Microsoft Support Lifecycle: What You Need to Know

Did you know that your Microsoft Dynamics ERP or CRM solution comes with a Support Lifecycle? This Microsoft Support Lifecycle is a roadmap which provides consistent and predictable guidelines for the support of your Microsoft product when it is released, as well as throughout the product’s life.

Microsoft created the Product Support Lifecycle in collaboration with their product teams, customers, partners, analysts, and research firms to define clear policies that benefit their users. It provides you with access to updates, services, and support, including: both non-security and security updates, new features, new product builds, hot fixes, and service packs. It is important to understand the support available for your product to better manage and utilize your IT investment and to plan your IT future successfully.

To be eligible for Lifecycle support, you must stay current as per the servicing and licensing requirements for your Microsoft Dynamics Product. This means you need to renew your annual Service Plan!

The Microsoft Support Lifecycle length for each product is different. To find out the Lifecycle of your Microsoft Dynamics Product please go to the Support Lifecyle Product Database and search for your product(s). For Business Developer and Desktop Operating System software, Microsoft provides a minimum of 10 years’ support on your solution.

Types of Support Provided by the Support Lifecycle

Mainstream Support

The Mainstream support phase is the first phase of your Microsoft Support Lifecycle and it includes the following:

• Security Updates
• Non-security updates
• Requests to change product design and features
• Phone and online support through Microsoft (dependent on Service Plan)
• Paid-support from Microsoft
• Access to product-specific information through online Microsoft Knowledge Base, product information, and support webcasts
• Hardware warranty claims

Extended Support

The Extended support phase is the second phase of your Microsoft Support Lifecycle and it includes the following:

• Security Updates
• Non-security updates (only with Extended Hotfix Support)
• Paid-Support from Microsoft
• Access to product-specific information through online Microsoft Knowledge Base, product information, and support webcasts

* To receive non-security updates, Extended Hotfix Support must be purchased in conjunction with or in addition to Premier Support within the first 90-days following the end of Mainstream Support.

What Happens When My Support Lifecycle Ends?

When your Microsoft Support Lifecycle ends, this means you will no longer be able to receive support, hotfixes, security and non-security updates and service packs from Microsoft. At Encore Business Solutions, we work with you to ensure that you are on a supported and up-to-date version of your Microsoft Dynamics ERP or CRM Solution to maximize the efficiency of your organization.