The Retirement of Dynamics GP

Microsoft announced a retirement date of December 31, 2029, for all versions of Dynamics GP (the previously stated date was September 30, 2029).

This means that after December 31, 2029, Microsoft will not have product support or updates for Dynamics GP, with the exception of security patches ending April 30, 2031.

How does this impact Dynamics GP customers?

For customers using the latest version of Dynamics GP (currently v18.7), Microsoft will continue releasing product updates, regulatory (tax) updates, and security updates/hotfixes until December 31, 2029, and security updates, if needed, until April 30, 2031.

For customers on a legacy version of Dynamics GP covered by the Fixed Lifecycle Policy (GP 2018 R2 and earlier), mainstream support has ended for those products.

For Dynamics GP 2016 and 2016 R2, extended support ends July 14, 2026.

For Dynamics GP 2018 and GP 2018 R2, extended support ends January 11, 2028.

Effective April 30, 2031, Service Plan coverage for Dynamics GP will end and Subscription licenses for Dynamics GP will no longer be renewable. Additionally, perpetual users on existing Dynamics GP systems cannot be added and subscription use of Dynamics GP through Services Provider License Agreement (SPLA) licensing will end. This means that after April 30, 2031, Dynamics GP subscription users will no longer be able to access the software.

Why is Microsoft ending support for Dynamics GP?

Microsoft is channeling its innovation and investment into cloud solutions and technologies. They believe cloud solutions elevate business performance through AI capabilities and enhanced security. Microsoft is accelerating their investment in Dynamics 365 Business Central to address the ERP needs of small and medium-sized businesses.

With advancements in technology and changing market dynamics, business leaders are looking at their operations tools now more than ever to stay competitive, drive growth, improve profitability and ensure long-term company success. Microsoft is committed to ensuring they offer robust and innovative solutions to meet these needs. Dynamics 365 Business Central is Microsoft’s flagship SMB ERP product, optimized to help businesses thrive in a new world of cloud and AI computing.

How is Encore supporting Dynamics GP customers going forward?

Encore Business Solutions is dedicated to supporting our Dynamics GP customers through every phase of their transition. Since 2018, Encore has been educating and partnering with the Dynamics GP customer base to provide go-forward business applications and transition to cloud technologies.

With Microsoft’s announcement, it is important for our customers to understand how Encore will be supporting our customers going forward.

Guide to Transitioning from Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 BC

As an additional resource for our customers, we wrote a guide to the key information, timelines, and actions for moving from GP to Business Central.

Key Info for Moving to Dynamics 365 Business Central

This guide is designed specifically for GP customers, offering clear answers and practical insights to demystify your move to Business Central.

Read the Guide

Support for Customers with Active Enhancement Plans

We will offer traditional support services to customers who maintain their Enhancement Plan and update to the latest version of GP. We will collaborate with these customers to develop comprehensive transition plans to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Cloud technologies, ensuring minimal disruption to their business operations.

Support for Actively Transitioning Customers

Dynamics GP customers that are currently transitioning to Dynamics 365 will continue to be supported by Encore on their new product. Our goal is to ensure a seamless and efficient transition, leveraging our expertise to facilitate the migration process.

Programs Available

There are programs and discounts available to customers who are interested in a transition to Dynamics 365:

• Business Central Migration Assessment – a free technical and functional overview designed to provide clients with high-level guidance for moving their on-premise solution to the cloud.
• Bridge to the Cloud 2 – a multi-year path that can help you transition from on-premise to the cloud.

If you have any questions or would like more information about these programs, please reach out to your Account Manager.

Committed to Excellence

Encore has been working with and supporting Dynamics GP customers for over 30 years. We have a long and deep history with the product in developing extensions and functionality enhancements for Dynamics GP, and with our current Dynamics GP customer base. We understand that our customers have a history with Dynamics GP as well, and we are committed to helping our customers in their technology journey as they look to understand what’s next.

Please see the webinar recording from October 9^th discussing this announcement:

Please reach out to your Encore Account Manager with any questions.