends in late 2029, your GP solution will be at risk. Therefore, you should take advantage of the time you have before your ERP is no longer supported to consider your options. Enavate can help you understand those options and how to take advantage of a new, modern approach to ERP. 

     

    To help you get started, we are offering a free consultation with one of our Senior GP Consultants. Start your Roadmap Consultation here.

    If I migrate to another Microsoft ERP solution, like Dynamics 365 Business Central, what happens to my integrations?

    In some cases, the core Business Central functionality may eliminate the need for certain third-party solutions that are currently integrated into your GP system. 

     

    Enavate will work with you to identify all existing integrations, determine which are needed moving forward, and develop a stress-free path to ensuring that you have all of the features, functionality, and systems in place and seamlessly integrated into your new solution. 

     

    You can start by identifying your integrations and other system elements in a complimentary GP Health Check.

    Do I have to stop using Dynamics GP by the official End of Life date?

    No, you do not have to stop using Dynamics GP immediately after September 30, 2029.

     

    However, running on an unsupported platform comes with risks. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you use the time before GP’s End of Life arrives to plan your migration to a supported platform, ensuring continued security and functionality. 

     

    Start with a Roadmap Consultation here.

    How long will I be able to get support?

    At this moment in time, Microsoft has decided that mainstream support is ending in 2029 and extended support is wrapping up by 2031.

     

    After September 30, 2029, you will no longer receive product enhancements, regulatory updates, and hotfix support. After April 30, 2031, you will no longer receive security updates.

     

    Enavate will offer additional support options to ensure you have the help you need during and after the transition. 

    Will I still be able to add Dynamics GP licenses? 

    If you already have Dynamics GP licenses, you are able to purchase additional user licenses after new sales end in April 2025 for perpetual licenses and April 2026 for subscription licenses. However, it is highly recommended to plan your migration to a supported platform to ensure continued security and functionality beyond GP’s End of Life.  

    Additional FAQs

    What are the key benefits of migrating to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central?  

    Migrating to Microsoft Business Central offers numerous benefits, including enhanced scalability, improved integration with other Microsoft products, advanced analytics and reporting capabilities, and a modern, user-friendly interface. Business Central also provides robust cloud capabilities, ensuring your data is secure and accessible anywhere. 

    What is the timeline for migrating from Dynamics GP to Business Central?  

    The timeline for migration can vary depending on the complexity of your current setup and the amount of data to be transferred. However, Enavate has migration packages available starting at 10 weeks from start to finish.

     

    Enavate has industry-leading experience and tooling available to migrate data, accelerate migration times, and keep costs controlled with our Enavate Xcelerate packages

     

    We know that every organization has unique needs and requirements. Enavate will work with you to create a detailed project plan and timeline tailored to your specific needs. To get this process started, we’re offering you a free consultation that can be booked using the following link: ERP Roadmap Consultation | Microsoft Dynamics GP End of Life (enavate.com)

    Will there be any downtime during the migration process? 

    Enavate aims to minimize downtime during the migration process. Our team will work with you to schedule system cut-overs during off-peak hours and ensure that critical business operations are not disrupted. We also provide thorough testing and validation to ensure a smooth transition. 

    What training and support will be provided during and after the migration? 

    Enavate offers comprehensive training and support throughout the migration process. This includes: 

     

    Pre-Migration Training: Before the migration begins, Enavate provides training sessions to familiarize your team with the new system. This includes an overview of your new system’s features, navigation, and key functionalities to ensure your team is prepared for the transition. 

     

    Change Management Support: Enavate understands that change can be challenging. Our change management experts will work with your team to address any concerns, dispel fears, and ensure everyone understands the benefits of the new system. This includes regular communication, workshops, and resources to help your team adapt smoothly. 

    Learn more about Change Management in Cloud Migration here

     

    Data Migration Assistance: Our team will guide you through the data migration process, ensuring that all your critical data is accurately transferred. We provide detailed instructions and support to minimize any disruptions to your business operations. 

     

    Testing and Validation: Enavate conducts thorough testing and validation to ensure the new system works as expected. This includes user acceptance testing (UAT) where your team can test the system in a controlled environment and provide feedback. 

     

    Post-Migration Support: After the migration is complete, Enavate offers ongoing support to address any issues and ensure your team is comfortable with the new system.  

     

    Technical Support: Access to world-class technical support to resolve any issues promptly. 

     

    Dedicated Account Managers: Personalized assistance from dedicated account managers who understand your unique business needs. 

     

    Regular Check-Ins: Scheduled check-ins to review system performance, address any concerns, and ensure you are getting the most out of your new solution. 

     

    Ongoing Training and Resources: Enavate provides continuous training opportunities and resources to help your team stay up-to-date with the latest features and best practices. This includes webinars, and workshops. 

     

    For more details on how Enavate can support you during this transition, please book a complimentary ERP Pathways Consultation with one of our Senior Consultants by visiting: https://www.enavate.com/erp-roadmap-consultation

     

    How does Business Central handle customizations and third-party integrations? 

    Business Central is highly customizable and supports a wide range of third-party integrations. Enavate can help you identify and implement necessary customizations and integrations to ensure that your new solution meets your specific business requirements. 

    What are the costs associated with migrating? 

    The costs associated with migrating to a cloud solution can vary based on factors such as the size of your organization, the complexity of your current system, and the level of customization required. Enavate will provide a detailed and transparent cost estimate during your initial consultation and will work with you to develop a cost-effective migration plan. 

     

    There are often limited time offers and funding from Microsoft that can significantly reduce migration costs. Talk to one of our migration experts to understand what offers are available when you are ready to make the move. 

    Can I continue to use my existing hardware and infrastructure with my new cloud solution?  

    One major upside of a cloud-based solution is that you can access it from any device with an internet connection. This reduces the need for expensive on-premise hardware and infrastructure and the costs, maintenance, and security costs associated.  

     

    However, if you prefer a hybrid approach, Enavate can help you integrate your new solution with your existing set-up. 

    What security measures are in place to protect my data with Microsoft Cloud solutions?  

    You can count on Microsoft’s $1billion annual investment in security and 4500 security engineers to ensure that your critical business data is processed and stored safely. 

     

    Both Business Central and Azure employ advanced security measures to protect your data, including encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security updates. Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure is designed to meet industry standards and compliance requirements, ensuring your data is secure.  

    How can I get started with the migration process? 

    To get started with the migration process, you can begin with an Enavate Roadmap Consultation where we will walk you through each step needed. Our team will assess your current system, discuss your business needs, and develop a customized migration plan.

    Keep in mind, it’s important to us that you and your team don’t feel rushed into the migration process, and depending on your circumstance, it might make sense for us to first support you with your current Dynamics GP systems before strategizing a move to the cloud.  

    Please use this link and our team can provide you with your free session with one of our GP Senior Consultants. 

    Schedule Your 2 Hour Roadmap Consultation