Microsoft Dynamics GP Support is Ending! Here's What to do Next?

The business world has been rattled by the move of Microsoft to end its support for Dynamics GP. Though this decision was long overdue, it brought in a tremendous challenge for those organizations that still rely on this legacy ERP solution. With the end date for support fast approaching, there is a great need to understand the implications and take proactive steps for business continuity. 

Why is Microsoft Ending Support for Dynamics GP?  

Microsoft has decided to stop selling and supporting Dynamics GP after the company shifted its strategy toward the cloud. In order to achieve this shift, it is focusing more on the cloud-native ERP offering under the Dynamics 365 brand, Dynamics 365 Business Central, which has a more current, flexible, and scalable design. As a result, ending Dynamics GP support allows Microsoft to push its customers toward future business applications.   

Important Timeline to Look for   

• Sept 30, 2029: Product enhancements, regulatory (tax) updates, service packs, and technical support end.  

• April 30, 2031: Security updates discontinued.  

After these dates, your organization will be running on an unsupported system, exposing you to potential security risks, compliance issues, and operational challenges.  

What Should You Do Next?   

1. Assess Your Current Situation 

• Review your current Dynamics GP implementation: Understand your specific needs, customizations, and integrations. 

• Identify your business goals: Determine how your ERP system aligns with your long-term objectives. 

• Consider your budget and resources: Review your financial ability and IT team's capability.  

2. Explore Your Options 

• Upgrading to Dynamics 365 Business Central: This is the preferred route for most organizations. It offers a smooth upgrade to a modern cloud-based ERP solution. 

• Consider alternatives: This would include options like other ERP solutions if Dynamics 365 Business Central does not meet your specific needs.  

• Extend support using third-party services: Even though this may ease the situation immediately, third-party services might not ensure a long-term solution to security issues even in the future. 

3. Formulate a Migration Plan 

• Data migration: Plan for smooth handling of your existing data transfer to the new system. 

• Customization and integration: Evaluate how all customizations and integrations on your current solution will affect the migration process.  

• Train your users: Equip your employees in detail so that their adaptation to the new system can take place smoothly and to their utmost advantage.  

4. Engage with Experts like Heliosz.AI 

• Seek advice from Microsoft partners: Reach out to experienced partners who can guide you through the migration process. 

• Leverage community resources: Interact with other Dynamics GP users and experts to learn from each other's experiences.

Why Partner with Heliosz- Microsoft Certified Migration Partner  

Heliosz is a reputable Microsoft partner that has proven, over the years, to ensure businesses migrate from old systems to newer cloud-based solutions with high success rates. Our experts can guide you throughout the process from assessment and planning to implementation and support.  

Key advantages of selecting Heliosz:  

• Experience: Our certified consultants have extensive experience in Dynamics GP and Dynamics 365 Business Central.  

• Seamless migration: We apply proven methodologies and use advanced tools to cause minimal disruption to your business operations.  

• Customized solutions: We ensure to adapt our services to your particular needs, thus ensuring a smooth and efficient transition. 

• Ongoing support: We help you get the best out of your new ERP solution through comprehensive post-migration support.  

Conclusion   

The termination of Dynamics GP support is one of those benchmarks that should not be ignored; and by considering the implications and taking the right assessment, you can get the right partner in a trusted migration expert like Heliosz to ensure a proper transition towards a modern, cloud-based ERP solution.  

Don't wait for the last minute; migrate today.